Coping Strategies Game

Shari Attebery

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Coping Strategies Game

Find Positive Coping Strategies

This lesson engages students in a game-based activity to explore and practice positive coping strategies in a classroom setting. By participating in this experiential learning activity, students will learn how to remain calm and manage their emotions effectively, which is crucial for their behavioral development and success in school.

Audience

6-12 Grade Students with IEPs

Time

25 minutes

Approach

Game-Based Learning, Experiential Learning, Active Learning, Trauma-Informed Teaching

Materials

Printable Coping Strategy Cards, Discussion Questions, Scenario Cards, Video on Coping Strategies, and Reflection Worksheet

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Briefly introduce the concept of coping strategies and their importance in managing emotions.
Explain that students will participate in a small group activity to explore different coping strategies.
Show the Coping Mechanisms video to provide context and examples.

Step 2

Small Group Discussions

10 mins

Divide students into small groups and distribute the printable coping strategy cards and scenario cards.
Instruct groups to discuss and match the coping strategies to the scenarios.
Encourage students to think about how they might use these strategies in real-life situations.

Step 3

Discussion

10 mins

Facilitate a class discussion using the provided questions.
Encourage students to share their thoughts on which strategies they found helpful and why.
Discuss how these strategies can be applied in the classroom to help them stay calm and focused.

Step 4

Closure

5 mins

Summarize the key points discussed.
Encourage students to choose one strategy to try during the week.
Thank students for their participation and remind them of the importance of using positive coping strategies.

Discussion

Coping Strategy Discussion

A guided discussion to help students reflect on the coping strategies they explored during the game.

Which coping strategy did you find most helpful?

Encourage students to think about why a particular strategy resonated with them and how it might help them in stressful situations.

How can you use these strategies in the classroom?

Discuss practical ways students can implement these strategies during class to manage their emotions.

Why is it important to have multiple coping strategies?

Help students understand the value of having a toolkit of strategies to handle different situations effectively.

Worksheet

Printable Coping Strategy Cards

Cards featuring different coping strategies for students to explore and practice during the game.

Deep Breathing

Counting to Ten

Positive Self-Talk

Taking a Break

Drawing or Coloring

Listening to Music

Talking to a Friend

Writing in a Journal

Stretching or Moving

Visualizing a Calm Place

Worksheet

Scenario Cards

Cards featuring different scenarios where coping strategies might be needed for students to discuss and match with strategies.

Feeling anxious before a test

Having an argument with a friend

Feeling overwhelmed with homework

Being nervous about speaking in front of the class

Feeling sad about a personal issue

Worksheet

Coping Strategies Reflection Worksheet

A worksheet for students to reflect on the coping strategies they learned, how they might apply them, and which strategies they found most helpful.

Which coping strategy do you think will be most helpful for you?

Think about situations where you might need to use this strategy.

Describe a situation where you might use a coping strategy.

Consider a recent time when you felt stressed or upset.

How do you feel after using a coping strategy?

Reflect on any changes in your emotions or thoughts.