Coping Strategies Project

Joleen Shillingford

Tier 3

Lesson Plan

Coping Strategies Project

Manage behaviors and use coping strategies

This lesson focuses on helping a 7th-grade student with autism manage challenging behaviors and use coping strategies to decrease anxiety in the classroom. By engaging in a project-based learning activity, the student will explore different coping mechanisms and practice decision-making skills in a supportive environment. This lesson is important as it provides the student with practical tools to handle stress and anxiety, promoting a more positive classroom experience.

Audience

7th Grade Student with Autism

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Trauma-Informed Teaching, Project-Based Learning, Blended Learning

Materials

Worksheet: Coping Strategies Worksheet, Reading: Understanding Emotions, Discussion: Coping Strategies Discussion, Activity: Coping Strategies Project, and Exit Ticket: Reflection on Coping Strategies

Step 1

Introduction

10 minutes

Begin with a brief introduction to the lesson's objectives: managing behaviors and using coping strategies.
Explain the importance of understanding and managing emotions in a supportive and safe environment.
Introduce the materials and activities planned for the lesson.

Step 2

Reading and Discussion

15 minutes

Provide the student with the reading material "Understanding Emotions."
Allow time for the student to read and reflect on the content.
Facilitate a discussion using the "Coping Strategies Discussion" questions to explore the student's understanding and thoughts on the reading.

Step 3

Worksheet Activity

15 minutes

Distribute the "Coping Strategies Worksheet."
Guide the student through the worksheet, encouraging them to think about different coping strategies they can use in various situations.
Provide support and clarification as needed.

Step 4

Project-Based Activity

15 minutes

Introduce the "Coping Strategies Project" where the student will create a visual or written project about a coping strategy they find helpful.
Encourage creativity and personal expression in the project.
Offer assistance and feedback throughout the activity.

Step 5

Closure and Exit Ticket

5 minutes

Conclude the lesson by summarizing the key points discussed and learned.
Distribute the "Reflection on Coping Strategies" exit ticket for the student to complete.
Collect the exit ticket and provide positive reinforcement for the student's participation and effort.

Discussion

Coping Strategies Discussion

A discussion to explore the student's understanding of coping strategies and their importance.

What are some emotions you find difficult to manage?

Encourage the student to share their feelings and experiences in a safe space.

Can you think of a time when you used a coping strategy? What was it?

Help the student recall and articulate past experiences with coping strategies.

Why do you think it's important to have coping strategies?

Guide the student to understand the benefits of coping strategies in managing stress and anxiety.

Worksheet

Coping Strategies Worksheet

A worksheet designed to help the student identify and reflect on different coping strategies they can use.

List three coping strategies you can use when you feel anxious.

Think about activities or thoughts that help you calm down.

Describe a situation where you might need to use a coping strategy.

Consider times when you feel stressed or upset.

How do you feel after using a coping strategy?

Reflect on the changes in your emotions or thoughts.

Reading

Understanding Emotions

A reading material that explains different emotions and how they can be managed through coping strategies.

Understanding Emotions

Emotions are feelings that we all experience. They can be positive, like happiness and excitement, or challenging, like anger and sadness. Understanding our emotions is the first step in learning how to manage them.

Coping strategies are tools we can use to help us deal with difficult emotions. These strategies can include deep breathing, talking to someone we trust, or taking a break to do something we enjoy. By using coping strategies, we can feel more in control and less overwhelmed by our emotions.

Quiz

Reflection on Coping Strategies