Lesson Plan
Frustration Firefighter
Help an 8th grade student with ODD learn to identify frustration triggers, practice calming strategies, and reflect on successes to build tolerance and self-control within one 30-minute session.
Students with ODD often struggle to tolerate frustration and may react impulsively. This session builds self-awareness, coping skills, and confidence, reducing classroom disruptions and improving emotional regulation.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
5 minutes
Step 1
Check-In & Goal Setting
5 minutes
Step 2
Identify Triggers
5 minutes
Step 3
Teach Calming Strategies
10 minutes
Step 4
Role-Play Scenarios
5 minutes
Step 5
Reflection & Reinforcement
5 minutes
Worksheet
Activity
Journal
Activity
Lesson Plan
Frustration Firefighter Follow-Up
Review and refine the student’s use of calming strategies, troubleshoot challenges, introduce a new technique, and set clear goals to strengthen frustration tolerance in one 30-minute session.
A follow-up session reinforces skill use, addresses obstacles to success, and builds consistency in emotional regulation—boosting confidence and reducing reactive behaviors.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Follow-Up Materials
5 minutes
Step 1
Celebrate Progress
5 minutes
Step 2
Reflect on Journal Entries
5 minutes
Step 3
Troubleshoot Recent Event
8 minutes
Step 4
Teach a New Strategy
4 minutes
Step 5
Strategy-Situation Matching Game
5 minutes
Step 6
Set Goals & Plan Ahead
3 minutes
