Coping Skill Tree Worksheet

Welcome to your Coping Skill Tree worksheet! Today, you’ll create a picture of a tree and fill it with your very own coping strategies. A coping strategy is a way to help you feel better when you’re upset, worried, or facing a challenge.

Instructions:

1. Draw Your Tree

   • On the blank space below, draw a big tree with a strong trunk and lots of branches.
     
     
     
     
     
     

2. Label the Branches

   • Think about ways you can calm down or feel better. These are your coping strategies.
     
   • Write or draw one coping strategy on each branch. For example, you might use strategies like: taking a deep breath, asking for help, or taking a break.
     
     
     
     
     
     

3. Decorate Your Tree

   • Add leaves, flowers, or any decorations that make your tree feel special.
     
     
     
     
     
     

4. Reflection Question

   • Write down one way your Coping Skill Tree could help you when you feel sad or upset.
     
   • Your answer:
     
     
     
     
     
     

Remember: Every branch you add is like a new way to help you feel strong and supported. Have fun creating your Coping Skill Tree!

Coping Skill Tree Activity Guide

This activity guide provides step-by-step instructions to help you facilitate the Coping Skill Tree activity. Use this guide to ensure that students understand the concept of coping strategies and are able to identify actions they can take when they face challenges or strong emotions.

Materials Needed

• Coping Skill Tree Worksheet
• Drawing paper, crayons, markers, or colored pencils
• A whiteboard or chart paper for group discussion

Activity Steps

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

   • Start by gathering students in a circle. Briefly explain that just like a tree needs care and strong roots to grow, our feelings and minds also need care.
   • Ask: "What do you do when you feel upset or worried?" Encourage a few students to share their ideas.
     
     
     
   • Introduce the idea of a Coping Skill Tree by explaining that each branch represents a new way to feel better or calm down.

2. Distributing Materials & Drawing (15 minutes)

   • Hand out the Coping Skill Tree Worksheet along with drawing supplies.
   • Guide students: Ask them to draw a big tree with a sturdy trunk and several branches. Explain that each branch is a coping strategy they can use when they face a challenge.
     
     
     
   • Encourage students to think of actions like taking deep breaths, asking for help, or even taking a short break when feeling overwhelmed. Remind them that there is no wrong answer; this is about what makes them feel better.

3. Decorating and Labeling Activities (5 minutes)

   • Once the tree is sketched, have students label or draw pictures on each branch representing a coping skill.
   • Circulate around the class to provide support and suggestions if needed.
     
     
     
   • Ask prompting questions: "How does deep breathing help you feel calm?" or "What might you do when you need help?"

4. Reflection and Sharing (5 minutes)

   • Invite a few students to share their trees with the class. Ask them to explain one or two of their coping skills and why they chose them.
     
     
     
   • Encourage positive feedback from peers, reinforcing that all ideas help build a strong coping skill tree.
   • Conclude by emphasizing that practicing these coping skills helps everyone grow strong, just like the tree in their drawing.

Follow-Up Points

• Discussion: After the activity, engage the students in a brief discussion about times when they used one of their coping strategies successfully.
• Visual Display: Consider creating a classroom display of the trees to remind students of their skills regularly.
  
  
  
• Reinforcement: Periodically remind students of these coping skills during the day, especially during moments of transition or when emotions run high.

Tips for Teachers

• Keep the atmosphere relaxed and supportive. If a student feels stuck, offer gentle guidance or share one of your own coping strategies as an example.
• Use clear, simple language and repeat instructions as necessary to ensure understanding.
• Validate all efforts and ideas, emphasizing that every student’s tree is unique and valuable.

This activity aims to build resilience and provide students with a repertoire of strategies they can use independently. Enjoy nurturing these young minds as they learn to care for their emotions!

Coping Skill Tree Template

This template will help you create your very own Coping Skill Tree. Use this as a guide to draw a tree and fill it with your personal coping strategies. A coping strategy is something you can do to feel better when you’re upset or facing challenges.

Instructions:

1. Draw the Tree Trunk

   • In the space below, draw a strong tree trunk. This represents your inner strength.
     
     
     
     
     
     

2. Add Branches

   • From the trunk, draw several branches coming out. Each branch is for one coping skill you might use when you need help calming down, asking for help, or taking a break.
     
     
     
     
     
     

3. Label Your Branches

   • Write or draw a coping strategy on each branch. Examples could be: "Take a deep breath," "Ask a friend," or "Take a quiet break."
     
     
     
     
     
     

4. Decorate Your Tree

   • Add leaves, flowers, or any decorations to your tree. Your tree can be as unique as you are!
     
     
     
     
     
     

5. Reflection

   • Write a short sentence on how your coping skills help you feel better and stay strong.
     
   • Your answer:
     
     
     
     
     
     

Remember, every branch you draw is a new way to show your strength and care for your feelings. Have fun crafting your Coping Skill Tree!