Coping with Trauma

Trauma can be a big word, but it means something that makes us feel very upset or scared. It's important to know that everyone can feel this way sometimes, and there are ways to help us feel better.

What is Trauma?

Trauma happens when something really scary or sad happens to us. It could be something like a big storm, losing a pet, or getting hurt. Everyone feels different when they experience trauma, and that's okay.

How Trauma Makes Us Feel

When we go through something tough, we might feel worried, sad, or even angry. It can also make it hard to pay attention in school or sleep at night. Knowing how we feel is the first step to feeling better.

Healthy Ways to Feel Better

1. Talk to Someone

Talking to a friend, a teacher, or a family member can help us feel better. Sharing our feelings is like letting out a big sigh of relief.

2. Take Deep Breaths

When we feel upset, taking deep breaths can help us calm down. Breathe in slowly through your nose, hold it, and then breathe out through your mouth.

3. Play and Move

Playing outside or doing something active like running or dancing can help us feel happier and less stressed.

4. Draw or Write

Drawing pictures or writing stories can be a fun way to show how we feel. It's like telling a story with colors and words.

5. Stick to a Routine

Having a daily routine, like going to bed at the same time every night, can make us feel safe and in control.

A Story to Remember

Let's think about Alex, who felt scared after a big storm. Alex talked to his mom about his feelings and drew a picture of the storm. This helped Alex feel better and not so scared anymore.

Think About It

Can you remember a time when you felt upset or scared? What did you do to feel better? Think about these questions and maybe try some new ways to feel better next time.

Space for Reflection:

Think about your own experiences with feeling upset or scared. Write down any thoughts or feelings you have about the ways to feel better mentioned above. Which ones do you think would help you the most?

Coping Strategy Role-play Activity

Objective

Engage 3rd-grade students in playful role-playing scenarios to practice and apply basic healthy coping strategies for managing stress and trauma.

Materials Needed

• Simple scenario cards (prepared by the teacher)
• Space for group work

Activity Instructions

Preparation

1. Divide the Class: Split students into small groups of 4-5.
2. Distribute Scenario Cards: Provide each group with a simple scenario card that describes a relatable situation, such as feeling nervous about a test or losing a toy.

Role-play Guidelines

1. Read and Discuss: Each group reads their scenario and talks about how they might feel in that situation.
2. Identify Coping Strategies: Groups brainstorm and list basic coping strategies they could use, like taking deep breaths or talking to a friend.
3. Develop a Role-play: Groups create a short, playful role-play demonstrating the scenario and how they would use the coping strategies. Encourage creativity and teamwork.
4. Practice: Allow time for groups to practice their role-play.

Presentation

1. Perform: Each group presents their role-play to the class.
2. Feedback: After each presentation, facilitate a brief discussion. Ask the class:
   • What feelings did the group show?
   • What coping strategies did they use?
   • Can you think of any other ways to feel better?

Reflection

• After all presentations, ask students to reflect on the activity:
  • Which coping strategies did you like the most?
  • How did it feel to act out these scenarios?
  • How might you use these strategies in real life?

Follow-up

• Coping Strategy Checklist: After the role-play, distribute the 'Coping Strategy Checklist' worksheet. Have students fill it out individually, identifying strategies they feel comfortable using.

Space for Reflection:

Think about the role-play activity and the coping strategies you learned. Write down any thoughts or feelings you have about the strategies. Which ones do you think would help you the most in real-life situations?

Coping Strategy Checklist

This worksheet will help you find ways to feel better when you're upset or stressed. Use this checklist to remember the things you can do to help yourself.

Instructions

• Look at each coping strategy below.
• Put a checkmark next to the ones you like or want to try.
• Add any other ideas you have that help you feel good.
• Keep this checklist somewhere safe so you can look at it when you need it.

Coping Strategies

• Take Deep Breaths: Breathe in slowly through your nose, hold it, and then breathe out through your mouth.
  
  
  

• Be Mindful: Pay attention to what's around you, like the sounds you hear or the things you see.
  
  
  

• Move Your Body: Dance, run, or play outside to help your body feel happy.
  
  
  

• Create Something: Draw, color, or build something fun.
  
  
  

• Talk to Someone: Share your feelings with a friend, teacher, or family member.
  
  
  

• Stick to a Routine: Try to do things at the same time every day, like going to bed or having dinner.
  
  
  

Personal Reflection

Think about a time when you felt better after doing something fun or relaxing. What did you do? How did it help you? Write your thoughts below.

More Ideas

Write down any other ways you like to feel better:

Remember, it's okay to ask for help if you need it. Keep trying different things to see what makes you feel best!