Lesson Plan
My Coping Toolkit
Students will be able to identify at least three personal coping skills and practice using one during the session.
Learning coping skills helps students manage difficult emotions, reduce stress, and build resilience, contributing to overall well-being and improved emotional regulation.
Audience
4th Grade (Individual)
Time
15 minutes
Approach
Discussion, direct instruction, and interactive practice.
Materials
Whiteboard or chart paper, Markers, Coping Skills Slide Deck, My Coping Toolkit Worksheet, and Coping Skills Scenarios
Prep
Review Materials
5 minutes
- Review the Coping Skills Slide Deck to familiarize yourself with the content.
- Print out the My Coping Toolkit Worksheet for the student.
- Review the Coping Skills Scenarios and consider additional scenarios relevant to the student.
Step 1
Introduction & Hook
2 minutes
- Begin by greeting the student warmly.
- Ask: "Have you ever felt really strong feelings, like super happy, really frustrated, or even a little sad? What do you usually do when you feel that way?" (Listen to their response).
- Introduce the idea of "coping skills" – healthy ways we handle big feelings.
Step 2
What Are Coping Skills?
4 minutes
- Use the Coping Skills Slide Deck to explain coping skills.
- Go through slides discussing what coping skills are and providing examples (e.g., deep breaths, talking to someone, drawing, taking a break).
- Emphasize that different coping skills work for different people and different situations.
Step 3
Build Your Toolkit
5 minutes
- Distribute the My Coping Toolkit Worksheet.
- Guide the student in brainstorming and listing coping skills that they think might work for them. Encourage them to choose at least three.
- Provide suggestions if they struggle, referring back to the slide deck examples.
Step 4
Practice a Skill (Scenario-Based)
3 minutes
- Present one or two simple scenarios from Coping Skills Scenarios or create one relevant to the student (e.g., "You're feeling really mad because your sibling broke your favorite toy.").
- Ask the student to choose one coping skill from their worksheet and describe how they would use it in that scenario.
- Encourage them to physically demonstrate if appropriate (e.g., taking a deep breath).
Step 5
Wrap Up & Next Steps
1 minute
- Reiterate the importance of using coping skills.
- Encourage the student to try using one of their coping skills before the next time you meet.
- Praise their participation and effort.
Slide Deck
What Are Big Feelings?
Have you ever felt super happy, really frustrated, or a little sad?
Everyone has 'big feelings'!
Sometimes these feelings can be hard to handle on our own. That's okay!
Welcome the student and check in. Ask them how they are feeling today. Introduce the idea of 'big feelings' that everyone experiences.
Your Coping Toolkit
Coping skills are like tools that help us manage our feelings.
They help us calm down when we're upset, or keep us happy when we're already feeling good.
What kind of tools do you think would be in a feelings toolbox?
Explain that coping skills are healthy ways to deal with these feelings. They are like tools in a toolbox.
Examples of Coping Skills
- Take 3 Deep Breaths: Breathe in slowly through your nose, hold, and breathe out slowly through your mouth.
- Talk to a Trusted Adult: Share your feelings with a teacher, parent, or counselor.
- Draw or Journal: Express your feelings on paper.
- Take a Break: Step away from a difficult situation for a few minutes.
- Listen to Music: Choose music that helps you feel better.
- Movement: Go for a walk, stretch, or do some jumping jacks.
- Drink Water: Sometimes a simple sip of water can help you pause and reset.
Provide simple, concrete examples. Emphasize that different skills work for different people.
Build Your Own Toolkit!
Which of these skills do you think might work for you?
Are there any other ways you calm down or feel better?
Let's choose some tools for your personal coping toolkit!
Explain that the student will now build their own personal toolkit. Guide them to think about what works for them.
Worksheet
My Coping Toolkit Worksheet
Name: _____________________________
Everyone has big feelings, and it's helpful to have tools to manage them! These tools are called coping skills.
Think about different ways you can calm down, feel better, or handle tricky situations. Look at the examples we discussed, or think of your own ideas!
My Coping Skills List
List at least three coping skills that you think will help you.
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When I might use my coping skills...
Draw or write about a time you might use one of your coping skills.
Activity
Coping Skills Scenarios
These scenarios are for practicing your coping skills. Read each one and think about which coping skill from your toolkit you would use.
Scenario 1: Feeling Frustrated
Imagine you are working on a tricky math problem, and you just can't figure it out. You're starting to feel really frustrated and want to give up. What coping skill could you use?
Scenario 2: Feeling Sad
Your best friend is sick and can't come over to play today. You were really looking forward to it and now you feel sad and a little lonely. What coping skill could you use?
Scenario 3: Feeling Angry
Someone accidentally bumps into you in the hallway and knocks all your books out of your hands. You feel a surge of anger. What coping skill could you use?
Scenario 4: Feeling Anxious
Tomorrow is a big test, and even though you studied, you feel worried and a bit anxious about it. Your stomach feels fluttery. What coping skill could you use?