Lesson Plan
Resilience Coaching Guide
Guide a 7th grade student to identify stress triggers, learn the FAST framework, select and customize 3–4 coping strategies, and establish a crisis response plan with a calming corner in a 20-minute one-on-one session.
This lesson builds self-awareness of stress signs, equips the student with structured coping tools and a clear FAST framework for crisis response, fostering emotional regulation and long-term resilience.
Audience
7th Grade Student
Time
20 minutes
Approach
Interactive one-on-one coaching with guided reflection and planning.
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
5 minutes
- Review the full Resilience Coaching Guide
- Print or load digital copies of:
- Arrange a quiet, comfortable one-on-one coaching space
Step 1
Introduction & Goals
2 minutes
- Greet the student and build rapport by acknowledging recent strengths
- Explain session purpose: identify stressors, learn FAST framework, personalize coping strategies, and create a crisis plan
- Share agenda and desired outcomes
Step 2
Identify Stressors & Coping History
5 minutes
- Distribute the Daily Stress Tracker
- Ask the student to list 3 recent stressors and rate intensity (1–10)
- Discuss past coping attempts: what helped or hindered?
- Note key observations for personalization
Step 3
FAST Framework Introduction
3 minutes
- Introduce the FAST acronym:
• F – Focus: Pause and take 3 deep breaths
• A – Acknowledge: Name what you’re feeling
• S – Select: Choose one coping strategy
• T – Take Action: Implement and notice the effect - Emphasize how FAST creates a simple step-by-step crisis response
Step 4
Personalize Strategies Using FAST
6 minutes
- Present the My Coping Portfolio
- Guide the student to choose 3–4 preferred strategies across movement, creative outlets, and social support
- For each strategy, map it to FAST:
- Trigger & Acknowledge (A)
- Strategy Selection (S)
- Action Steps (T)
- Reflection prompts for Focus (F)
- Detail materials, ideal setting, and quick reminder notes
Step 5
Design Calming Corner
2 minutes
- Introduce the Calming Corner Creation activity
- Brainstorm sensory items, seating, lighting, or visuals that support the student
- List or sketch 3–5 items the student can assemble at school or home
Step 6
Crisis Response Plan & Tracking
2 minutes
- Use the Strategy Effectiveness Notes to outline a simple crisis response:
- FAST steps
- Go to calming corner
- Log strategy use and rate effectiveness
- Confirm how the student will record each event and review notes later
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Slide Deck
My Coping Portfolio
Welcome to your personalized coping toolkit!
In this portfolio, you will explore different strategy categories, fill in details for each tactic, and choose the ones that work best for you.
Welcome the student and introduce the Coping Portfolio. Explain that this deck helps them personalize tools to manage stress and build resilience.
How to Use This Portfolio
- Review each category of coping strategies.
- Brainstorm strategy ideas and fill in the details.
- Identify what you need (materials, space, time) for each tactic.
- Later, select your top 3–4 strategies to practice regularly.
Guide the student through how to use the portfolio. Emphasize that they can return to update and refine entries.
Physical Movement Strategies
Strategy Name: ______________________
When I feel stressed (trigger): ______________________
Steps to follow:
• 1. ______________________
• 2. ______________________
• 3. ______________________
What I need (equipment/space): ______________________
Ideal place & time: ______________________
Prompt the student to think of active ways to relieve tension (e.g., stretching, jumping jacks, a quick walk). Encourage at least two options.
Creative Outlet Strategies
Strategy Name: ______________________
When I feel stressed (trigger): ______________________
Steps to follow:
• 1. ______________________
• 2. ______________________
• 3. ______________________
What I need (materials): ______________________
Ideal place & time: ______________________
Encourage creative expression ideas like drawing, music, writing, or crafts. Help them detail how each activity unfolds.
Social Support Strategies
Strategy Name: ______________________
When I feel stressed (trigger): ______________________
Steps to follow:
• 1. ______________________
• 2. ______________________
• 3. ______________________
Who I will contact: ______________________
Best method (in person/text/phone): ______________________
Discuss supportive people or groups (friends, family, mentor). Have them define how they will reach out and what to say.
My Top 3–4 Strategies
-
When to use: ______________________
Quick reminder note: _______________ -
When to use: ______________________
Quick reminder note: _______________ -
When to use: ______________________
Quick reminder note: _______________
(Optional) 4. ______________________
When to use: ______________________
Quick reminder note: ______________________
Assist the student in reviewing all entries and selecting their top 3–4 strategies. Encourage setting reminders or practice times.
Journal
Daily Stress Tracker
Date: _______________________
-
Today I felt stressed when (list up to 3 situations):
• 1. ______________________
• 2. ______________________
• 3. ______________________ -
On a scale from 1 (low) to 10 (high), I rate my stress level: _____
-
What emotions did I notice? (e.g., anxious, frustrated, overwhelmed): _______________________
-
Coping strategy I chose to use: _______________________
-
How effective was this strategy? (1 = not effective, 5 = very effective): _____ / 5
-
Reflection:
• What went well? ____________________________
• What could I do differently next time? ____________________________
Activity
Calming Corner Creation Activity
Objective: Enable the student to conceptualize and plan a sensory-rich relaxation space they can use during moments of stress.
Materials Needed:
- Paper & pencils/markers
- List of sensory item ideas (touch, sight, sound, smell)
- Measuring tape (optional)
- Magazine clippings or photos for inspiration
- Stickers or decorative elements
Instructions
1. Brainstorm Sensory Items (5 minutes)
- Ask: “What sensations help you feel calm?” (e.g., soft textures, soothing sounds, favorite scents)
- List at least 5 ideas in each category:
• Touch: ______________________
• Sight: ______________________
• Sound: ______________________
• Smell: ______________________
2. Select & Prioritize (3 minutes)
- Circle or highlight your top 3–5 items you can easily access at school or home:
(Optional) 5. ______________________ -
3. Layout Sketch (5 minutes)
-
Sketch a simple floor plan of where your calming corner will be.
-
Label each chosen item and note colors or lighting preferences:
____________________________________________________________________________
4. Action Steps & Reflection (5 minutes)
- Plan 2–3 steps to set up your corner this week:
- ______________________
- ______________________
- ______________________
- ______________________
- Reflection: How do you think this corner will help when you feel stressed?
____________________________________________________________________________
Follow-Up: Encourage the student to gather their items and assemble the corner. After one week, review its impact using the Strategy Effectiveness Notes.
Answer Key
Strategy Effectiveness Notes
Instructions: After using a coping strategy, record how well you followed each FAST step, rate overall effectiveness, and note your observations. Use this template for each stressful event you track.
| Date | Strategy Used | F: Focus (breathed?) | A: Acknowledge (named feelings?) | S: Select (chose from portfolio?) | T: Take Action (implemented?) | Effectiveness (1–5) | What Went Well? | What to Try Next Time? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Reflection Summary
- Which FAST step did I find most challenging?
- Which strategy felt most helpful overall?
- How will I adjust my crisis plan based on these notes?