The Wheel of Coping Skills

Fazeel Chauhan

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

The Wheel of Coping Skills

Explore psychological coping strategies

In this lesson, students will delve into the psychological aspects of stress and explore various coping strategies by creating a 'Wheel of Coping Skills.' This interactive activity allows students to spin the wheel and discuss or role-play scenarios where these skills can be applied. The lesson aims to help students build a toolkit for managing stress, which is crucial for their emotional and mental well-being, especially as they face the challenges of high school.

Audience

Grade 10 Students

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Explore psychological coping strategies

Materials

Whiteboard and markers, Paper and colored pencils, Scissors, Brass fasteners, Printable Cards: Advanced Coping Skills, and Discussion Questions: Psychological Coping Strategies

Step 1

Introduction

10 minutes

Begin with a discussion on the psychological impact of stress on mental health.
Ask students to share situations where they feel stressed and how it affects them psychologically.
Introduce the concept of coping skills as psychological tools to manage stress.

Step 2

Creating the Wheel

15 minutes

Distribute paper, colored pencils, scissors, and brass fasteners to each student.
Instruct students to draw a circle and divide it into sections, each representing a different advanced coping skill.
Provide examples of coping skills such as cognitive restructuring, mindfulness meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation.
Have students write or draw a coping skill in each section.
Use scissors and brass fasteners to assemble the wheel.

Step 3

Activity: Spin and Discuss

10 minutes

Pair students and have them take turns spinning their wheels.
When the wheel stops, the student must describe a scenario where the selected coping skill could be used and discuss its psychological benefits.
Encourage role-playing to demonstrate the application of the skill.

Step 4

Reflection and Closure

10 minutes

Gather students for a group discussion.
Ask students to reflect on which coping skills they found most useful and why.
Discuss the importance of having a variety of coping strategies to handle different psychological stressors.
Encourage students to think about how they can incorporate these skills into their daily lives.

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Worksheet

Printable Cards: Advanced Coping Skills

These cards list various advanced coping skills that students can use to fill in their wheels. They are designed for one-sided printing.

Cognitive Restructuring

Mindfulness Meditation

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Visualization Techniques

Journaling for Reflection

Deep Breathing Exercises

Time Management

Seeking Social Support

Engaging in Physical Activity

Practicing Gratitude

Discussion

Discussion Questions: Psychological Coping Strategies

These questions are designed to guide a discussion on how students can apply psychological coping skills in real-life scenarios.

What are some psychological effects of stress you have experienced?

Encourage students to think about both short-term and long-term effects.

How can psychological coping skills help manage stress?

Discuss the benefits of different coping strategies and their impact on mental health.

Why is it important to personalize your coping strategies?

Highlight the need for self-awareness and choosing strategies that align with personal preferences and needs.