Trauma Map

Tanzie Carter

Tier 2

Lesson Plan

Mapping Emotions Outline

Students will identify their personal physical and emotional stress signals, map these onto an individualized trauma map, and practice sharing one coping strategy within a supportive group.

Understanding personal stress cues and trauma responses builds self-awareness, emotional regulation, and peer support—key factors in fostering resilience and well-being for 8th grade learners.

Audience

8th Grade Small Group

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive mapping, reflective journaling, and guided group sharing.

Materials

Mapping Emotions Outline, Your Trauma Map, Stress Signal Chart, Signal Reflection Pages, and Group Share Circle Guidelines

Prep

Review Materials and Setup

10 minutes

Preview the Mapping Emotions Outline to align on objectives and flow
Load and test the Your Trauma Map slide deck
Print enough copies of the Stress Signal Chart and Signal Reflection Pages for each student
Arrange seating in a circle or semi-circle for the Group Share Circle Guidelines discussion

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

Welcome students and explain the purpose: to recognize personal stress signals and develop coping strategies
Define key terms: "stress signals" (physical/emotional cues) and "trauma responses" (how our body/mind reacts under stress)
Briefly outline the session steps

Step 2

Identify Stress Signals

8 minutes

Distribute the Stress Signal Chart
Ask students to individually mark any physical (e.g., tight chest, headaches) and emotional (e.g., anxiety, irritability) cues they notice when stressed
Circulate to support and clarify examples as needed

Step 3

Create Trauma Map

10 minutes

Project the Your Trauma Map slide deck and model how to map triggers, signals, and coping options
Have students transfer their chart insights onto their trauma map, adding notes or drawings for personal triggers and responses
Encourage creative expression and remind them this map is for their own awareness

Step 4

Group Share Circle

5 minutes

Implement the Group Share Circle Guidelines
Invite volunteers to share one stress signal they identified and one coping strategy they plan to use
Emphasize respect, active listening, and confidentiality

Step 5

Reflection and Closure

2 minutes

Hand out Signal Reflection Pages
Prompt students to write one key takeaway or next step for managing their stress signals
Thank students for their openness and remind them of available support resources

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Slide Deck

Your Trauma Map

A tool to visualize your personal stress triggers, signals, and coping strategies.

Welcome the group and introduce the purpose of this slide deck: to guide students in visually mapping their personal stress triggers, physical/emotional signals, and coping strategies. Explain that this tool is for self-awareness and planning.

Key Terms

• Trigger: An event, person, or situation that sparks stress or trauma response.
• Stress Signal: A physical or emotional cue that tells you you’re feeling stressed (e.g., racing heart, irritability).
• Coping Strategy: An action or practice you use to manage stress signals and calm yourself.

Define each key term clearly. Encourage students to ask questions if anything is unclear.

Example Trauma Map

Trigger: Upcoming Math Test
⤷ Stress Signal: Tight chest, sweaty palms
⤷ Coping Strategy: 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique (identify sensory details)

Walk through this concrete example, pointing out how a single trigger can lead to multiple signals and how a coping strategy addresses those signals.

Create Your Map

Draw three columns or sections labeled:
• Triggers
• Stress Signals
• Coping Strategies
List your personal examples under each heading.
Add colors, symbols, or doodles to make it meaningful to you.

Ask students to sketch their own map on paper or digitally, using this template as a guide. Remind them there’s no right or wrong way to express their experiences.

Coping Strategies to Consider

• Deep Breathing Exercises
• Grounding Techniques (5-4-3-2-1)
• Journaling or Drawing
• Short Walk or Stretch Break
• Talking with a Trusted Friend or Adult
• Progressive Muscle Relaxation
• Positive Self-Talk

Review this list of coping strategies and encourage students to select two or three they’d like to try. Remind them that strategies can be combined or adapted.

Activity

Stress Signal Chart

Use this chart to note three physical and three emotional signals you notice when you’re feeling stressed. Think back to a time you felt overwhelmed—what went on in your body? What feelings surfaced?

Physical Stress Signals	Emotional Stress Signals
1. __________________________	1. __________________________


2. __________________________	2. __________________________


3. __________________________	3. __________________________


Next Steps:

Pick one physical signal and one emotional signal from your chart.
On your trauma map (Your Trauma Map), place these signals under the “Stress Signals” column.
Think of a quick coping strategy you could try the next time you notice each signal.

Journal

Signal Reflection Pages

Use these prompts to reflect on what you learned about your stress signals and coping strategies. Write your responses in the spaces provided.

1. Reflecting on Physical Stress Signals

What is one physical stress signal you identified today? How does noticing this signal help you be more aware of your stress level?

2. Reflecting on Emotional Stress Signals

What is one emotional stress signal you noticed? In what kinds of situations does this feeling usually arise for you?

3. Planning a Coping Strategy

Choose one coping strategy you want to try when you notice these signals. Describe the steps you will take to use this strategy the next time you feel stressed.

4. Key Takeaway and Next Steps

What is your main takeaway from today’s session? How will you apply what you learned about your stress signals and coping strategies in your daily life?