Lesson Plan
Using My Coping Superpowers
The student will be able to choose and describe an appropriate coping strategy for a given problem scenario from his life.
This lesson empowers students to manage their emotions and challenging situations effectively, building resilience and self-help skills, and teaching them practical ways to overcome difficulties.
Audience
3rd Grade Individual Counseling
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive game and personalized action planning.
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Review the Using My Coping Superpowers Lesson Plan.
- Familiarize yourself with the Coping Superpowers Slide Deck.
- Print and cut out the cards for the Coping Skills Challenge Game.
- Print copies of the My Action Plan Worksheet.
Step 1
Warm-up & Review of Coping Skills
5 minutes
- Begin by asking the student: "What does it mean to have a 'superpower' to help yourself?" (1 minute)
- Using the Coping Superpowers Slide Deck, review previously learned coping skills. (2 minutes)
- Ask the student to share one coping skill they remember. (2 minutes)
Step 2
Strategy Practice Game: Coping Skills Challenge
15 minutes
- Introduce the Coping Skills Challenge Game. Explain that the student will draw a problem scenario and then choose a coping superpower to solve it. (2 minutes)
- Guide the student through 3-4 scenarios, prompting them to articulate why they chose a particular coping skill and how it would help. (10 minutes)
- Provide positive reinforcement and gentle guidance to help the student connect coping skills to real-life situations. (3 minutes)
Step 3
Discussion & Personal Action Plan
8 minutes
- Facilitate a brief discussion: "Which coping superpower felt the most helpful today? Why?" (3 minutes)
- Introduce the My Action Plan Worksheet.
- Guide the student in filling out the worksheet, focusing on a specific problem they might face and the coping skill they would use. (5 minutes)
Step 4
Cool-down & Wrap-up
2 minutes
- Conclude by reminding the student they have many coping superpowers. (1 minute)
- Ask: "What is one thing you learned today about using your coping superpowers?" (1 minute)
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Slide Deck
Your Coping Superpowers!
💪 What are your inner strengths?
🧠How do you handle tough feelings?
Welcome the student and introduce the idea of 'coping superpowers' – inner strengths to handle tough feelings. Ask them what they think a superpower is and if they have any.
What are Coping Skills?
Coping skills are like special tools or actions that help us manage our feelings when things are difficult.
They help us:
- Feel calmer
- Think clearer
- Solve problems
What are some coping skills you know?
Briefly review previously learned coping skills. Use visuals or gestures to make it engaging. Ask the student to name a skill and why it helps.
Coping Skills Challenge!
It's time to test your coping superpowers!
We'll look at different problems, and you'll choose the best coping skill to help.
Are you ready?
Introduce the 'Coping Skills Challenge' game. Explain that they will get scenarios and practice choosing their coping superpower.
Reflect and Recharge
Which coping superpower felt the most helpful today?
Why do you think it worked well?
After playing the game, discuss which coping skills felt most useful and why.
Your Personal Action Plan
Let's make a plan!
Think of a problem you might have.
Which coping superpower will you use?
Introduce the 'My Action Plan' worksheet. Guide them to think of a real problem they might face and choose a superpower.
You've Got This!
Remember, you have amazing coping superpowers inside you. You can use them whenever you need to!
Great job today!
Conclude by empowering the student, reminding them they have these skills to use anytime.
Game
Coping Skills Challenge: Unleash Your Superpowers!
Game Instructions
- Preparation: Print and cut out the "Problem Scenario Cards" and "Coping Superpower Cards" (from previously taught skills). If you do not have pre-made Coping Superpower Cards, you can simply have the student name a skill.
- Setup: Place the "Problem Scenario Cards" face down in one pile. Keep the "Coping Superpower Cards" face up, spread out, or have the student recall them.
- Gameplay: The student draws one "Problem Scenario Card." They read the scenario aloud.
- Choose a Superpower: The student then chooses a "Coping Superpower" (a coping skill) that they believe would best help them in that situation. They should explain why they chose that particular skill and how they would use it.
- Discussion: Encourage the student to elaborate. Ask follow-up questions like:
- "How would that superpower make you feel?"
- "What might happen if you didn't use a coping superpower?"
- "Is there another superpower that could also work?"
- Continue: Play through 3-4 scenarios, or as time allows. Celebrate their problem-solving efforts!
Problem Scenario Cards
(Cut these out)
Card 1
Your friend got to be the line leader, and you really wanted to be. Now you feel frustrated and a little mad.
Card 2
You have a big test coming up tomorrow, and you feel really worried and scared that you might not do well.
Card 3
Someone said something unkind to you on the playground, and your feelings are hurt. You feel sad.
Card 4
You are working on a tricky math problem, and you just can't figure it out! You feel annoyed and want to give up.
Card 5
It's bedtime, but you can't stop thinking about all the things that happened today. You feel restless and can't sleep.
Card 6
You accidentally spilled your drink during lunch. Everyone is looking, and you feel embarrassed.
Coping Superpower Examples (Teacher Reference - Student can name others!)
- Deep Breath Power: Taking slow, deep breaths.
- Talk It Out Tool: Talking to a trusted adult or friend.
- Active Awesome: Doing something active like running, jumping, or stretching.
- Creative Calm: Drawing, writing, or listening to music.
- Safe Space Shield: Going to a quiet place to calm down.
- Positive Power-Up: Thinking about something good or a happy memory.
- Problem-Solver Goggles: Thinking of different ways to solve a problem.
Worksheet
My Action Plan: Using My Coping Superpowers
Name: ____________________________ Date: _________
My Super Problem!
Think about a problem you sometimes have or something that makes you feel strong emotions. Describe it below.
My Coping Superpower!
What coping superpower will you use to help yourself with this problem? (e.g., Take a deep breath, Talk to an adult, Go for a walk, Draw a picture, etc.)
How Will My Superpower Help?
Explain how using this coping superpower will help you feel better or solve the problem.
My Super Steps:
What are the steps you will take to use your coping superpower when this problem happens?
I Am a Coping Superhero because...