Lesson Plan
Your Coping Toolbox
Students will be able to identify and practice at least three healthy coping skills to manage stress and difficult emotions.
Learning healthy coping skills is essential for students to navigate the challenges of high school and life, promoting emotional well-being and resilience.
Audience
9th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive learning and practice.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Markers or pens, Coping Skills Slide Deck, and Coping Skills Worksheet
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Coping Skills Slide Deck and lesson plan.
- Print copies of the Coping Skills Worksheet for each student.
- Prepare the classroom space for small group discussion.
Step 1
Introduction: What Are Coping Skills?
5 minutes
- Begin by asking students what they think 'coping skills' are.
- Use the Coping Skills Slide Deck to define coping skills and explain their importance.
- Lead a brief discussion on common stressors for high school students.
Step 2
Exploring Coping Strategies
10 minutes
- Introduce various healthy coping skills using the Coping Skills Slide Deck. Examples include deep breathing, mindfulness, exercise, talking to a trusted adult, journaling, and listening to music.
- Discuss the difference between healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms.
- Encourage students to share (if comfortable) any healthy coping skills they already use.
Step 3
Personal Coping Toolbox Activity
10 minutes
- Distribute the Coping Skills Worksheet.
- Guide students to brainstorm and write down coping skills they can use in different situations.
- Have students select 2-3 skills they want to try or improve upon.
- Facilitate a brief sharing session where students can discuss their chosen skills or ask questions.
Step 4
Wrap-Up and Reflection
5 minutes
- Briefly summarize the importance of having a 'coping toolbox.'
- Encourage students to practice their chosen coping skills regularly.
- Distribute the Cool Down: My Coping Commitment for students to complete as an exit ticket.
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Slide Deck
Your Coping Toolbox: Managing Emotions Like a Pro!
What are coping skills, and why are they important for YOU?
Welcome students and introduce the topic of coping skills. Ask them what 'coping' means to them in their own words.
What are Coping Skills?
Coping skills are:
- Actions we take to deal with stress, challenges, or difficult emotions.
- Our personal strategies to feel better when things get tough.
Why are they important?
- Help us manage stress
- Improve our mood
- Build resilience
- Lead to healthier choices
Define coping skills: actions we take to deal with stress or difficult emotions. Emphasize that everyone experiences stress and emotions, and coping skills help us handle them in a healthy way. Give a relatable example.
Healthy vs. Unhealthy Coping
Healthy Coping
- Helps you deal with problems constructively.
- Supports your well-being in the long run.
- Examples: Exercise, talking, journaling.
Unhealthy Coping
- May provide temporary relief but causes more problems.
- Avoids dealing with the root issue.
- Examples: Excessive screen time, withdrawing from friends, ignoring problems.
Discuss the difference between healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms. Healthy ones help long-term, unhealthy ones provide temporary relief but can cause more problems. Ask students for examples of both (without judgment for unhealthy ones).
Building Your Coping Toolbox
Deep Breathing
- Calms your body and mind.
- Try 4-7-8 breathing (inhale 4, hold 7, exhale 8).
Mindfulness
- Focus on the present moment.
- Observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Physical Activity
- Releases stress and boosts mood.
- Go for a walk, stretch, or play a sport.
Talk It Out
- Share your feelings with a trusted friend, family member, or adult.
Journaling
- Write down your thoughts and feelings.
- Helps you process emotions.
Listen to Music
- Can change your mood and help you relax or energize.
Introduce specific healthy coping skills. Briefly explain each one and how it helps. Encourage students to think about which ones resonate with them. Ask for student input on how they might use these.
Why a "Coping Toolbox"?
- Different situations call for different tools.
- Having a variety of coping skills means you're prepared for anything.
- The more tools you have, the better you can manage challenges.
Explain that having a variety of skills is like having a toolbox for different situations. No one skill works for everything. Transition to the worksheet activity.
Your Next Steps
- Identify 2-3 coping skills you want to try or use more often.
- Practice them regularly!
- Remember, it's okay to ask for help when you need it.
- Building your coping toolbox is a journey, not a destination.
Conclude by reiterating the importance of practicing these skills. Encourage them to try out the skills from their worksheet. Prepare to distribute the 'Cool Down' exit ticket.
Worksheet
Coping Skills Worksheet: Building Your Toolbox
Name: ____________________________
Part 1: My Stressors
Think about things that cause you stress, sadness, anger, or worry. List at least 3 things.
- ______________________________________________________
- ______________________________________________________
- ______________________________________________________
Part 2: Healthy Coping Skills
Review the coping skills we discussed. List at least 5 healthy coping skills you could use when you feel stressed or upset.
- ______________________________________________________
- ______________________________________________________
- ______________________________________________________
- ______________________________________________________
- ______________________________________________________
Part 3: My Personal Coping Plan
Choose 2-3 coping skills from your list in Part 2 that you want to try or use more often. Explain how and when you might use them.
Coping Skill 1: _________________________________________
- How I will use it:
- When I will use it:
Coping Skill 2: _________________________________________
- How I will use it:
- When I will use it:
Coping Skill 3: _________________________________________
- How I will use it:
- When I will use it:
Cool Down
Cool Down: My Coping Commitment
Name: ____________________________
-
What is one new healthy coping skill you learned about today, or one you want to try more often?
-
Why is it important for you to have a "coping toolbox" of different skills?
-
On a scale of 1 to 5, how confident are you that you can try using a new coping skill this week? (1 = Not confident at all, 5 = Very confident)
1 2 3 4 5 -
Is there anything you would like to ask or share about coping skills that we didn't cover?