Coping Skills
You feel nervous before a big test. Name one healthy coping skill you could use.
You can practice deep breathing, positive self-talk, preparation, or mindfulness.
What is our school mascot?
Severna Park Ospreys
When I feel angry, what could I do as a good first step before reacting?
Take a deep breath/ Count to 10/ Walk away
When someone says "Hello" or greets you, what should you do?
Greet them back/ say hello/hi/ smile/ wave/ etc!
Name one positive thing you can tell yourself when you're struggling.
I am a good person. This may be hard, but I can accept a challenge. I am kind. I am a good friend. Other answers may vary!
Taking a walk, dancing, or playing basketball can help reduce stress through this healthy activity.
What is physical activity/ exercise/ moving your body.
What is the name of our School Principal?
Mr. Kelly
Your friend wants you to do something that makes you uncomfortable. What could you say or do?
You can say "no", walk away, talk to someone about it, take a break.
When you see someone who has crossed arms and a frown, what emotion may they be feeling?
Upset/ Angry/ Confused
What animal is known as "King of the Jungle"?
Lion
You become frustrated with a friend and begin to yell at them. Is this a healthy way to solve problems? Why or why not?
No, this is an unhealthy way to address problems. Your friend may not appreciate getting yelled at and it may damage the friendship. A better option could be to walk away, listen with empathy to their perspective, talk to someone about your problems, etc.
You forgot your homework at home and feel embarrassed. Instead of panicking, you could do this.
What is calmly explain the situation and ask how to make it up to the teacher, talk to someone about the mistake.
The teacher is giving directions, but your friend starts talking with you becoming a distraction. What should you do?
Ask your friend if you could talk another time; Tell your friend that you are trying to listen to the teacher; other answers may vary.
What should you do if you accidentally hurt someone's feelings?
Apologize and try to make things right.
What country is shaped like a boot?
Italy
Name one coping skill you can use if you become angry or frustrated
You can take a break, talk to someone, walk or other physical exercise, color, count backwards from 10, etc.
You make a mistake on a test and are feeling upset with yourself. You begin to have negative thoughts about yourself telling yourself "you always make mistakes!" Is this a negative or positive thinking trap? What can you do to help yourself?
This is a negative thinking trap (always-never thinking)! Mistakes happen and telling ourself negative thoughts may hurt our feelings more. You can switch up those negative thoughts for positive ones (growth mindset, deep breathing, looking at it from a different perspective).
You notice a new kid being picked on for how he dresses when you are at your lunch table. How does that make you feel and what can you do to help that situation?
You can ask other students to stop picking on them, you can tell them that talking about how others dress is not OK, tell someone/talk to a trusted adult.
If a friend is upset, what is something you could say?
“Are you okay?” or “Do you want to talk about it?”
What is the largest organ in the human body?
Skin
You receive a lower grade than expected. Instead of giving up, you review your mistakes and ask for help. This is an example of a fixed or growth mindset?
Growth mindset! You are looking at a challenge that makes you better and seeing how you can fix your mistakes!
Tell the group your favorite thing about middle school.
Answers may vary
You have a substitute teacher and the class begins to get rowdy by calling out, not listening to directions, throwing things in the classroom, etc. What is the problem here? How might the teacher feel after hearing how the students acted?
That is not expected middle school behavior and that is disrespectful to the substitute. The teacher may become upset with the class and other consequences may occur (phone call home, loss of privileges, etc.)
You tell a joke, but nobody laughs and several people look uncomfortable. What emotions or thoughts do you think they may be feeling/thinking?
They may think that joke wasn't OK; they may feel uncomfortable or upset that it was said; answers may vary.
How many minutes are in one hour?
60 minutes