True/False
Coping skills are only needed when you’re sad.
False
What feeling might you have if you’re left out of a group?
Sadness, loneliness, disappointment.
Name one activity that helps release stress physically.
Exercise, dancing, stretching, sports, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation.
What is one healthy way to calm down when you’re angry?
Taking deep breaths, counting to 10, 5-4-3-2-1 or walking away.
Show us how you would use deep breathing to relax.
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True or False: Listening to music can be a coping skill.
True.
What’s one way to tell when someone else might be sad?
They may cry, look down, stay quiet, isolate or frown.
Which coping skill can you do quietly in class if you’re stressed?
Deep breathing, doodling, writing, grounding exercises, squeezing a stress ball.
Name 3 Negative Coping Skills
Self-harm, substance abuse, withdraw/isolation, fighting, bottling feelings up, and many more
Act out asking a friend for support when you’re upset.
Role-play Example: “Hey, can I talk to you? I’m feeling stressed.”)
True or False: Coping skills work the same for everyone.
False. (Different things work for different people.)
Name a coping skill to use when you feel nervous.
Deep breathing, positive self-talk, grounding.
What does journaling help you do with your feelings?
Express them, release them, and better understand them.
Name 3 Positive Coping Skills
Deep Breathing
Journaling
Exercise/Movement
Listening to Music
Talking to Someone You Trust
Grounding Techniques
Creative Expression
Positive Self-Talk
Taking a Break/Time Out
Practicing Gratitude
Pretend you are really frustrated and show us a healthy way to let it out.
(Example: Demonstrate stretching, counting, squeezing a stress ball.)
True or False: Talking to a trusted adult is a healthy coping skill.
True.
Why is it important to identify what you’re feeling before choosing a coping skill?
Different feelings need different coping skills.
Which coping skill uses creativity to manage stress?
Art, music, writing, or crafting.
What is the difference between a healthy coping skill and an unhealthy one?
Healthy skills reduce stress without causing harm; unhealthy ones may make things worse (e.g., yelling, avoiding).
Role-play using positive self-talk before a big test.
(Example: “I studied, I can do this, I just need to stay calm.”)
True or False: Ignoring your feelings will make them go away.
False. (Feelings usually come back stronger if ignored.)
Share a time when you used a coping skill that worked really well.
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How can movement or exercise help with strong emotions?
Releases built-up energy and helps the body calm down
Name three coping skills you could use at school when feeling overwhelmed.
Deep breathing, positive self-talk, doodling, asking for help, listening to music, etc.
Demonstrate the grounding technique 5-4-3-2-1.
(Identify 5 things you see, 4 you feel, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste.)