C. O.
What is a coping skill?
A tool or technique you can use to decrease stress, handle tough emotions or handle difficult situations.
The P in COPE is for Positive thinking. Why is it important to be positive or to think positive thoughts when you are are having a tough time?
Being positive improves your mood, gives you hope, motivates you to try harder or to do well, makes you feel better about yourself and others.
You have a lot of homework tonight and you are feeling pretty stressed. What coping strategy could you use? (how could you handle your stress?)
deep breathing, positive thinking, movement breaks, stress ball or fidget toy, etc.
True or False - It is ok and healthy to blame someone else when you are upset or stressed.
False
What gets wetter the more it dries?
A towel
The C in COPE means Caring for yourself & others. Name 2 ways that you can care for yourself physically.
Exercising, eating well, getting enough sleep, bathing, brushing teeth, etc
What is something positive you can tell yourself?
I will learn these multiplication facts!
I will make 2 new friends.
I will improve my soccer game.
I don't know how to play the guitar YET.
Someone made fun of you at the lunch table and you are feeling discouraged and upset. How could you handle your feelings? (what coping strategy could you choose?)
talk to someone you trust, exercise, write about what you are feeling, draw, deep breathing, pet your cat or take your dog for a walk, etc
The C in COPE means Caring for yourself and others. Name 2 ways you can care for others.
Be kind, offer to help, include them, etc.
Turn the following negative statement into a positive statement.
"I'm never going to make any friends at my new school."
I'm going to be nice to my classmates and ask them lots of questions to get to know them. OR
I'm going to ask my classmates if I can join them at tetherball this recess.
Your dad was supposed to be home from his business trip tonight, but he just called and said he won’t be home for another 3 days. How could you cope or handle this to feel better?
do art, read, listen to music, write in your gratitude journal, do something you enjoy doing, talk about your feelings with someone you trust, etc
Name one stressor in your life and a positive way you can cope with that stressor.
..............
How does taking care of yourself and others help you to cope, or to handle, tough times?
Being heathy and caring for others increases your happiness, increases your energy, and helps you to feel good about yourself. It also helps you to do well in school. Helping others makes your relationships more healthy too!
Turn the following negative statement into a positive statement.
"I'm never going to be smart enough to pass this math test!"
I will study each day until I understand this math.
I will ask the teacher for help.
I will do well on this test.
You’re about to go on stage to give your speech in front of the whole school, and you’re feeling nervous! How could you handle this?
Deep breathing, positive thinking, get some water, etc.
True or False It helps to know why you are upset and to be able to express your feelings.
True
I have holes in my top, bottom, left, right, and middle but I can still hold water. What am I?
A sponge
The O in COPE stands for Open up and communicate. Who can you talk to when you are worried, nervous, stressed, or want help with handling problems?
Any adult you trust - parents, adults at home, teachers, counselors, friends who you trust...
The E in COPE stands for Expressing emotions. It's important to be able to tell someone how you feel. How would you tell your friend in a nice way that you feel excluded at recess?
I feel hurt when you don't invite me to play.
Can you please include me next time in your game? I felt left out today.
Things have been really hard at home lately, and you’re feeling discouraged and sad. What coping strategy could you use?
talk to a trusted adult or friend, go outside to be in the nature 🌲, deep breathing, write down your feelings, write in your gratitude journal, listen to music, do yoga or another type of exercise, etc
True or False It's ok to take your frustration out on someone else when you are angry, anxious, or stressed.
False
I get chopped, decorated, and on one end, you may see something glittery. What am I?
A Christmas tree