Back to School
Name one thing that has made going back to school stressful.
Homework, waking up early, teachers, classmates, schedules, grades, social situations, etc.
True or false: Feeling angry is bad.
False. Anger is a normal emotion; what matters is how we respond to it.
Name one coping skill you can use when you're upset.
Good job! 👏👏👏
Mindfulness means paying attention to what is happening in the ________.
Present moment/right now.
What animal is known for changing colors to blend into its surroundings?
Chameleon.
True or false: You can be excited about school AND stressed about it at the same time.
True.
Name one physical sign that tells you you're starting to get angry.
Tight muscles, clenched fists, feeling hot, faster heartbeat, tense jaw, etc.
Which is healthier when you're angry: A) Punching something, B) Holding everything inside, C) Taking a break to cool down, or D) Starting an argument?
C — taking a break to cool down.
Take one slow breath. Name one thing you can hear right now.
👂...
Which planet is known for its rings?
Saturn.
You walk into class already having a bad morning. What is one thing you could do to prevent your bad morning from becoming a bad school day?
Take a few breaths, talk to someone, use positive self-talk, take a short break, listen to music if allowed, or use another coping skill.
Which usually comes first: going from completely calm straight to exploding, or smaller warning signs that anger is building?
Smaller warning signs.
Name a coping skill you can use in class without anyone really noticing.
Slow breathing, counting, positive self-talk, grounding, squeezing/releasing muscles, etc.
Name three things you can see without getting out of your seat.
O.O
If you could instantly become amazing at one skill, what would you choose?
🤏🤏🤏
Someone at school brings up something personal that you don't want to discuss. What is one appropriate way to respond?
“I don't want to talk about that,” walk away, change the subject, or seek support from an adult.
Someone says something disrespectful to you. What's one thing you could do BEFORE responding?
Pause, breathe, walk away, count, think about the consequences, or use another regulation strategy.
Why might one coping skill work really well one day but not work as well another day?
Different situations and emotions may require different strategies.
You notice your mind replaying something that made you angry earlier. What's one mindfulness technique that could bring your attention back to right now?
Focus on breathing, notice surroundings, use the five senses, grounding, mindful movement, etc.
Would you rather have the ability to fly or become invisible? Explain why.
🦸♀️🫥
What's one school situation that might test your patience this year, and what could you do differently than you might have done in the past?
YES! 👏👏
Someone embarrasses you in front of your friends. Your anger jumps to an 8/10. What are three choices you could make that wouldn't make the situation worse?
Walking away, taking a break, using words instead of aggression, talking to an adult, breathing, waiting before responding, etc.
You're angry, you tried your favorite coping skill, and it didn't work. What should you do next?
Try another strategy, give yourself more time, change your environment, or ask someone for support rather than giving up.
Complete this mindfulness challenge: Name 3 things you see, 2 things you hear, and 1 thing you physically feel right now.
👁️👂🖐️
You get $1 million, but you have to spend $100,000 of it today. What are the first three things you're buying?
🤑