🧩 Problem Solving
You forgot your pencil and class is starting. What could you do?
1. Ask a classmate: Whisper to the person sitting next to you to see if they have an extra writing tool.
2. Check your space: Look quickly inside your backpack, pockets, and under your desk.
3. Ask the teacher: Raise your hand and tell the teacher you forgot your pencil before they start talking.
Name one thing you can do when you feel worried.
Deep Breathing
Name 3 different emotions.
Your teacher tells you to stop talking. What is a good choice?
Stop talking, listen to the teacher, and return to the task.
Your friend wants to play something different than you. What could you do?
Take turns, compromise, choose something you both like, or play separately and reconnect later.
You're working on something in class when another student grabs something from your desk. You yell, grab it back, and your teacher tells both of you to stop. Now you're really angry because you think you're being blamed for something you didn't start.
Tell me 2 things you could do next that would help you solve the problem without making it bigger.
Pause → take a breath → keep hands/body safe → use words to explain what happened → ask the teacher for help → take space if needed → return when calm enough to problem-solve.
Name 3 coping skills you can use at school without leaving the classroom.
Deep breathing
Fidget Toys
Ask the teacher for a break
Talking to the teacher
Counting to 10
Writing down your feeling
Your anger is at a 5 out of 10. Name one way you could bring it down.
You really want to yell at someone. What can you do instead?
Pause, take a breath, use calm words, take space, or ask an adult for help.
You took a classmate's toy without asking, and now they're upset. How can you show empathy and fix the situation?
Return the item, acknowledge their feelings, and apologize. For example: “I'm sorry I took it without asking. I understand why you're upset. I'll ask next time.”
You don't understand your assignment and you're getting frustrated. What should you do?
You're so angry that you want to hit something. Give 3 safe coping choices.
Take a time out
Go for a walk
Engage in a sport (basketball, football, soccer, etc.)
Count to 10
Take deep breaths
Ask for help
Draw your anger
Play a game for distraction
Listen to music
How can your body tell you that you're starting to get angry? Name 3 clues.
Warning signs show you that your anger is growing. If you notice them early, you can use a coping skill before your anger gets too big and it becomes harder to make a safe choice.
Your teacher gives you a direction you don't want to follow. What is the responsible choice?
Follow the direction calmly. If you're upset or confused, respectfully ask the teacher about it afterward.
You hear that your best friend said something mean about you. What should you do before reacting?
Pause and calm down first. Don't immediately yell, fight, post about it, or spread rumors. Talk directly to your friend and ask what happened. Get adult help if needed.
You and a classmate both want the same item. Give 3 possible solutions.
Take turns
Use the item together
Find a another item while waiting my turn
You're at a 9/10 and your usual coping skill isn't working. What could you try next?
Combine tools-Do not rely on just one action; pair slow breathing with physical movement or grounding.
Taking a time out while listening to music
Talking to an adult while taking deep breaths
Explain the difference between having an angry feeling and making an unsafe choice because you're angry.
Having an angry feeling is okay—anger is an emotion everyone experiences. An unsafe choice is something you decide to do because you're angry that could hurt yourself, another person, or property.
For example: “I feel really mad because he took my pencil” = feeling angry. Hitting him, throwing the pencil, or knocking over a chair = unsafe choices.
A student could instead say, “I can be angry AND still make a safe choice.” They might take a breath, walk away, use calm words, ask for a break, or get help from an adult.
You're told “no,” and you really don't like the answer. Show how you could respond appropriately.
Stay calm, keep your body safe, and say something like, “Okay,” or “Can you explain why?” instead of yelling, arguing, or having a tantrum.
Your friend tells you, “Please stop touching my backpack.” You think you're only playing. What should you do?
Stop touching it. Respect your friend's boundaries. You could say, “Okay, I'll stop.”
You're having a terrible morning: you forgot your homework, someone teased you, and now you made a mistake in class. Create a 3-step plan for handling the rest of your day.
Step 1 — STOP & CALM: Take a few slow breaths and remind yourself, “I’m having a hard morning, but I can start over.”
Step 2 — SOLVE WHAT I CAN: Tell the teacher about the forgotten homework, get help if the teasing continues, and correct the mistake instead of getting upset or giving up.
Step 3 — RESET & MOVE FORWARD: Let the earlier problems go and focus on the next good choice you can make. You might tell yourself, “One bad moment doesn’t have to ruin my whole day.”
Coping Skills: deep breathing, positive self-talk, asking for help, taking a short break, ignoring/walking away from teasing, talking to an adult, fixing the mistake, apologizing if needed, trying again, or focusing on what they can control.
Show us how to take 3 slow deep breaths.
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You're angry, embarrassed, and frustrated at the same time. Explain how you could STOP, calm your body, identify your feelings, and make a safe choice.
A classmate makes you angry and you want to push them. What should you do before, during, and after?
Before: Notice you're getting angry and pause. During: Keep your hands to yourself, breathe, walk away, or ask for help. After: Calm down, explain what happened, problem-solve, and repair the situation if needed.
Your friend has told you several times not to take things from their desk, but you really want to play with something they have. What should you think, say, and do?
Think: “It belongs to them, so they get to decide.” Say: “Can I use it?” Do: Wait for their answer. If they say no, accept the answer and leave the item alone.