🧘Coping Skills
This calming technique involves breathing in slowly through your nose and out through your mouth.
What is deep breathing? Now try the 4-6 breathing exercise for 2 minutes with your therapist!
You might feel this emotion when something really great happens.
What is joy?
This is where you should keep your homework so you don’t lose it.
What is a folder (or backpack)?
Doing what you're told the first time shows you are doing this.
What is following directions?
This two-word phrase is something kind you can say when someone gives you a gift or helps you.
What is "thank you"?
This soft object can be squeezed to help release anger safely.
What is a stress ball? Now SQUEEZE the stress ball in your hand!
Clenched fists, red face, and yelling can be signs of this feeling.
What is anger?
You might use this tool to remember tasks like homework or chores.
What is a checklist (or planner)?
Everyone makes them—what matters is admitting and fixing them.
What are mistakes?
When someone drops their books, doing this is a kind and helpful action.
What is helping them pick them up?
It's okay to do this when you're overwhelmed, especially with adults you trust.
What is ask for help? How do you ask for help?
This emotion starts with the letter “N” and can happen before a test or performance.
What is nervousness?
Staying organized can help reduce this stressful feeling.
Not interrupting and looking at the speaker is a way to show this.
What is respect (or listening)?
When your friend is feeling sad, doing this shows you care.
What is asking if they’re okay (or giving them a hug)?
This imaginary place you go in your mind (like a beach or a treehouse) can help you feel safe and calm.
What is a calm corner or safe place visualization? Now close your eyes (or keep them open if you'd like) and imagine your safe calm space. Where is it?
Talking about your feelings or using a chart helps you do this important step.
What is identifying your emotions?
Doing this the night before school helps your morning go smoother.
What is packing your backpack (or laying out clothes)?
Breaking classroom rules could lead to one of these.
What is a consequence?
Holding the door open or letting someone go first are examples of this.
What are polite actions (or good manners)?
This kind of walk (not fast!) can help you cool off and think when you’re frustrated.
What is a mindful walk?
This important skill helps you understand how others feel and builds strong friendships.
What is empathy?
This is a 5-minute trick where you clean or organize just a little at a time so it doesn’t feel overwhelming.
What is the 5-minute clean-up challenge?
Taking care of your things, being honest, and helping others shows this good trait.
What is responsibility?
This is what you should do when you see someone being left out at recess or during a group activity.
What is invite them to join (or include them)?