Size of the Problem
Your teacher calls on you before you're ready to answer. What size is the problem, and what would be a "just right" reaction?
Small problem, take a breath, do your best to answer. Or say Im not sure can you come back to me.
A classmate accidentally bumps into you in the hallway. What should you do?
Stay calm and assume it was an accident
Name one coping strategy you can use when you start feeling frustrated.
Deep breathing, counting to 10, taking a break, and positive self-talk.
Your teacher changed today's schedule. What is the best response?
Stay calm and adjust to the new plan.
You have homework, chores, and soccer practice tonight. What should you do first?
Make a to-do list in order of what should come first.
You studied for a quiz but earned a lower grade than you expected. What size problem is it, and what can you do for the next quiz?
Small problem. Study sooner, make flash cards, and ask an adult for help.
Your friend interrupts you while you're talking. What's a good response?
Politely say, "Hold on, can I finish what I was saying?
You're nervous before giving a presentation. What is one healthy coping strategy?
Practice beforehand, deep breathing, positive thinking, and ask for encouragement.
Your favorite seat next to your best friend is taken. What can you do?
Choose another seat without arguing.
You keep forgetting your Computer at home. What strategy can help?
Use a checklist, reminder, or pack your backpack the night before.
Your best friend sits with someone else at lunch for one day. What size is the problem? What should you avoid assuming?
Small problem. Avoid assuming your friend doesn't like you anymore or that the friendship is over.
Your parents want pizza for dinner, but you want burgers. What's the best way to solve the problem?
Compromise: "Since we're having pizza tonight, can we have burgers next time we go out?"
You lose a game and feel angry. What should you do instead of yelling?
Take deep breaths, clench your hands together.
The activity you were really looking forward to has been canceled. what can you do?
change plans and maybe make new ones
You get distracted while doing homework. Name one strategy to stay focused.
Remove distractions, use a timer, take planned breaks, work in a quiet space.
You accidentally send a text to the wrong person. What size is the problem, and what is the best solution?
Small or medium problem (depending on the message). Apologize if needed, explain it was sent by mistake, and move on.
Someone says something that hurts your feelings, but they may have been joking. What can you ask them?
Ask what they meant or calmly tell them how it made you feel.
You have three assignments due tomorrow and feel overwhelmed. What can you do as a coping strategy, and what can you do differently next time?
Break the work into smaller steps and make a plan
Your teammate has a different idea than yours. What should you do?
Listen, discuss both ideas, and compromise
You're halfway through a project and realize you forgot an important step. What should you do?
Stop, review the directions, fix the mistake, and continue.
You have a soccer game tonight, but it gets canceled because of bad weather. You're really upset. Is this a big problem, and how should you react?
The problem is small, but it's okay to feel disappointed, but it's important to use coping strategies instead of reacting in a way that makes the situation worse.
A friend gets mad because you didn't text them back. Name two ways to solve the conflict.
Explain what happened, apologize if needed, listen to their feelings, and work together on a solution.
You notice your heart is racing, your hands are clenched, and you're starting to raise your voice during an argument. What should you do before responding?
Recognize your body's warning signs, pause, and use a coping strategy (deep breathing, taking a break, counting to 10, or asking for space) before continuing the conversation.
Rock Brain: "It has to be my way!
Now, can you change this to be a stretchy brain thought
I can try doing it a different way
You have a BIG science project due next Friday. What is the best way to complete it.
Break the project into smaller tasks and complete a little each day.