Coping Skills 101
Name one coping skill you can use in your room.
Deep breathing, stretching, journaling, or using a fidget, etc...
Name one thing that makes you frustrated
Waiting, loud noises, teasing, being ignored, etc
What is a safe choice when someone annoys you
Walk away, ask for space, ignore them, tell a staff
Make a face that shows “frustrated.”
Frown, tight lips, narrowed eyes.
If you were a potato, what emotion would you feel today?
Any silly emotion (e.g., “I’d feel mashed and relaxed”).
Show a breathing technique using your hands.
“Five‑finger breathing” — trace your hand while breathing in and out. Any other coping skills with your hands is right also!!
What is a body warning sign that anger is coming
Tight fists, fast heartbeat, pacing, clenched jaw.
Name a safe choice when you feel like yelling.
Deep breathing, talking to staff, etc
Make a face that shows “calm.”
Relaxed shoulders, soft eyes, slight smile.
Make the funniest animal noise you can.
What animal is it?
What coping skill helps when your body feels tense
Describe or share a thought that tells you you’re getting upset.
“They’re doing it on purpose,” “I want to yell,” “This isn’t fair.” Cursing..etc...
Show how to ask staff for help using an I‑statement.
“I feel frustrated when people tease me because it hurts my feelings. I need help calming down.”
Describe a time you felt proud.
Youth shares; staff compliment strengths.
What coping skill would a dinosaur use
“T‑Rex breathing,” “Stomp it out safely,” “Dino yoga.”
Act out a coping skill without talking.
Youth may pretend to breathe deeply, count, stretch, etc.
Act out a warning sign (no words), that may help someone tell that you are upset
Youth may pace, tense shoulders, frown, etc.
Describe a time you made a safe choice instead of reacting.
Youth shares a personal example; Staff pleases share if it is true or false.
Act out an emotion and let the group guess.
Youth performs; group guess?
Act out a silly walk across the room. Then take a seat!
Youth performs; group cheers.
Name three coping skills you can use without staff help.
Breathing, grounding (5‑4‑3‑2‑1), journaling, drawing, taking space, etc...
Explain how you know you need space before you get angry.
Feeling overwhelmed, wanting to walk away, noticing body tension, etc
Create a new safe choice the group has never heard before.
Any creative, safe idea (e.g., “pretend to press a reset button”).
Explain how two different emotions can feel at the same time.
“I can feel excited and nervous,” “I can feel angry and sad.”
Tell the group the most ridiculous food combination you would try that is respectful and appropiate.
Any silly combo (for example., “Pickles and ice cream”).