Coping Skills
What is one thing you can do when you feel angry?
Ex. take a break, tell staff, use a fidget, etc.
True or False: You can disagree with someone and still be respectful.
True
You don't get the game you wanted, so you take a deep breath. What might happen next?
You may calm down and make a safer choice.
Your friend gives you a birthday present you really wanted. What emotion might you feel?
Happy/Excited
Someone bumps into you by accident. Your brain says, “They did it on purpose!” What should you do first?
Stop and think before reacting.
Name a healthy way to calm your body.
Deep breathing, drinking water, grounding techniques, etc.
What does it look like to listen respectfully?
Listen, avoid getting off topic, etc.
You interrupt someone repeatedly. How might they feel?
Frustrated, annoyed, or unheard.
You worked hard on something and someone says, "That's terrible." What might you feel?
Angry/Hurt
Staff tells you to wait. You feel annoyed. What is one thing you can tell yourself?
“I can wait” / “I can handle this.”
You feel overwhelmed. What could you ask an adult for?
Someone says something you don't like. What is a respectful response?
You ask staff for help when you're struggling. What could happen?
Staff can better understand what you need and help you.
You are about to perform in front of the whole school. What might you feel?
Nervous/Anxious
A peer laughs while you're talking. What is one possible explanation besides “they're laughing at me”?
They could be laughing about something else.
Your thoughts are racing. What coping skill could help?
Using fidgets, putting head down, taking a break from the current task, etc.
A peer annoys you. What can you do instead of arguing?
Let staff know, walk away, use headphones, etc.
You walk away from an argument before it gets bigger. What might happen?
The situation may calm down and prevent an escalation.
Your friend doesn't answer your messages all day, and you don't know why. What might you feel?
Worried/Confused
You hear something you don't like. Should you immediately assume the worst?
No. Check the facts first.
You are extremely frustrated and want to leave. What is a safe choice you can make?
Ask a staff for a break, moving to a quiet space in the room, etc.
Someone has an opinion you strongly disagree with. Give a respectful response.
I understand what you are saying, but I do not agree with that
You are angry and immediately yell at someone without thinking. What could happen?
The conflict could escalate and lead to consequences or hurt feelings.
You make a mistake in front of everyone and people laugh. What might you feel?
Embarrassed/Hurt
Your first thought is, “Nobody likes me!” What could you do to challenge that thought?
Look for evidence and consider other explanations instead of assuming the thought is true.