Coping Skills
A healthy, safe way to keep big emotions from controlling our thoughts and actions. They help us stay safe and feel good!
Arguing with a teacher
Think it
What is your self-controller? What does it help us do?
Our self-controller scans our body and minds for body clue that tells us we are out of the green zone and about to lose control. It helps us stay calm and in-control.
What are the zones?
Red, blue, green, yellow
You are in gym class and coach doesn't put you in the same group as you best friend. What is a solution?
Use a coping skill, talk to the teacher, use a calming strategy and enjoy the game...
What coping skills can you do at school? How are they different from ones you can do at home?
Multiple Answers
"Will you please leave me alone, I am feeling upset"
Say it
What happens when you don't use your self-controller scanner?
You could lose control of your body and hurt someone or yourself. You could lose control and say something unkind. You could make bad choices that get your in trouble.
What is the best zone for learning?
Green
You don't know how to answer a question during math class. It is really hard to keep your body and emotions under control.
Coping skills, ask for a break, ask for help, etc...
Your teacher told you that the whole class would have extra recess today. During extra recess you and your friend were playing a game and you accidently pushed someone to the ground. The teacher saw this and said you and your friend needed to sit out for 5 minutes and were not allowed to play that game. What coping skill can you use?
Multiple Answers
"Can you please turn your chromebook down? I can't focus on my work."
Say it
What are some questions you should ask yourself when using your self-controller scanner?
Am I paying attention to what is around me?
Am I being safe?
What is my body telling me?
What strategies are available to me right now?
Do I need help?
What zones are we mostly likely to need coping skills?
Red, blue, yellow
You are reading your story to the class during writing block. When you are reading you hear two classmates laughing and making fun of the story. You feel your heart start to race and your muscles get tense.
Use a coping skill, ask for a break, talk to the teacher...
Draw or say three different shapes or patterns you can trace to help you take effective deep breaths.
Rainbow, square, heart, figure eight, star, triangle
"Get out of my way! Now!"
Think it
When getting on the bus to go to school today you slipped and fell in a puddle. You didn't have to time to go change so you had to go to school wet. When you get to school you realize that all your homework was ruined from the puddle water. You slam you book bag into your cubby and yell "today is the worst! no one talk to me!" Did you use your self-controller scanner?
NO
Tired, sad, bored, moving slowly, sick
How do you know when it is time to use a coping skill?
When my body is not calm, when I feel overwhelmed (fast breathing and fast heart beat), when I feel angry (tense muscles, hot face), when I am wiggly and excited (sweating, fast heart beat, feeling out of control). etc...
"Hey, can you come talk with me over here...You have something in your teeth."
Say it (privately)
During math class someone won't stop tapping their pencil on the desk and you can't focus because of the sound. You also hear the class next door playing a movie really loud. You can feel you muscles getting tense and your mind start to race. You want to run out of the room. You take three deep breath before raising your hand and asking your teacher if you can use the calming corner. Did you use your self-controller scanner?
Yes
Wiggly, scared, excited, out of control, upset, worried, etc...
You were supposed to go on a field trip to the zoo today. The teacher asked everyone to pack a lunch to eat while you were there. You forgot your lunch on the bus or in the car. What do you do?
Use a coping skills, stop think act, ask a teacher for help...