Relationship and communication
Describe one example of assertive communication using the prompt: “I feel ___ when ___. I need ___.”
Example: “I feel left out when I’m not invited to the group. I need to know if I can join next time.”
Define “stressor” and give one example common to 8th graders.
Stressor = something causing stress; example: a big test.
What is one healthy coping skill from the slides you could use when feeling overwhelmed?
Example: talk to a friend, take a movement break, write it out.
What is the first step in the problem-solving process shown on the slides?
Name the problem in one sentence.
Name two trusted adults students can talk to at school
School counselor, teacher, nurse, coach, trusted adult.
Name two active listening behaviors students can use when a friend shares a problem.
Examples: make eye contact; don’t interrupt; summarize what you heard
List three common stressors for 8th graders shown in the slides.
School, social, family, technology, activities.
Briefly describe box breathing (the steps and counting).
Box breathing: inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4 — repeat.
Why is it helpful to list at least three choices when solving a problem?
More options increase chances of finding a workable solution and reduce feeling stuck.
Give two clear signs listed on the slides that indicate it’s time to get help for stress or sadness.
Signs: changes in sleep/eating; lasting sadness; big behavior changes; interference with school/home/friends.
Explain what a boundary is and give one example a student could set with a friend.
Boundary definition + example: e.g., “I need quiet time after school from 4–5 pm.”
Identify one physical sign, one thinking sign, and one behavior sign of stress.
Physical: headache; Thinking: racing thoughts; Behavior: avoiding work
Name two unhealthy coping strategies and explain why each can make problems worse.
Examples: isolating (increases loneliness), screen overuse (avoids problems and harms sleep).
For the situation “I have too many after-school commitments and my grades are slipping,” list three choices and one possible pro and con for each.
Example choices: drop one activity (pro: more time; con: lose role), negotiate reduced time commitment (pro: keep involvement; con: still busy), get help with tasks/time management (pro: keep everything; con: needs extra planning).
Write one sentence a student could use to start a conversation with a trusted adult about feeling overwhelmed.
Example sentence: “I’ve been feeling really overwhelmed with school lately and I’m not sure what to do — can we talk?”