Examples
Show the class how to do 2 proper, deep breaths.
sitting/standing relaxed, breath in with the nose and breath out with the mouth, can also have eyes closed or head down on your desk.
True or False: The same coping skills work for everyone.
False: every person is unique, it is important to try different things to find what works for you.
True or False: All stress is out of your control
False: overwhelming and anxious thoughts can take over when there's no danger (Widdle). But there are things we can do to deal with stress that is in our control.
True or False: Admitting that something is wrong is giving up on yourself
False: being able to voice our mistakes and/or flaws is the first step in dealing with them, we can't fix a problem if we can't admit it's there.
Someone in your class is crying/looking sad, sitting in the back not talking to anyone. What can you do?
Ask them what's wrong, sit quietly with them, ask if they want a hug.
True or False: Playing Sudoku, solitaire or other games are things you can do to relieve stress
True: Using critical thinking and problem solving helps train our brain and relieve stress.
True or False: You should aim for perfection in whatever you do
False: perfection is impossible, even the best athletes and artists make mistakes, it's important to try your best and learn from them.
When is Bell Let's Talk Day and what is it's purpose/message?
Bell Let's Talk is on Jan 25th and is a day to promote talking about mental health and support, as well as spreading kindness positivity in the community.
This coping skill requires you to write your thoughts down on paper.
What is journaling
True or False: Stress can save your life
True: When we are in danger, Widdle acts like an alert to help us get to safety.
What is something you can say or do to someone who is feeling bad about themselves?
you're doing great, you're a nice friend, I can help you, we can ask a teacher/adult for help, invite them to play with you.
DAILY DOUBLE: If we hear gossip or someone say mean things about another person, what can we do?
Ignore them, tell them to stop, not spread the rumour, tell a teacher or adult, etc.
DAILY DOUBLE: Name a benefit of having coping skills.
Ability to decrease anxiety and stress, better management of emotions, better mood, improve self-esteem, etc.
What is Fight or Flight?
Our bodies reactions to stress and/or danger; some people run away and some people fight. It is important to practice calming down before we face a stressor.
Name a positive quality about yourself.
Kind, smart, funny, confident, good at sports, good grades, helpful, honest.
What is Gigantifying and give us an example of a gigantified worried thought.
Gigantifying is making a worry or problem bigger than it actually is. Example: I failed my test so now I'll fail the class and the whole grade!
I made a mistake during my hockey game, my coach will probably never play me again!
Name two of your own coping skills
journaling, colouring, listening to music, talking to someone, going for a walk, watching a funny movie, etc.
Name 2 positive stressors.
Meeting or being faced with a challenge. Coming in first place in a race. Getting a good mark in school. Exercise.