Lesson Plan
Session 1 Plan
Students will define coping skills, recognize their own emotions, and brainstorm at least three healthy strategies through discussion, an interactive activity, a worksheet, and a cooperative game.
Introducing coping skills and emotional awareness equips students with IEPs to self-regulate and manage stress, fostering improved classroom engagement and well-being.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Gather Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
Step 2
Teaching the Concept
5 minutes
Step 3
Group Discussion
7 minutes
Step 4
Hands-On Activity
5 minutes
Step 5
Worksheet
5 minutes
Step 6
Game and Wrap-Up
3 minutes
Worksheet
Discussion
Activity
Game
Lesson Plan
Session 2 Plan
Students will recognize body-based stress signals and practice a simple mindfulness breathing routine to calm their bodies and minds.
Noticing physical signs of stress and using mindfulness empowers students with IEPs to interrupt anxiety, increase focus, and build a portable coping tool.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
Step 2
Teaching the Concept
5 minutes
Step 3
Group Discussion
5 minutes
Step 4
Hands-On Activity
8 minutes
Step 5
Worksheet
5 minutes
Step 6
Game and Wrap-Up
2 minutes
Worksheet
Discussion
Activity
Game
Lesson Plan
Session 3 Plan
Students will recognize how thoughts influence feelings, identify examples of negative self-talk, and practice reframing unhelpful thoughts into positive, more helpful statements.
By learning to catch and reframe negative thoughts, students with IEPs can reduce anxiety, boost confidence, and strengthen emotional regulation in everyday school situations.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
Step 2
Teaching the Concept
5 minutes
Step 3
Group Discussion
5 minutes
Step 4
Hands-On Activity
8 minutes
Step 5
Worksheet
5 minutes
Step 6
Game & Wrap-Up
2 minutes
Discussion
Worksheet
Activity
Lesson Plan
Session 4 Plan
Students will apply learned coping strategies to real-life classroom scenarios by selecting and role-playing the best response.
Practicing strategies in simulated situations helps students with IEPs generalize skills, build confidence, and make quicker, more effective choices when stress arises.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Set Up Stations
10 minutes
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
Step 2
Teaching the Concept
5 minutes
Step 3
Group Discussion
5 minutes
Step 4
Hands-On Activity
8 minutes
Step 5
Worksheet
5 minutes
Step 6
Game & Wrap-Up
2 minutes
Discussion
Activity
Worksheet
Game
Lesson Plan
Session 5 Plan
Students will consolidate their coping skills by creating personalized action plans that identify stress triggers, chosen strategies, support people, and visual reminders to use in real-life school situations.
Developing a personal Coping Plan encourages self-reflection, accountability, and empowers students with IEPs to independently apply skills, boosting confidence and resilience.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
Step 2
Teaching the Concept
5 minutes
Step 3
Group Discussion
5 minutes
Step 4
Hands-On Activity
8 minutes
Step 5
Worksheet
5 minutes
Step 6
Game & Wrap-Up
2 minutes
Worksheet
Discussion
Activity
Game
