Lesson Plan

Catch Your Calm Lesson Plan

Students will learn and practice three coping skills—deep breathing, positive self-talk, and creative expression—to create a personalized coping toolbox for managing stress and emotions.

Teaching coping skills equips students with tools to regulate emotions, reduce stress, and boost resilience. These strategies support mental well-being, foster a positive classroom climate, and prevent escalation of stress-related challenges.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Print and Review Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Warm-Up

5 minutes

Step 2

Deep Breathing Exercise

5 minutes

Step 3

Positive Self-Talk Practice

5 minutes

Step 4

Creative Outlet Exploration

5 minutes

Step 5

Build Your Coping Toolbox

5 minutes

Step 6

Reflection and Share

5 minutes

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Slide Deck

Catch Your Calm

Welcome students to the session. Introduce yourself and explain that over the next 30 minutes they’ll learn three simple coping skills to help manage stress and emotions.

What Are Coping Skills?

Define coping skills. Ask for examples of times students have felt stressed or overwhelmed (e.g., before a test, during conflicts).

Deep Breathing Exercise

Distribute Deep Breathing Handout. Demonstrate the 4-7-8 technique step by step. Guide students through three rounds, counting quietly.

Positive Self-Talk Practice

Pass out the Positive Self-Talk Worksheet. Explain how words we say to ourselves affect feelings and behavior. Encourage students to write two personal statements.

Creative Outlet Exploration

Show the Creative Outlet Ideas Chart. Give students a minute to think of their favorite creative activities. Emphasize that any activity that feels fun and expressive counts.

Build Your Coping Toolbox

Distribute My Coping Toolbox Template. Guide students to choose at least one strategy from each category and decorate their worksheet.

Reflection & Share

Invite a few volunteers to share one strategy from their toolbox. Reinforce that practicing these skills daily strengthens them. Close with encouragement.

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Worksheet

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Worksheet

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Worksheet

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Worksheet

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Catch Your Calm

QA Individual

Tier 1
For Districts
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