Lesson Plan

Chill Out Toolbox Lesson Plan

Students will learn to identify personal anger triggers and practice three coping strategies—deep breathing, counting, and using calming technique cards—to manage frustration in the moment. By the end, they will reflect on their favorite strategy and set a personal coping goal.

This lesson helps students build self-awareness of emotional triggers and equips them with concrete skills to defuse anger before it escalates, promoting emotional regulation and positive social interactions.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Trigger Identification

5 minutes

Step 2

Teach and Model Coping Strategies

15 minutes

Step 3

Practice Through Role-Play

5 minutes

Step 4

Reflection and Goal Setting

5 minutes

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Slide Deck

Chill Out Toolbox

Welcome the student. Introduce yourself and explain that today they’ll build their Chill Out Toolbox to manage anger. Mention this is a safe space to learn and practice new skills.

Today's Objectives

Point to each bullet and read aloud. Emphasize that these skills can be used anytime they feel upset.

What Is Anger?

Ask: “What does anger feel like in your body?” Guide a short discussion. Highlight that noticing feelings early can help us calm down faster.

Identify Your Triggers

Hand the student the Anger Trigger Journal Template. Guide them to think of recent times they felt angry and list at least three situations.

Strategy 1: Deep Breathing

Show the Deep Breathing Balloon Visual. Model inhaling for 4 seconds (inflate), exhaling for 4 seconds (deflate). Then practice three cycles with the student.

Strategy 2: Counting Backwards

Explain that counting backwards gives the brain something else to focus on. Model counting from 5 to 1 slowly with the student—pause between each number.

Strategy 3: Calming Actions

Show the Calm Down Technique Cards. Let the student pick one card and explain it. Encourage them to talk through why they chose it and how it might help.

Practice Through Role-Play

Describe a quick scenario: “You lose a game piece and feel your face heat up.” Ask the student to name the trigger, then choose and use one of the strategies.

Reflection & Goal Setting

Hand over the Chill Out Toolbox Reflection Sheet. Read each question and let the student respond. Write down their answers together.

You’ve Built Your Toolbox!

Congratulate the student on completing the session. Encourage them to use their toolbox whenever they feel angry and remind them they can practice anytime.

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Chill Out Toolbox

Cristina

Tier 3
For Schools
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