Lesson Plan

Coping Skills Challenge Plan

Students will learn two specific coping strategies—the 5-4-3-2-1 countdown technique and a mindful music activity—through direct instruction, discussions, and guided practice.

Focusing on these two key coping skills provides students with concrete, experiential strategies to manage anxiety and enhance mindfulness in everyday life.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Preparation and Material Review

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Context Setting

5 minutes

Step 2

Direct Instruction: 5-4-3-2-1 Countdown

10 minutes

Step 3

Direct Instruction: Mindful Music Activity

10 minutes

Step 4

Guided Activity: Practice and Share

10 minutes

Step 5

Reflection and Closing

10 minutes

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Slide Deck

Welcome to the Coping Skills Challenge!

Welcome students to the session. Introduce Mental Health Awareness Month and explain that today's lesson will focus on two specific coping skills: the 5-4-3-2-1 countdown technique and a mindful music activity. Emphasize the importance of these practices for daily stress management.

Direct Instruction: 5-4-3-2-1 Countdown

Explain the 5-4-3-2-1 countdown as a grounding exercise. Discuss each of the five steps and how this technique helps students focus on the present moment and reduce anxiety.

Practice the 5-4-3-2-1 Countdown

Guide students through a demonstration of the 5-4-3-2-1 countdown. Encourage participation and ensure they verbalize their observations during the practice.

Direct Instruction: Mindful Music Activity

Introduce the mindful music activity. Explain how mindful listening to music can help soothe emotions and maintain focus, and share examples of calming music selections.

Guided Activity: Practice and Share

Facilitate a group activity where students work in pairs or small groups. They practice the 5-4-3-2-1 countdown and then experience the mindful music activity before sharing how they felt.

Reflection and Closing

Conclude the lesson by inviting students to reflect on which activity they found more helpful and why. Summarize the benefits of both techniques and encourage them to use these skills in daily life.

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Activity

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Coping Skills Challenge

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