Lesson Plan

Coping Toolbox Lesson Plan

Help students learn and practice practical strategies for managing tough emotions like anger or sadness by building a personalized Coping Toolbox of techniques they can use in real life.

Developing coping skills empowers students to handle stress, regulate emotions, and improve overall well-being and academic engagement.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Warm-Up

5 minutes

Step 2

Identifying Emotions

5 minutes

Step 3

Exploring Coping Strategies

10 minutes

Step 4

Building Personal Coping Toolbox

7 minutes

Step 5

Reflection and Share-Out

3 minutes

Slide Deck

Feeling Strong Toolbox

Welcome the students. Introduce yourself and the session. Explain that today they’ll build a “toolbox” of ways to handle tough emotions.

Today's Objectives

Read through each objective aloud. Emphasize that they will learn, practice, and personalize strategies.

What Are Tough Emotions?

Ask: “What are examples of tough emotions?” Write student answers on the board as they share.

Identifying Emotions in Scenarios

Explain the pair activity. Circulate to ensure students identify the emotion correctly. After 3 minutes, invite 2–3 pairs to share.

Exploring Coping Strategies

Display or distribute the chart. Review examples in each category, then invite student additions.

Build Your Personal Toolbox

Hand out the worksheet and sticky notes. Model one example: draw and write sticky note.

Reflection & Share-Out

Distribute reflection sheets. Give students 1 minute to write, then invite volunteers.

Use Your Toolbox Anytime!

Close the session with encouragement. Remind them to practice these tools in real life.

Lesson Plan

Coping Toolbox Lesson Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

Step 1

Introduction and Warm-Up

Step 2

Identifying Emotions

Step 3

Exploring Coping Strategies

Step 4

Building Personal Coping Toolbox

Step 5

Reflection and Share-Out

Slide Deck

Feeling Strong Toolbox

Today's Objectives

What Are Tough Emotions?

Identifying Emotions in Scenarios

Exploring Coping Strategies

Build Your Personal Toolbox

Reflection & Share-Out

Use Your Toolbox Anytime!

Activity

Worksheet

Reading

Journal

Feeling Strong Toolbox

Alyssha Walker