Lesson Plan
Understanding 'No'
Students will learn why people say “no” and practice two coping strategies—deep breathing and asking questions—using visuals and a social story.
Hearing “no” can trigger frustration. Teaching coping strategies early builds resilience, emotional regulation, and smoother transitions from preferred to non-preferred tasks.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Warm Up
5 minutes
Step 2
Discussion
10 minutes
Step 3
Activity
8 minutes
Step 4
Game
5 minutes
Step 5
Cool Down
2 minutes
Step 6
Teacher Script
Throughout Session
Discussion
Game
Warm Up
Cool Down
Lesson Plan
Coping With Frustration
Students will recognize physical and emotional signs of frustration and learn three coping strategies—deep breathing, counting, and using a Traffic Light Coping Chart—to manage emotions when told “no” or facing a challenging task.
Frustration can escalate quickly during transitions or difficult tasks. Teaching clear, visual coping steps builds students’ self‐regulation, reduces outbursts, and supports smoother shifts from preferred activities to work.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Warm Up
5 minutes
Step 2
Discussion
8 minutes
Step 3
Activity
8 minutes
Step 4
Game
5 minutes
Step 5
Cool Down
2 minutes
Step 6
Teacher Script
Throughout Session
Lesson Plan
Questioning the “No”
Students will practice asking respectful, clarifying questions after hearing “no” to understand reasons, explore alternatives, and keep communication open.
When students learn to ask questions after a denial, they build empathy, gain information, and develop flexibility—key skills for smoother transitions and problem solving.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Warm Up
5 minutes
Step 2
Discussion
8 minutes
Step 3
Activity
8 minutes
Step 4
Game
5 minutes
Step 5
Cool Down
2 minutes
Step 6
Teacher Script
Throughout Session
Lesson Plan
Putting It All Together
Students will review coping and questioning strategies for handling “no” and collaboratively develop personal transition plans from preferred to non-preferred tasks, solidifying skills through discussion, planning, and a combined game.
Reinforcing all skills in one session ensures students can independently apply coping strategies and transition steps, promoting resilience and smoother shifts in real-world situations.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Warm Up
5 minutes
Step 2
Discussion & Planning
8 minutes
Step 3
Activity: Strategy Gallery Walk
8 minutes
Step 4
Game: Combined Strategy Relay
5 minutes
Step 5
Cool Down
2 minutes
Script
Script
Activity