Lesson Plan

Frustration Busters Lesson Plan

Students will identify their personal frustration triggers and practice two calming strategies—deep breathing and muscle relaxation—so they can self-regulate when feeling upset.

Building emotional self-regulation helps students manage stress, stay focused, reduce outbursts, and improve classroom and peer interactions.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Material Preparation & Personalization

7 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up & Introduction

2 minutes

Step 2

Identify Frustration Triggers

3 minutes

Step 3

Deep Breathing Practice

3 minutes

Step 4

Muscle Relaxation Practice

3 minutes

Step 5

Develop Personal Calming Plan & Reflection

4 minutes

Worksheet

Activity

Slide Deck

Frustration Busters

Welcome the student and introduce the session. Explain that today they’ll learn ways to handle frustration. Point out the session will take about 15 minutes.

What Is Frustration?

Ask the student to share aloud a moment when they felt frustrated. Clarify that frustration means feeling upset when things don’t go as expected.

Identify Your Frustration Triggers

Hand the student the [Frustration Triggers Worksheet](#frustration-triggers-worksheet). Guide them to name or draw 2–3 triggers and discuss each one briefly.

Practice Deep Breathing

Show the first strategy on the [Calming Techniques Reference Card](#calming-techniques-card). Model the breathing pattern aloud, then set a one-minute timer and practice together.

Practice Muscle Relaxation

Introduce progressive muscle relaxation from the reference card. Demonstrate each step, then guide the student through fists and shoulders.

Create Your Personal Calming Plan

Give the student the [Calming Techniques Reference Card](#calming-techniques-card). Help them write their favorite two techniques and guide a quick role-play.

Reflection & Next Steps

Ask the student to reflect. Encourage them to use these skills at school and home. Praise their effort.

Lesson Plan

Frustration Busters Lesson Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Material Preparation & Personalization

Step 1

Warm-Up & Introduction

Step 2

Identify Frustration Triggers

Step 3

Deep Breathing Practice

Step 4

Muscle Relaxation Practice

Step 5

Develop Personal Calming Plan & Reflection

Worksheet

Activity

Slide Deck

Frustration Busters

What Is Frustration?

Identify Your Frustration Triggers

Practice Deep Breathing

Practice Muscle Relaxation

Create Your Personal Calming Plan

Reflection & Next Steps

Frustration Busters

Ra'Kerra Dillard