Lesson Plan

Coping Superpowers Lesson Plan

Students will learn three coping superpowers—deep breathing, positive self-talk, and mindfulness—and practice each to build skills for managing stress and improving focus.

Teaching these Tier 1 coping strategies helps 7th graders develop emotional resilience, self-awareness, and concentration in both academic and personal contexts.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Review and Print Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to Coping Skills

5 minutes

Step 2

Deep Breathing Practice

8 minutes

Step 3

Positive Self-Talk Activity

7 minutes

Step 4

Mindfulness Technique Practice

7 minutes

Step 5

Reflection and Closure

3 minutes

Slide Deck

Coping Superpowers

Welcome students and introduce the lesson. Explain that today they will discover three “coping superpowers” to help manage stress and improve focus.

What Are Coping Skills?

Ask “What do you do when you feel stressed or distracted?” Record a few student responses. Then define coping skills and introduce the three superpowers.

Superpower #1: Deep Breathing

Distribute the [Deep Breathing Guide Handout](#deep-breathing-guide-handout). Model belly breathing. Lead a 2-minute practice with the timer.

Superpower #2: Positive Self-Talk

Display the [Self-Talk Affirmation Posters](#self-talk-affirmation-posters). Discuss how thoughts influence feelings. Have students choose or write an affirmation and say it to a partner.

Superpower #3: Mindfulness

Share the [Mindfulness Activity Script](#mindfulness-activity-script). Guide a 2–3 minute mindfulness exercise, asking students to notice sounds or sensations.

Reflection & Practice

Have students complete the [Coping Skills Practice Worksheet](#coping-skills-practice-worksheet). Then pair-share one skill they’ll use and when.

Keep Practicing!

Reinforce that daily practice strengthens their coping superpowers. Encourage students to use these tools whenever they feel stressed.