Lesson Plan

Coping Quest

Students will learn three coping skills—deep breathing, positive self-talk, and grounding techniques—and practice applying them to manage stress and regulate emotions.

Equipping students with practical coping strategies fosters emotional resilience, improves stress management, and supports overall well-being in and out of the classroom.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up Discussion

5 minutes

Step 2

Direct Instruction: Coping Skills Overview

5 minutes

Step 3

Practice Stations

15 minutes

Step 4

Reflection and Closure

5 minutes

Slide Deck

Coping Quest: Managing Stress & Emotions

Welcome students and introduce the lesson. Highlight today’s objective: learning and practicing coping skills to manage stress and emotions.

Warm-Up Discussion

Prompt students to think of real situations that stress them. Write key responses on the board to build relevance.

Coping Skills Overview

Briefly define each coping skill. Distribute the [Coping Skills Overview Handout](#coping-skills-overview-handout) for reference.

Skill #1: Deep Breathing

Show the [Deep Breathing Guide](#deep-breathing-guide). Model one round of 4-7-8 breathing: inhale for 4, hold 7, exhale for 8.

Skill #2: Positive Self-Talk

Display the [Positive Self-Talk Poster](#positive-self-talk-poster). Provide examples and help students craft their own affirmations.

Skill #3: Grounding Techniques

Review the [Grounding Techniques Worksheet](#grounding-techniques-worksheet). Explain the 5-4-3-2-1 sensory method as an example.

Practice Stations

Explain the rotation procedure. Ensure groups know their starting station and rotation order. Use the timer for 5-minute rounds.

Reflection & Closure

Distribute the [Reflection Prompt Sheet](#reflection-prompt-sheet). Invite volunteers to share. Emphasize daily practice beyond today.

Lesson Plan

Coping Quest

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Preparation

Step 1

Warm-Up Discussion

Step 2

Direct Instruction: Coping Skills Overview

Step 3

Practice Stations

Step 4

Reflection and Closure

Slide Deck

Coping Quest: Managing Stress & Emotions

Warm-Up Discussion

Coping Skills Overview

Skill #1: Deep Breathing

Skill #2: Positive Self-Talk

Skill #3: Grounding Techniques

Practice Stations

Reflection & Closure

Worksheet

Worksheet

Activity

Worksheet

Stress Less Today

QA Individual