Naming and Coping with Feelings
What is the “big idea” for this lesson?
All thoughts and emotions are okay.
You can’t choose what you feel, but you can choose what you do with your feelings.
Healthy coping skills are safe, don’t hurt others or ourselves, and won’t get us in trouble.
Reflection questions:
How are you feeling today? How have you been feeling this past week?
What healthy coping skills have you been using lately? How have you been taking care of your feelings?
Coping Skills Toolbox
This activity will help you create a “go-to” box or bag filled with the coping skills, or ways to take care of your feelings, that work best for you. You can “go to” this box or bag when you feel overwhelmed or are experiencing challenging emotions, so you can easily find and remember ways to help you take care of your feelings and cope with them in healthy ways.
Brainstorm:
Have you noticed any challenging or uncomfortable feelings during these past few months?
How did you take care of your feelings or what coping skills did you or could you use?
Materials:
Bag or Box (maybe a cardboard box or shopping bag)
Found materials
Paper and pen or pencil
Favorite drawing supplies (crayons, markers, colored pencils, etc.)
Directions:
1. Read the brainstorm questions (above) and take some time to answer them for yourself.
2. Find or decorate a bag or box for your Coping Skills Toolbox.
3. Find and collect objects or write/draw things that represent your favorite coping skills from each of the following categories:
Calm Within: Inward Relaxation (mindfulness, deep breathing, stretching).
Get it Out: Outward Expression or Release (cry, write or journal, create art, sing, dance, move, shake, stress ball, scream into or punch pillow, talk to someone).
Set it Aside: Temporary Distraction or Break (take a walk, listen to music, watch a TV show or video, play a game, take a nap/rest).
Positive Spin: See the Positive or Help Someone (positive self-talk, take another’s perspective, show kindness or help a family member or friend, make a card for someone).
4. Ask for Help: Write a list of at least 3 adults you can go to for support with challenging situations and emotions (for ex. counselor, teacher, adult family member, guardian, coach, etc.). Add this list to your Coping Skills Toolbox. If you cannot think of anyone, remember you can always reach out to your teacher! Talking to friends and siblings can be really helpful, so feel free to include them on your list, too. Write the ways that you can contact them (for ex. call, text, email, make a date on Zoom, Facetime, Google Hangouts, or in person).
5. Optional: Share your Coping Skills Toolbox with someone! Share with them how you are feelingand how you are coping with or taking care of your feelings.
Coping Skills Toolbox Ingredients:
