Use this craft and activity to teach coping strategies for anxiety, anger, stress, and other strong emotions. Kids and young adults will complete a lesson to learn about coping strategies and then create an ice pop craft with their individualized strategies chosen. This craft includes over 30 unique coping strategies for kids and young adults to choose from. This would be the perfect spring or summer activity while still focusing on learning critical skills! Why Teach Coping Strategies Coping strategies are any activity that can help calm emotions and stress. Kids and young adults may often experience difficult emotions but do not have appropriate coping strategies for dealing with those feelings. Just some of the coping strategies discussed and practiced within this resource include: listening to music, taking a walk, coloring, deep breathing, focusing on an object, using positive self-talk, practicing yoga, counting to ten, talking to a friend, and much more. How to Use Students will complete a worksheet that discusses and reviews the concept of coping strategies. To complete the craft, kids will select 2 or more coping strategies, cut out all the pieces, and glue them together. Note that step-by-step directions with photos are included to make it easy! Kids can add as many coping strategies to their ice pop to make it taller! The top of the ice pop says "I can...", encouraging kids to internalize using those strategies to help them manage emotions. After completing their craft, kids are encouraged to practice those strategies, as it is essential for kids to practice those strategies when they are calm. This will allow kids to learn how to use those same strategies when they are angry, sad, frustrated, or any other strong emotion. Alternatively, a blank version is available for kids to write in their own completely individualized strategies. Some of the strategies include: • Use positive self-talk • Write in a journal • Take a walk • Practice yoga • Think of a happy place • Slowly count to ten • Listen to music • Color or draw • Talk to someone • Read • Make a list of choices • Take 5 deep breaths • And many more! Need MORE Coping Strategies? { Mindfulness and Coping Strategies MEGA Bundle } This is a HUGE bundle with over 500 pages focused on teaching mindfulness and coping strategies to encourage self-control, happiness, positivity, and many more positive outcomes. It contains a variety of lessons, workbooks, posters, task cards, foldable crafts, and much more! Tips for Customers: Click here to follow my store for new resources and freebies. If you have questions, please contact me through Q & A and I'll get back to you as soon as I can! Please consider leaving feedback on this resource to receive TpT credits! I always strive for 5 stars and love hearing your feedback. Terms of Use: © Pathway 2 Success. One license is for the classroom/personal use for one educator and their students. Materials may not be shared with other educators without the purchase of extra licenses. Materials may not be posted on the Internet where they can be publicly accessed. Personal and classroom use only. Please see full terms of use for more information. Disclaimer: These resources are for supplementary support/education purposes and are not a replacement for education or other necessary supports. Educators, parents, and others who utilize these materials are encouraged to seek out additional support, as needed.

25 Fun problem-solving activities and games for kids + 10 Tips to teach kids problem-solving skills + 10 problem-solving strategies

Teaching empathy is important. In the simplest of terms, empathy is the ability to notice, understand, and share the emotions of others. It is a critical social skill for all people to have. In many ways, empathy is the social skill that paves the way for all other social skills. It helps us to take

This post contains affiliate links. The idea of teaching kids the social skill of personal space through space protectors and space invaders is nothing new – but I’m going to share the worksheet I used and how I did this with my group in case anyone is looking for additional inspiration. I co-ran a social […]

Coping strategies are important skills for kids and young adults to learn. These are the activities and strategies we use to help us calm down when we're emotionally overwhelmed. We can probably all think of a few kids and young adults who need extra practice managing their emotions effectively! Tha

What is one thing that is common among Albert Einstein, John Dewy, and Abraham Lincoln? It is their critical and rational thought process. Along with their unique personalities, their unique thinking pattern and view toward the world make these individuals creative and different. Critical thinking is the ability of

Teaching self control to kids can often times become a tricky topic. When a child hears, “Use self control”, do they even know what that means? So often we expect kids to know exactly what we mean or how to behave, but we fall short in our teaching and explanation. We cannot expect a child ... Read More about Self Control: What it Really Means to Kids

Put peacemaking skills at your students��� fingertips with Conflict Cubes they make themselves. This resource encourages collaborative efforts to develop creative and meaningful solutions to common conflicts. Includes directions and a reproducible.

Learn how to take group work up a notch. Cooperative learning is a key SEL teaching practice that improves students' social-emotional skills.

In many ways, strong executive functioning skills are the foundation for success. These are the mental processes that help learners plan through assignments, organize materials, initiate a task, manage time well, stay focused, try new strategies when stuck, and persevere until the completion of a go

Use this coping strategies toolbox lesson and craft activity set to help teach about coping skills to manage tough emotions. All kids and young adults should have a "toolbox" of strategies to help them manage their emotions and stress. In this lesson, you will teach students what coping strategies are, discuss which strategies might work best for each individual, and make a toolbox craft to store the coping strategies they choose. Materials also include practice for deciding which coping strategy to use and a log to keep track of which strategies are used at different times. Why Teach Coping Strategies Coping strategies are any activity that can help calm emotions and stress. Kids and young adults may often experience difficult emotions but do not have appropriate coping strategies for dealing with those feelings. Just some of the coping strategies discussed and practiced within this activity include: listening to music, taking a walk, coloring, deep breathing, using positive self-talk, talking to a friend, and writing in a journal. Students can also add their own individualized coping strategies. Lesson and Activity This resource includes a four-part lesson. You can do the entire lesson all at once or break it up, as needed. Activity 1: Students will read about coping strategies to learn about what they are and why they are important. Activity 2: Students will read through a list to identify which coping strategies they may want to use. Students will have time to discuss and practice each strategy. Activity 3: Students will create a "Coping Strategies Toolbox" craft. They will fill their toolbox with the coping strategies of their choice. Activity 4: Students will use a worksheet to discuss various situations. In each situation, students will decide which coping strategy they might use and explain why. Follow-up: Students will use the "My Coping Strategies Tracker" to record when they use a coping strategy after a tough emotion or situation. Some of the strategies include: • Use positive self-talk • Write in a journal • Take a walk • Listen to music • Color or draw • Talk to someone • Read • Make a list of choices • And many more! Note that versions are included for students to create their own coping strategies not listed. Black/white and color versions are also included. Need MORE Coping Strategies? { Mindfulness and Coping Strategies MEGA Bundle } This is a HUGE bundle with over 500 pages focused on teaching mindfulness and coping strategies to encourage self-control, happiness, positivity, and many more positive outcomes. It contains a variety of lessons, workbooks, posters, task cards, foldable crafts, and much more! ***************************************************************************** Tips for Customers! { Click here to follow my store! } If you have questions or problems please contact me through Product Q & A and I'll get back to you as soon as I can! Disclaimer: These resources and materials are for supplementary support/education purposes and not intended as a replacement for counseling, education, or other necessary supports. Educators, parents, counselors, and others who utilize these materials are encouraged to seek out additional support, as needed. *****************************************************************************

Are you on the lookout for engaging and fun ways to foster social-emotional learning (SEL) skills in your students? Well, you're in the right place! Whether you're a seasoned teacher or a fresh-faced educator, I've included a treasure trove of games that will transform your classroom into a hub of self-awareness, self-management, relationship building, social awareness, and responsible decision-making. These games are not only a breeze to implement, but are sure to have your students begging for more. These activities aren't just about learning; they're about making SEL skills an integral part of your classroom culture. So, let the games begin! Self-Awareness: Game 1: Empathy Chairs This game is similar to musical chairs, but it has a social-emotional learning twist. Start the music as students rotate around a circle of chairs with emotion cards on the seats. When the music stops, they'll need to grab a seat. Based on the card at their seats, students will share experiences that they have had related to that emotion. For ready-made cards and detailed directions, click here. Game 2: Feelings Charades Get ready to break the ice with a classic game of charades, but with a twist! Instead of acting out movie titles or animals, students will express various emotions using only their facial expressions and body language. This not only hones their emotional awareness but also creates a safe space for open communication about feelings. Game 3: Emotion Journaling Equip your students with journals and encourage them to express their daily emotions through words, drawings, or a combination of both. This simple yet effective exercise fosters self-awareness by helping students identify and reflect on their emotions. Bonus: It's a fantastic tool for tracking emotional trends over time. Find my favorite journal prompts for building self-awareness here. Self-Management: Game 4: Mindful Minute Challenge Kick off each class or session with a mindful minute challenge. Set a timer for 60 seconds and guide students through a brief mindfulness exercise, such as deep breathing or visualization. This routine cultivates self-management skills by teaching students to center themselves, promoting focus and emotional regulation. You can also practice mindfulness with these FREE finger labyrinths. Game 5: Goal-Setting Bingo Turn goal-setting into a game! Create bingo cards with various self-management goals (e.g., completing homework on time, staying organized, managing time effectively). As students achieve each goal, they mark it off their bingo card. The first to get a bingo enjoys a small reward. It's a playful way to instill discipline and responsibility. Or turn goal-setting into a group bulletin board. Grab the FREE goal-setting materials here. Game 6: Popcorn Game Play a game called "Popcorn." Have students get into a circle. Explain that the goal is for them to each take a turn popping into the air and clapping at the same time. The only catch is that they must go in a random order. If they "pop" up at the same time as a classmate, they should all start again. This is great way to promote impulse control. Grab detailed directions to play this game and four others here. Relationship Skills: Game 7: Collaborative Storytelling Fuel creativity and teamwork by having students work together to create a story. Each student contributes a sentence, building on the narrative created by their peers. This not only strengthens relationships but also enhances communication and cooperation skills. Plus, it's a blast to see where the story takes unexpected twists and turns! (These reading passages based on SEL learning skills are fun, too!) Game 8: Group Challenges Help students develop their relationship skills as they complete a series of fun challenges as a team. Have teams of students work together to solve 5 different challenges that focus on teamwork, collaboration, and leveraging individual strengths to emphasize the power of working together. Make planning these challenges easy with these ready-made stations. Game 9: Peer Appreciation Circle Form a circle and have students take turns expressing appreciation for the person on their right. This simple yet powerful exercise builds positive relationships within the class and reinforces the importance of acknowledging each other's strengths and contributions. Social Awareness: Game 10: Perspective Puzzles Print or draw pictures of various situations and scenarios. Have students work in pairs to discuss and understand the emotions and perspectives of the people in the pictures. This game sharpens social awareness by encouraging students to consider different viewpoints and practice empathy. I've created a set of cards for this game here. Game 11: Community Connections Scavenger Hunt Create a list of community-related items or tasks that students can complete outside of the classroom, fostering a sense of connection to the broader community. This activity enhances social awareness by encouraging students to explore and appreciate the world beyond their immediate surroundings. Responsible Decision-Making: Game 12: Decision Dilemmas Present students with real-life scenarios that require responsible decision-making. Engage them in thoughtful discussions about the potential outcomes of each choice. This game equips students with the skills to analyze situations, consider consequences, and make informed decisions—a crucial aspect of responsible decision-making. Need some scenario cards to share with students? Grab them here. Game 13: Consequence Connect Four Create a Connect Four game board with spaces featuring different consequences of actions. As students play, discuss the potential outcomes associated with each move. This visually engaging activity reinforces the concept that every decision has consequences and helps students develop a sense of responsibility. Game 14: Decision Making Prompts Get students thinking about how they might respond to situations with targeted writing prompts. Share prompts that challenges students to make a decision. Then, give them opportunity to write how they might respond. Let students share their responses with peers or small groups. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- And there you have it, a bunch of games designed to infuse your classroom with social-emotional learning! These activities are not just about learning; they're about creating an environment where students flourish emotionally, socially, and academically. So, why wait? Dive into the world of SEL games and watch your students grow into self-aware, emotionally intelligent, and socially adept individuals. Your classroom is about to become the epicenter of SEL success—game on! Wishing you lots of fun in your classroom, Mary Beth P.S. Find 15 MORE social-emotional learning activities HERE.

Using social stories to teach social skills gives students direct and meaningful direction in learning essential social skills.

A blog about school counseling

Help your children listen better with these fun activities. Get your children to obey the first time you ask by playing one of these listening skills games

33 Evidence-based (and FUN!) SOCIAL SKILLS ACTIVITIES for KIDS + 🎁 FREE PRINTABLE activity. Explore: starting conversations, respecting personal space, expressing emotions

Social and emotional learning, often known as SEL, is the process that helps kids learn critical skills, attitudes, and mindsets for social and emotional success. These skills cover five major areas: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationships, and responsible decision-making. I

Hello Everybody!! I hope you are all having a lovely weekend so far! It’s been a while since I have shared a coping skill, and since I used this one a lot the last couple of weeks, I thought I would share it! It’s called The Tangled Ball of Emotions. Oddly enough I didn’t learn of this coping skill from my therapist or anything affiliated with eating disorders. During all this Covid stuff my church has been having morning devotionals on Facebook and every once in a while one of the missionari

Read about helpful conflict resolution skills for kids, including using I-statements, finding win-win solutions & being a good listener.

It took me all of a few days of parenting twins to recognize that their brains were truly unique to them . It was fascinating (and a bit overwhelming) to see how differently they responded to the same exact circumstances. The debate over nature and nurture won’t be going away anytime soon. It i

Protective Factors (Identify Strengths, Resources & Coping Skills) SEL Tool Excellent Social-Emotional Learning tool to teach young adult about the tools they possess to build resilience and to cope with stress. Prompts include: Who is part of your support system? What are you good at? What are some of your positive coping skills? What is part of your identity that you are proud of? What groups do you belong to? Our Protective Factors worksheet is a great starting point to conversations surrounding coping with life stressors and difficult situations. (Great tool for Counselors, Therapists, Teachers and Parents...) Thank you! www.freshhobby.com

Assertiveness for Kids: 10 Tips to Teach Assertive Communication to Kids and help improve social interactions and self-esteem

15 Ideas and strategies to teach kids waiting skills. Including specific strategies for kids with autism or ADHD. DOWNLOAD "WAIT CARDS" (Free)

Assertiveness for Kids: 10 Tips to Teach Assertive Communication to Kids and help improve social interactions and self-esteem

It's hard to talk to students without making it a lecture. Empower students while you teach them about respect using hands on activities

Running a self control group counseling program? Your students will love these 10 games to teach kids self control skills!

Resilience is one of my favorite topics to teach and one of my favorite small groups to run. I always include goal setting, identifying problems, coping skills, healthy habits, and positive relationships as components to being resilient. Here are 6 tools for teaching resilience that help bring those components and your resiliency lessons to life.

These simple active listening exercises help students focus on what is being said and to share their feelings about being truly heard.

Social Skills activities for kids are easy to implement and can help almost every child when it comes to social interactions and situations!

Learn how to teach children self-control the right way with this collection of fun yet powerful self-regulation strategies and activities for kids!

This coping skills toolbox activity is a fun way to teach your students effective coping skills and strategies to help manage their emotions! ...

Kids and young adults need to be able to problem-solve on their own. Every day, kids are faced with a huge number of social situations and challenges. Whether they are just having a conversation with a peer, working with a group on a project, or dealing with an ethical dilemma, kids must use their s

Executive functioning skills are key for our students to find success in the classroom and throughout their lives. EF skills include working memory, time management, organization, task initiation, emotional control, planning/prioritizing, and sustained persistence (note: these categories vary depending on which EF resource you are reading). Executive functioning skills don't always fall into a curriculum, ...

Teach kids to tackle challenges and build vital thinking skills with these fun problem-solving activities and games for preschoolers.

We have developed a number of FREE supplemental lessons and activities to assist you in helping students understand and process social cues.

If you are looking for some high interest activities to enhance your perspective lessons, try using animated shorts to teach reading skills.