Coping Strategies Toolbox | SEL Skills Craft, Lesson, and Activity

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?

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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!

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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.

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