Coping Skills Lessons and Activities for Students
Hey there, counselor friend!
Have you noticed more of your elementary and middle school students lately who seem just this close to shutting down, melting down, or checking out altogether? Whether it’s stress, worry, frustration, or big feelings they don’t quite know how to name, these emotions are real, and they show up every day in our classrooms.
And you know what? They’re not bad. They’re not “misbehavior.” They’re communication.
That’s why I love teaching coping skills lessons during classroom guidance lessons or small groups, because they empower students with tools they can actually use, both at school and beyond.
Hi, I’m Rachel Davis! I’m a former school counselor with over 8 years of experience in the classroom. I specialize in creating easy-to-implement strategies for busy school counselors, and I am the counselor and curriculum designer behind Bright Futures Counseling, a community designed to offer counselors the support they need to feel confident serving their students well.
So let’s dive into practical, low-prep, and high-impact ways to teach coping skills in class that go beyond “just breathe.” Whether you’re working with littles in elementary or teens in middle school, these ideas are flexible, meaningful, and counselor-approved!
Are you a Podcast fan? You’ll love my podcast episode: How to Help Students Learn Coping Skills with Janine Halloran
Why Coping Skills Lessons Matter (Now More Than Ever)
Students come to us with so many different life experiences. Some are navigating trauma, some have limited emotional vocabulary, and many have never been explicitly taught how to handle tough emotions in a safe, healthy way.
Especially during transitions (looking at you, back-to-school season), emotions are extra close to the surface. Having age-appropriate coping strategies in place can help students ride the emotional waves instead of feeling swallowed by them.
And here’s the thing: coping skills aren’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why it’s so important to:
1. Offer a variety of tools
2. Normalize emotional experiences
3. Practice self-regulation skills before a meltdown moment
How to Teach Coping Skills in the Classroom
You don’t need an hour-long lesson or a magic wand; just a few intentional strategies can make a big difference.
1. Small Groups for Big Growth
While whole-class lessons plant the seed, small groups are where skills get personalized. You can model and guide students through real-life challenges, celebrate wins, and reinforce what’s working.
Use specific themes like:
1. This self-regulation lesson for learning about and externalizing feelings
2. This self-control group for practicing coping skills for impulse control
3. This 8 week emotional regulation small group
Give students the space to practice coping in a supported setting, not just talk about it.
2. Games + Activities That Teach by Doing
Kids learn by doing, so build in practice! Try:
This Worry and anxiety scoot game – great for upper elementary and middle school
Self-Regulation board games – for identifying feelings and practicing the Zones of Regulation
Coping strategies digital boom cards - engaging coping skills practice for every season
Want it ready-to-go? Check out my coping skills PDF resources — perfect for centers or independent practice.
3. Calm Down Corners + Coping Centers
Calm down corners offer a safe space inside the learning environment for students to take a pause and self-regulate, and since students aren’t leaving the classroom altogether, it helps them reintegrate into their learning environment without shame.
When we normalize that everyone needs a break sometimes? That’s a culture shift.
Create a cozy space in the classroom that invites regulation. Think:
1. Soft lighting or calming visuals like these progressive muscle relaxation foldables
2. Fidget tools, stress balls, or glitter jars
3. A visual menu of coping options (deep breaths, squeeze and release, count to 10…) like this size of the problem lap book
Grab my Calm Down Corner Bulletin Board Sign and Decor FREEBIE here!
And, for more ideas on how to create a calm corner, check out this blog post .
4. "Invisible" Coping for Older Students
Older kids (especially in middle and high school) often want coping strategies that don’t draw attention. Teach them:
1. How to take a sensory “mini vacation” (close their eyes + visualize a calm place using all five senses)
2. Subtle movements like shoulder rolls, or grounding exercises under their desk
3. Discreet breathing techniques or tapping strategies
These tools build confidence and give students autonomy over their nervous system without calling them out.
Final Thoughts: Coping Skills are Life Skills
The truth is: students won’t remember every math fact or spelling rule, but they will remember how they felt in our spaces. By teaching coping skills with heart and consistency, you’re not just managing behavior, you’re building resilience.
Need ready-to-use coping skills lessons or calm corner printables? Browse my counseling shop for classroom-tested, kid-approved resources you can use tomorrow. You've got this, counselor!
And if you’re looking for more resources, support, and done-for-you tools to help you feel confident, I’d love to have you inside IMPACT: The School Counselor Membership. You’ll find everything you need to start strong and serve your students with confidence.
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