Middle School SEL Lesson on Low Mood - Coping Skills Activities for Teens & Game
Grades 6-8
Research-Based
ASCA & CASEL Aligned
Fun and Engaging
Easy to Implement
Digital Download
Supports Pencils of Promise
This digital resource is available to download immediately after purchase.
Help your middle schoolers look beneath a low mood, name what might be causing it and find coping skills that fit them with this Low Mood SEL Lesson for Middle School. Students move, talk with partners and get creative as they sort through possible causes, the behaviors that can show up on the surface and the strategies that help.
The lesson is digital, fully editable and low prep, and it's designed for students in grades 6-8.
Students will learn how to:
⭐ Name common reasons a person might feel down
⭐ Spot behaviors that can come along with a low mood
⭐ Tell the difference between what others can see and what may be going on underneath
⭐ Build a list of healthy coping skills for teens
⭐ Decide which strategies help them most
⭐ Share a favorite strategy and hear what works for classmates
This resource includes:
✔ Editable slide deck (Canva template link, a free account works)
✔ Counselor's guide with teaching tips
✔ Printable Tip of the Iceberg sort with answer key
✔ Movement warm-up, partner sort, coping skill game and group PSA challenge
Engaging activities include:
This or That?
Students walk to whichever side of the room matches their pick between two possible causes, like too much sleep or not enough sleep. It opens the topic without anyone having to share out loud.
Tip of the Iceberg
Partners place the behaviors people can see above the waterline and the possible causes below it.
Coping Skill Game
The class rates strategies such as listening to music, journaling or taking a walk on a 1-5 finger scale, then talks about which ones work best.
Coping Skill PSA Challenge
Small groups create a 60-second public service announcement that persuades classmates to try their favorite strategy, and the class votes on the most convincing one.
Why you'll love this lesson:
⭐ Built for middle school students
⭐ Keeps the whole class up and participating
⭐ Easy to adjust for your school and students
⭐ Works for classroom guidance, advisory, health class or SEL time
A low mood is easier to manage when students understand where it might be coming from. This lesson gives them that understanding, plus strategies they're likely to actually use.
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