The PBIS World Book

Teach Coping Skills

Why should I do it:

  • Improves kids self-confidence and self-esteem
  • Increases instruction time
  • Improves students’ independence
  • Helps students to be more assertive
  • Decreases the time it takes to deal with students’ crises, issues, meltdowns, etc
  • Provides students a good life long skills
  • Helps to empower students
  • Improves behaviors
  • Improves student problem solving
  • Helps student empowerment

When should I do it:

  • All students should be taught coping skills and they should regularly be modeled for all students
  • When a student frequently has melt downs, falls apart, cries, experiences anxiety, has issues with friends
  • When students seem to have trouble handling criticism, failure, disappointment, conflict, decision-making, etc
  • When students have trouble appropriately expressing emotions, like sadness, disappointment, frustration, happiness, excitement, etc
  • When you are having to frequently stop to console, encourage, or settle kids down

How do I do it:

  • IMPORTANT NOTE!
    • At the Tier 1 Level, think of doing coping lessons and interventions for the whole class or groups
    • At the Tier 2 level, think of doing coping lessons and interventions for groups and individuals
    • At the Tier 3 level, think of customizing specific coping lessons and interventions for specific students
  • Depending on the situation, need, and child, there are numerous ways to teach kids coping skills
  • Always try to use active listening skills
  • Use a clam tone
  • Be firm when necessary and set boundaries
  • Use support and resources below for specific lesson plans, ideas, strategies, and skills

Resources & Support for technique: