Coping Skills Activities For Kids That Students Will Love
Need coping skills activities for kids?
I’ve got you covered, and your students will absolutely love these ideas.
Everyone needs a little help sometimes, and students are no exception.
As a school counselor, I know how crucial it is to help students develop strong coping skills to manage their emotions.
Whether they're facing stress, frustration, or the everyday ups and downs of life, teaching kids coping strategies is one of the most powerful ways we can support their emotional well-being.
In this blog article, I’ll share some practical coping skills activities for kids, along with tips and resources to help you guide students in building resilience and emotional regulation.
In a rush?
➡️ Then check out these coping skills activities for kids listed in my TeachersPayTeachers store.
About the Author
This post, crafted by Counselor Jess.
Hi, I’m Jess! I’m an Elementary School Counselor and LPC in San Antonio, Texas.
I’m also a mom to an amazing6-year-old little boy who lights up my world!
I love creating lessons, activities, and resources that are simple, engaging, and ready to use instantly.
As a school counselor, I know how packed your schedule is.
My goal is to save you time so you can focus on what you love and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
I hope this site becomes your go-to for simplifying your school counseling journey!
What Are Coping Skills and Why Do Kids Need Them?
Coping skills are strategies kids can use to manage their emotions when they encounter challenges, stress, or overwhelming situations. Think of them as emotional "tools" kids can use to navigate tough times. When we teach coping skills, we're not just helping kids "calm down" in the moment—we're giving them the foundation to manage stress, build resilience, and thrive in the long run.
These skills are essential for students, especially when dealing with big emotions like anxiety, frustration, and anger. When kids learn to recognize their feelings and respond in healthy ways, it sets them up for success both in school and life.
The Importance of Teaching Coping Skills Early
As a counselor, I’ve seen firsthand how teaching coping skills early can make a huge difference in students’ lives. When children have coping mechanisms they can rely on, they become more confident, resilient, and capable of handling future stressors.
Teaching coping skills is about more than preventing meltdowns; it’s about helping students become more self-aware and emotionally intelligent. By introducing coping activities into your classroom or counseling sessions, you're giving students tools they’ll use for a lifetime.
➡️ If you’re brand new to teaching coping skills, this resource will be so helpful.
Top Coping Skills Activities For Kids
In my experience, activities that engage kids in hands-on learning are the best way to teach coping skills. Here are a few of my go-to activities that can be easily incorporated into your classroom or counseling sessions:
Breathing Exercises and Mindfulness Games Deep breathing is one of the most effective coping strategies, especially for young children. Simple breathing techniques, like "smell the flower, blow out the candle," can be a calming tool when students feel anxious or overwhelmed. You can also incorporate short mindfulness games like "5-4-3-2-1," which helps kids focus on their surroundings and take a mental break.
Coping Skills Toolbox Encourage kids to create their own "Coping Skills Toolbox," where they gather tools they can use when they feel upset. This might include stress balls, a list of calming activities, or a favorite book. The key is to give them options they can easily access when needed.
Feelings Check-In and Reflection Journals A great way to help kids reflect on their emotions is through daily or weekly feelings check-ins. Have students rate their emotions on a scale from 1-10, or choose from a list of feelings words. Following up with journal prompts like "What made you feel this way?" and "What coping skill can help?" provides a great opportunity for emotional exploration.
Coping Skills Games Games are a fun way to reinforce coping skills! One of my favorite activities is a coping skills matching game, where students match emotional situations with appropriate coping strategies. It’s a great way to practice real-world applications of coping skills in a low-pressure, playful setting.
Why Coping Skills Activities Work
Incorporating coping skills activities into your classroom or counseling sessions makes emotional regulation fun and interactive. When kids engage with these activities, they build a deeper understanding of their emotions and how to manage them.
One of my favorite resources for teaching kids about self-regulation and coping skills is This Coping Skills Classroom Lesson. This no-prep lesson is perfect for Kindergarten through 3rd-grade students. It’s designed to help kids understand their anger, recognize how it affects their bodies, and learn effective strategies to calm down. By combining storytelling with interactive activities, this resource makes learning about emotions both educational and engaging.
Practical Tips For Implementing Coping Skills Activities
Start Small: If you’re new to teaching coping skills, begin with one or two simple activities and incorporate them into your routine. Try a quick daily check-in, or introduce a calming corner with tools like stress balls and breathing exercises.
Be Consistent: The more regularly you practice coping skills with your students, the more natural they’ll become. Make them a regular part of your classroom routine, especially during transitions, after recess, or before a big test.
Model Coping Skills: As a counselor or teacher, you are a role model for your students. Show them how you use coping skills in real-life situations. Whether it’s taking a deep breath during stressful moments or using a journal to reflect, modeling these behaviors encourages students to try them too.
Encourage Creativity: Let kids get creative with their coping strategies. Some may prefer art or journaling, while others might like physical activities like stretching or walking. Let them explore different options to find what works best for them.
More Resources to Help Support Coping Skills In Your Program
If you're looking to dive deeper into teaching coping skills, there are plenty of fantastic resources available to help. Books, mindfulness apps, and online tools can reinforce what you’re teaching in the classroom.
Additionally, if you’re looking for a no-prep resource to get started, check out my Coping Skills Activities for Kids. This resource is designed to be easy to implement and effective for building emotional regulation skills in your students.
Conclusion: Empower Your Kids With Coping Skills
Teaching coping skills is one of the most valuable tools we can give our students. By providing them with a variety of strategies to manage their emotions, we’re not just helping them in the moment; we’re equipping them for life.
Whether you’re new to teaching coping skills or looking to add more tools to your toolkit, I hope this post has inspired you to get started. With the right resources and consistent practice, your students will be well on their way to becoming emotionally intelligent, resilient, and confident individuals.
