Lesson Plan
Superhero Coping Tools Lesson Plan
Students will identify and practice at least five coping strategies and create a personalized ‘Superhero Toolbox’ illustrating how to use them.
This lesson equips students with essential emotional regulation tools, helping them manage stress and emotions effectively while fostering empathy and a supportive classroom community.
Audience
4th Grade Elementary Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Model, practice, and personalize coping strategies through a creative activity.
Materials
- Chart Paper, - Markers, - Colored Pencils or Crayons, - Superhero Toolbox Worksheet, and - Coping Skills Visual Cards
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Print enough copies of the Superhero Toolbox Worksheet for each student
- Prepare and review the Coping Skills Visual Cards
- Gather chart paper and markers for whole-class discussion
- Organize colored pencils or crayons at each student desk
- Familiarize yourself with each coping strategy on the cards
Step 1
Introduction to Coping Skills
5 minutes
- Gather students and introduce the concept of emotions and stress
- Ask: “What is something that makes you feel worried or upset?”
- Display the Coping Skills Visual Cards
- Invite volunteers to name cards they recognize and discuss why those strategies help
- Record ideas and definitions on chart paper
Step 2
Demonstration: Building a Superhero Toolbox
5 minutes
- Show a blank chart titled “My Superhero Toolbox”
- Model selecting one coping strategy from the visual cards and placing it in the toolbox
- Explain: “When I feel angry, I can take deep breaths—my Superhero Breather!”
- Emphasize that everyone’s toolbox is unique
Step 3
Student Superhero Toolbox Creation
15 minutes
- Distribute the Superhero Toolbox Worksheet and coloring supplies
- Instruct students to draw a toolbox and decorate it like a superhero’s
- Have them choose and write at least five coping strategies around or inside the toolbox
- Encourage creativity in naming each tool (e.g., “Calm Cape,” “Focus Flashlight”)
- Circulate to support and prompt deeper thinking about when to use each tool
Step 4
Sharing and Reflection
5 minutes
- Invite 4–5 students to share one coping tool and explain how they’ll use it
- Reinforce each contribution with positive feedback
- Ask: “Which tool do you think will help you most this week?”
- Collect worksheets and display select work in the classroom as a reminder
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Slide Deck
Superhero Coping Tools
Managing stress and emotions like a superhero!
Welcome students! Today we’ll learn how to manage our feelings and stress like superheroes. We’ll explore what coping skills are and build our very own Superhero Toolbox filled with powerful tools. Let’s get started!
What Are Coping Skills?
Coping skills are strategies we use to feel better when we’re stressed, worried, or upset.
Ask: “What is something that makes you feel worried or upset?” Record answers on chart paper. Introduce the term coping skills: strategies to help us feel better when emotions get big.
Coping Skills Examples
• Deep Breathing – Superhero Breather
• Counting to Ten – Focus Flashlight
• Stretching – Mighty Stretch
• Drawing – Creative Shield
• Talking with a Friend – Support Signal
Display the Coping Skills Visual Cards. Invite volunteers to name a card and explain why it might help. Add definitions and student examples on the board.
Building Your Superhero Toolbox
“When I feel angry, I can take deep breaths—my Superhero Breather!”
Draw a blank toolbox chart titled “My Superhero Toolbox.” Model picking one strategy (deep breaths) and placing it in the toolbox. Explain: “When I feel angry, I can take deep breaths—my Superhero Breather!” Emphasize that everyone’s toolbox is unique.
Your Turn: Create Your Toolbox
- Grab your Superhero Toolbox Worksheet and coloring tools.
- Draw and decorate your superhero toolbox.
- Choose and name at least 5 coping strategies.
- Write or draw each tool inside or around your toolbox.
Distribute the Superhero Toolbox Worksheet and coloring supplies. Read each step aloud. Circulate to encourage creativity and prompt students to think about when they’ll use each tool.
Sharing and Reflection
Share one tool and explain how you’ll use it. Which tool will help you most this week?
Invite 4–5 students to share one tool and how they’ll use it. Provide positive feedback and record key ideas on chart paper. Ask: “Which tool will help you most this week?” Collect worksheets to display.
Keep Using Your Superhero Toolbox
Take your toolbox home and use it whenever you need! Superpowers are strongest when practiced.
Remind students to keep their toolbox where they can see it and use their tools whenever they need them. Encourage practicing these strategies to build strong emotional superpowers!
Worksheet
Superhero Toolbox Worksheet
Instructions
- Draw and decorate your very own Superhero Toolbox in the space below. Make it look powerful and unique—as if you could carry your coping tools to any challenge!
- Below, list at least five coping tools for your toolbox. For each tool, give it a creative superhero name, describe what the tool does, and explain when you’ll use it.
- Tool Name: _______________________________
What it does: _______________________________
When I’ll use it: _____________________________ - Tool Name: _______________________________
What it does: _______________________________
When I’ll use it: _____________________________ - Tool Name: _______________________________
What it does: _______________________________
When I’ll use it: _____________________________ - Tool Name: _______________________________
What it does: _______________________________
When I’ll use it: _____________________________ - Tool Name: _______________________________
What it does: _______________________________
When I’ll use it: _____________________________
(Bonus) Add more tools if you have extra ideas!
- Reflection: Which one of your Superhero Tools do you think will help you the most this week? Why?
Use the Coping Skills Visual Cards if you need inspiration for different strategies.
Activity
Coping Skills Visual Cards
These cards provide clear, kid-friendly visuals and descriptions of coping strategies. Print and cut out each card for classroom use.
Card 1: Superhero Breather (Deep Breathing)
Visual: 🫁 Superhero cape with breeze lines
Description: Take slow, deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. This helps calm your body when you feel upset.
Card 2: Focus Flashlight (Counting to Ten)
Visual: 🔦 Flashlight shining on numbers 1–10
Description: Slowly count from 1 to 10 in your head. This gives your mind a moment to relax and refocus.
Card 3: Mighty Stretch (Stretching)
Visual: 🦸♂️ Hero reaching arms overhead
Description: Stand up and stretch your arms, legs, and back. Stretching releases tension and boosts energy.
Card 4: Creative Shield (Drawing or Coloring)
Visual: 🛡️ Shield with crayons around it
Description: Draw or color a picture of your feelings. Art can help you express emotions without words.
Card 5: Support Signal (Talking with a Friend or Trusted Adult)
Visual: 📞 Two superheroes chatting
Description: Talk to someone you trust about how you feel. Sharing helps lighten your emotional load.
Card 6: Power-Up Talk (Positive Self-Talk)
Visual: 💬 Speech bubble with “I can do this!”
Description: Say kind, encouraging words to yourself (e.g., “I am strong,” “I can handle this”). Positive talk boosts confidence.
Feel free to add more cards with other strategies, like listening to music or taking a mindful walk.