Mental Health & Coping Strategy Scenarios for Kids

This SEL lesson includes 56 scenario cards which explores key themes of mental health. Through this social emotional learning activity, students are encouraged to reflect and gain insight on mental health themes and explore helpful coping strategies to support good mental health. In addition, a one page handout about What is Mental Health is included to initiate discussion about mental heath.

✎✎✎ Topics Covered:

• Bullying
• Family dynamics and changes
• Grief and loss
• Anxiety and stress
• Academic pressures
• Peer pressure
• Perfectionism
• Cheating
• Gossiping
• Self-esteem and body image
• Sensitive to criticism

It is important for children to learn about mental health because it helps students develop good habits of self-care. Learning about mental health at an early age can help children develop the skills and knowledge they need to build and maintain good mental health throughout their lives. It can also help them feel more comfortable talking about their feelings and asking for help when they need it.

This resource encourages conversations about mental health and self care by realistic and relatable scenarios and reflective questions. By reflecting on these situations and discussing the questions, children can learn about key mental health themes that are prevalent and ultimately reduce the stigma associated with mental health, making it easier for children to seek help if and when they need it.

THIS MINI LESSON IS A GREAT ADDITION TO YOUR COUNSELING OR SEL LESSONS! GREAT FOR INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP WORK.