Let’s be real—coping skills are life skills. And for our students, especially those facing challenges related to trauma or executive functioning delays, those skills can make or break their day.
We’ve all seen it: one student shuts down when they get a math problem wrong, another lashes out when asked to transition, and yet another pretends not to care at all. These aren’t just behaviors—they’re coping strategies. And while some strategies help kids regulate and grow, others do the opposite, deepening stress and disruption.
As teachers, we play a huge role in helping kids identify, practice, and reinforce positive coping mechanisms. And when we approach this through a trauma-informed lens, we empower students not just to survive, but to thrive.
Coping strategies are the tools and techniques we use to handle stress, emotions, and everyday challenges. For kids, these might be conscious choices (“I need to take deep breaths”) or more automatic reactions (“I’m going to hide under my desk because this is too much”).
Coping skills are deeply connected to executive functioning—the brain’s ability to manage tasks like emotional regulation, attention, flexibility, and self-control. For many students, especially those with ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, or trauma histories, executive functioning can be delayed or disrupted.
That’s where you come in.
Kids who have experienced trauma—whether it’s from neglect, abuse, instability, or even medical challenges—often have heightened stress responses. They might struggle to trust, to feel safe, or to regulate emotions. And when their brain is stuck in “fight, flight, or freeze” mode, learning becomes nearly impossible.
A trauma-informed approach means recognizing that behavior is communication, not defiance. It’s understanding that dysregulation is not disrespect. It’s meeting students where they are, offering support instead of punishment, and teaching them the skills they need to cope in healthier ways.
These are the kinds of strategies we want to actively model, teach, and reinforce. They help students regulate their emotions, stay in control, and navigate stress in ways that support their development:
Deep breathing, belly breathing, or square breathing can all help students calm their nervous system and re-center in the moment.
Stretching, walking, dancing, or sensory movement helps kids release built-up energy and re-engage their brains.
Journaling, sketching, or simply scribbling feelings out is a creative and effective emotional release.
Techniques like 5-4-3-2-1 grounding (naming 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, etc.) help students reconnect with the present.
This one can be especially hard for kids, but knowing when and how to ask for help is a powerful self-regulation tool.
Whether with a teacher, counselor, or trusted friend, verbalizing feelings builds connection and emotional literacy.
Fidgets, calm-down jars, headphones, and timers—when used intentionally, these tools support self-regulation and focus.
These strategies might offer temporary relief, but they don’t support long-term emotional growth, and often lead to bigger issues over time:
Whether it’s hiding under a desk or refusing to start work, avoidance can become a default when challenges feel overwhelming.
Hitting, yelling, or throwing things might be how some kids express stress, but these responses put others at risk and damage relationships.
Sometimes, kids internalize their struggles in harmful ways—scratching, hitting themselves, or engaging in other forms of self-injury.
While a good laugh is great, using humor to avoid difficult feelings or situations can prevent deeper growth.
Saying “yes” to everything or masking real feelings to avoid conflict can seem like compliance but often hides anxiety or low self-worth.
Shutting down, dissociating, or completely checking out during class can be a sign of emotional overwhelm, not apathy.
You don’t need to be a therapist to make a difference. Just being intentional about the environment you create and the responses you give can shift everything.
Here’s how you can start:
When kids learn healthy coping strategies, you’re not just helping them make it through the day—you’re giving them tools they’ll use for life. And when we view behavior through the lens of trauma and executive functioning, we can respond with compassion and strategy instead of frustration.
Every time you model calm, offer a break, or celebrate a student who chose to take deep breaths instead of storming out, you’re planting seeds of resilience. And that’s powerful.
Because at the end of the day, helping kids learn how to cope is one of the most meaningful things we do as educators.
Writing IEPs doesn’t have to be overwhelming! The Intentional IEP gives you the tools, training, and resources to turn IEP chaos into clarity. With access to 10,000+ data-backed, standards-aligned goals, expert-led trainings, and ready-to-use data collection tools, you’ll save time, reduce stress, and feel confident in every IEP you write. Join today and transform your IEP process!
© The Intentional IEP. 2025. All rights reserved.
