Coping Strategies Vocabulary word search, scramble and crossword puzzl

Coping Strategies Vocabulary word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this coping strategies puzzle set for my 3rd and 4th graders during our social-emotional learning unit. The kids could feel upset but had no idea what words like cope, calm down, or strategy meant when we talked about handling big feelings. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like cope, calm, breathe, relax, walk, talk, draw, write, listen, music, quiet, space, and strategy. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the coping vocabulary finally stick.

The PDF is four pages. Three puzzles plus one answer key page. The word search works well for quiet time after recess or indoor recess. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about whether taking a deep breath actually helps you calm down. The crossword I use for partners or as a review. I added a couple simple calm cloud, breathing star, and ear drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 3rd through 5th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers write one coping strategy they use when they feel upset on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.