Keep Calm and Puzzle On!

Are your students feeling puzzled by the peculiar (and uncomfortable) feeling of stress? Things like family dynamics, friendship hiccups, changes in routines, and other external stressors can impact preteens’ emotional well-being. They require guidance on how to cope with these stressors effectively.

To play, students match each picture to the correct coping strategy name and description to complete each puzzle. They then check their answers using the provided answer key.

Through this activity, students will show their ability to apply strategies to manage emotions and analyze how emotional responses influence interactions with others.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource and understand that each student is on their own social and emotional learning journey. 

To assist students who are struggling with identifying which are helpful strategies, work in a small group and demonstrate through nonverbal communication or through acting how each response might look in real life. 

Ways to Use Puzzles in the Classroom: 

This versatile game can be used a variety of ways in your learning space. Why not use it as a:

• Guided group activity for students requiring some extra support with emotional regulation
• ELA rotation to develop oral communication skills
• Fast-finisher activity for students who complete class tasks early

Easily Prepare This Managing Stress Activity

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. An answer key is also included with this download. 

Print on cardboard for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

This Health resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a teacher in Michigan and Teach Starter Collaborator. 

For more curriculum-aligned resources for your Health lessons, take a look at these:

teaching resource

Managing Stress Social Stories Interactive Activity

Share this relaxing and calming interactive activity with your students to help them to differentiate between helpful and unhelpful strategies for coping with stress.

teaching resource

Managing Stress Game Show Interactive

Set up a gameshow in your classroom to reinforce your students’ ability to recognize and cope effectively with stress!

teaching resource

Responding to Stress: Small Group Skit Project

This small-group project lets students apply what they've learned about combatting stress by demonstrating practical coping skills.