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Life Skills
Section 1: Health and Wellbeing
Module 3:

Stress & Coping

What You'll Learn?

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

Define stress and its causes.
Recognize signs of stress.
Demonstrate healthy coping strategies.
Support peers in stressful times.
Materials
Flipchart
Markers
Sticky notes
Coping Tree template

Methodology

  • Storytelling
  • Brainstorming
  • Group activity
  • Reflection

Introduction

Stress is the body’s reaction to challenges. Positive stress motivates, but excessive stress harms health. Common causes include exams, chores, peer pressure, or financial hardship. Signs: headaches, poor sleep, anger, or isolation. Healthy coping = deep breathing, exercise, prayer, talking, time management. Unhealthy coping = violence, avoidance, substance use. Managing stress builds resilience and emotional control.

Activities

Activity 1: Story — “Exam Week at Soma School”

During exams, Lamin stopped eating breakfast and felt anxious. His friend Haddy suggested studying together, doing short walks, and praying before each paper. With support, Lamin felt calmer and scored well. Their teacher praised them for teamwork.

  • What stress signs did Lamin show?
  • How did Haddy help?
  • What can classmates do for a stressed friend?

Activity 2: The Coping Tree

Write one coping idea on a paper leaf (“talk to my teacher,” “exercise,” “draw”). Leaves form a “Coping Tree” displayed on the wall.

After one week, share which coping strategies you used most.

Key Ideas

Stress:Physical or emotional tension.
Coping:Healthy responses to challenges.
Resilience:Ability to recover from difficulties.

Key Messages

  • Everyone feels stress sometimes.
  • Healthy coping makes you stronger.
  • Supporting friends reduces pressure for all.

Assessment and Reflection

AreaTool / MethodExamples / Indicators
KnowledgeOral quizDefine stress and give examples.
AttitudesJournal / discussionShows empathy to stressed peers.
Skills / BehaviourRole PlayPractice relaxation techniques.
Follow-upOne-week ReflectionReports using a coping skill.

Finished this lesson? Mark it complete, then try the practice questions.