Teachers’ Perceptions of Feel Good Friends Coping Skills Guide for K-1 Students to Embed Preventative Mental Health into School Routine

Authors: Breanna Ciardullo, OTD, OTR/L; Donna Latella, EdD, OTR/L; Melissa Olson, OTD, MS, SpEd/AT, OTR/L

Conference/Event Name: AOTA Inspire 2025
Date of Presentation: April 5th, 2025

The created project, Feel Good Friends Coping Skills Guide, aimed to provide kindergarten and first grade educators with foundational knowledge and Tier I interactive activities to embed positive coping skills and social-emotional learning principles into daily routines. By increasing educators’ knowledge and confidence in promoting positive mental health, the program supports students in developing their emotional awareness, improving behavior, and using healthy strategies to recognize and manage their thoughts and emotions.