A role playing technique designed to promote good mental health in exceptional children is described. It is explained that the life coping skills approach emphasizes that exceptional children are first of all children. A sequence for guiding role playing is provided (building comfort, building involvement, introducing interaction among players, adding dialogue, involving the class, and using role play in the classroom). Ten tips on role playing are listed. Appended material describes role playing activities for educable mentally handicapped, trainable mentally handicapped, orthopedically handicapped, learning disabled/emotionally handicapped, gifted and talented, and preschool handicapped children. (CL)