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Art of Self-Regulation: Creating Calming Strategies

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Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan

Students will learn about self-regulation and create personalized calming strategies to manage their emotions effectively.

Understanding self-regulation helps students improve focus, reduce anxiety, and build emotional resilience critical for academic and personal success.

Audience

4th and 5th Grade Elementary School Students

Time

45-60 minutes

Approach

Interactive, creative, and reflective activities guide students in exploring emotions and calming techniques.

Materials

Slide Deck: Self-Regulation Overview, and Activity: Calming Toolkit Creation

Prep

Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to Self-Regulation

10 minutes

  • Begin with a discussion on emotions and why managing them is important.
  • Use the Slide Deck: Self-Regulation Overview to introduce key self-regulation strategies.
  • Ask students to share times they felt overwhelmed and discuss simple ways to calm down.

Step 2

Calming Toolkit Activity

25 minutes

  • Explain the activity where each student will create a personal calming toolkit.
  • Guide students through selecting calming strategies, drawing or listing items that help them settle (like deep breathing, counting, or imagining a happy place).
  • Encourage creativity and personal expression in their kit designs using art supplies.
  • Circulate the room providing support and encouraging discussion.

Step 3

Reflection and Sharing

10 minutes

  • Invite students to share parts of their toolkit with a partner or small group.
  • Facilitate a brief class discussion on what strategies they might use in challenging moments.
  • Summarize the lesson by reinforcing the value of knowing personal strategies for self-regulation.
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Slide Deck

What is Self-Regulation?

Self-regulation is the ability to manage our thoughts, emotions, and actions, especially when we feel upset or overwhelmed.

Introduce the concept of self-regulation. Emphasize that self-regulation means managing our emotions and reactions, and that it helps us feel better and think clearly.

Examples of Calming Strategies

• Taking deep breaths
• Counting slowly
• Imagining a peaceful place
• Stretching or moving gently

Present some common examples of self-regulation like pausing, deep breaths, and counting. Let students know these are tools they can use anytime.

When Can We Use These Strategies?

Think about moments when you're upset or frustrated. How could these techniques help you feel better?

Engage the class with a brief group discussion pausing to reflect on when they've used such strategies.

Key Takeaways

• Self-regulation helps us manage our emotions.
• There are many strategies available to calm down.
• Practice makes it easier to use these tools in daily life.

Summarize key points. Reinforce that self-regulation is like a superpower we can build over time with practice.

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Activity

Activity: Calming Toolkit Creation

In this activity, you will create your very own calming toolkit. This toolkit is a collection of strategies and items that help you feel peaceful when you're upset or stressed.

Materials Needed

  • Paper and pencil
  • Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
  • Any additional items you think might be calming (stickers, photos, etc.)

Instructions

  1. Think:

    • Take a moment to think about a time when you felt upset or frustrated. What did you do to feel better?


    • Write down or draw your feelings.

  2. Plan Your Toolkit:

    • List or draw three calming strategies that work for you (for example, deep breathing, imagining a peaceful place, or counting slowly).


    • Consider other items you could include that remind you to pause and relax (such as a favorite calming color or a symbol of strength).

  3. Design and Create:

    • On a new sheet of paper, design your calming toolkit. You can create a box, a jar, or even a folder - it's up to your imagination!


    • Decorate it with drawings, colors, and words that make you feel calm and safe.

  4. Personal Touch:

    • Add a special note or a quote that inspires you to stay calm. This could be something you say to yourself or a favorite saying.

Sharing and Reflection

  • Once you've finished your toolkit, pair up with a classmate and share one of your calming strategies. Explain why you chose it and how it helps you feel better.


  • As a class, discuss the different tools you all have in your toolkits and talk about ideas you might want to add in the future.

Reflection Questions

  • What part of creating your calming toolkit did you enjoy the most?


  • How do you think these strategies can help you when you feel upset or stressed?


  • Can you share a moment when you felt calm using one of these strategies?

Enjoy creating your unique calming toolkit and remember: your toolkit is a reminder that you have the power to calm your mind and emotions anytime, anywhere!

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