Feelings Check-In Cards

Use these cards to help students name and share their current emotion. Print and cut along the outlines so each student receives one card.

Card Faces (front):

• Happy 🙂
• Sad ☹️
• Angry 😠
• Scared 😨
• Excited 😃
• Tired 😴
• Worried 😟
• Calm 😌

Card Prompt (back):
"I feel [emotion] today because..."
(Students share one word aloud.)

Distribute one card per student. Give each student a moment to think, then invite volunteers to share the emotion word they chose and one reason why. Validate each response before moving into the main lesson.

Calm-Down Stations Tour Guides

Use these station guides to help students practice different self-regulation strategies in small groups. Rotate every 2 minutes until each group has visited all stations. Provide a timer or signal to cue rotations.

Station Setup

• Divide the room into three areas and label each with a station number.
• At each station, place a clearly visible card with the station title, materials list, and step-by-step instructions.
• Provide a central timer (class clock or phone on speaker) and a gentle signal (e.g., chime) to mark rotations.

Rotation Instructions (for Teacher)

1. Assign students to three groups and have each group start at a different station.
2. Start the timer for 2 minutes and invite students to follow the station card instructions.
3. When the signal sounds, students silently rotate clockwise to the next station.
4. Repeat until all groups have visited each station.
5. Circulate to observe and offer praise or assistance as needed.

Station 1: Breathing Corner

Materials:

• Headphones and soft instrumental music playlist
• Visual breathing prompt (e.g., a printed “belly breathing” diagram)

Instructions:

1. Put on headphones and play the soft music quietly.
2. Sit comfortably and place one hand on your belly.
3. Breathe in for 3 seconds (feel your belly rise), then out for 3 seconds (feel your belly fall).
4. Repeat until the timer rings.

Station 2: Stress Ball Squeeze

Materials:

• A set of small stress balls or fidget squeezes (1 per student)
• Hand wiping cloths or sanitizing spray for hygiene

Instructions:

1. Take a stress ball and hold it in one hand.
2. Squeeze the ball really tight for a count of 5.
3. Release slowly for a count of 5, noticing how your hand and arm relax.
4. Switch hands and repeat.
5. Continue until the timer rings.

Station 3: Quiet Reading Spot

Materials:

• A small selection of picture books or comics
• Cushions or a soft rug for comfortable seating

Instructions:

1. Choose a book and find a cozy spot.
2. Read silently, paying attention to the pictures and words.
3. If you notice your mind wandering or feeling fidgety, take three deep breaths before returning to reading.
4. Read until the timer rings.

After all rotations, reconvene as a class for the Tips & Tricks Share-Out Prompt Cards.

Tips & Tricks Share-Out

Use this discussion guide to help students reflect and share their favorite calm-down tools. Students will work in pairs to practice listening and speaking, then share highlights with the whole class.

Materials

• Tips & Tricks Share-Out Prompt Cards (cut into individual cards)
• Timer or signal for turn taking
• Optional: recording sheet or notebook for student notes

Discussion Steps

1. Pair Up (1 minute)
   Have students find a partner. Explain that each pair will take turns reading and responding to a prompt card.

2. Distribute Prompt Cards (1 minute)
   Give each pair 2–3 prompt cards from Tips & Tricks Share-Out Prompt Cards. If pairs finish early, rotate cards among groups.

3. Partner Share (3 minutes)

   • Student A reads the prompt aloud.
   • Student B responds, using a sentence starter if needed:
     • “I liked ___ station because ___.”
     • “This tool helped me by ___.”
   • Switch roles for the next prompt.
   • Encourage eye contact, active listening, and positive feedback.

4. Whole-Class Share (1 minute)
   Invite 3–4 pairs to share one key insight:

   • Which tool they liked best
   • How it helped
   • When they might use it again

5. Reflection & Connection
   Highlight common themes and praise students for using kind words and listening skills. Remind them to use these tools whenever they feel a big emotion.

Prompt Card Examples

Cut these into cards so each student pair gets a mix:

Card 1: Favorite Station
“Which calm-down station did you like best and why?”

Card 2: How It Helped
“Describe how using that tool changed how you felt.”

Card 3: Future Use
“When could you use this tool again in school or at home?”

Card 4: Teach a Friend
“How would you explain this tool to a friend who’s never tried it?”

Card 5: New Idea
“Think of one more calm-down tool idea. What would it be?”

Card 6: Kind Words Reminder
“Share one positive self-talk phrase you can say when you feel upset.”

After cards are discussed and shared, celebrate students’ insights and encourage them to keep practicing these tools!

Reflection Exit Ticket

Use this sheet to reflect on your practice today. You can write words, draw pictures, or do both!

Name: _______________________ Date: ________________

1. One feeling I managed today was:
   
   
   
   

2. The tool I used was:
   
   
   
   

3. This tool helped me by:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Thank you for sharing! I'll review your reflections to see which strategies are helping you most.