Calm and Collected: Exploring Zones

Hallie Boviard

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Calm and Collected: Exploring Zones

Calming tools zones of regulation

This lesson introduces kindergarteners to the concept of Zones of Regulation, focusing on calming tools to help them manage their emotions. Through interactive activities and discussions, students will learn to identify different emotional states and practice techniques to calm themselves. This lesson is important as it equips young learners with essential self-regulation skills, fostering emotional awareness and resilience.

Audience

Kindergarteners

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Experiential Learning, Active Learning

Materials

Printable Cards: Zones of Regulation, Discussion Guide: Calming Tools, and Worksheet: My Calming Tools

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

Begin with a brief discussion about feelings and emotions.
Introduce the concept of Zones of Regulation using simple language.
Explain that today we'll learn about tools to help us feel calm.

Step 2

Interactive Discussion

10 minutes

Use the Discussion Guide to talk about different emotions and how they fit into the Zones of Regulation.
Encourage students to share times when they felt different emotions.
Discuss calming tools and how they can help us move to the green zone (calm and focused).

Step 3

Hands-On Activity

10 minutes

Distribute the Printable Cards: Zones of Regulation.
Have students sort the cards into different zones based on the emotions depicted.
Guide them to identify which calming tools could help with each emotion.

Step 4

Reflection and Closure

5 minutes

Hand out the Worksheet: My Calming Tools.
Ask students to draw or write about a calming tool they can use.
Conclude with a group reflection on what they learned and how they can use these tools in their daily lives.

0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Worksheet

Printable Cards: Zones of Regulation

These cards depict various emotions and are used to help students categorize them into different zones of regulation.

Happy

Sad

Angry

Excited

Calm

Frustrated

Tired

Scared

Discussion

Discussion Guide: Calming Tools

This guide helps facilitate a discussion on calming tools and how they can be used to manage emotions.

What are some emotions you feel during the day?

Encourage students to think about different times of the day and what emotions they might feel.

How do you feel when you are in the green zone?

Discuss what it means to be calm and focused, and how it feels physically and emotionally.

What are some tools you can use to help you feel calm?

Guide students to think about breathing exercises, counting, or other calming techniques they might already know.

Worksheet

Worksheet: My Calming Tools

This worksheet allows students to reflect on and illustrate a calming tool they can use.

Draw a picture of a calming tool you can use when you feel upset.

Think about something that helps you feel better, like taking deep breaths or hugging a stuffed animal.