Calm and Focus

SHERRI BROWN

Tier 3

Lesson Plan

Calm and Focus

Self Regulation

This lesson introduces ASD nonverbal students to basic self-regulation techniques through a simple breathing exercise and visual aids. It aims to help students recognize and manage their emotions, promoting calmness and focus. This lesson is important as it provides students with tools to better handle stress and improve their emotional well-being.

Audience

ASD Nonverbal Students

Time

10 minutes

Approach

Materials

Visual Aid Cards, and Calm Breathing Exercise Guide

Step 1

Introduction

2 mins

Greet the students warmly and ensure they are comfortable.
Briefly explain that today they will learn a way to feel calm and focused.

Step 2

Breathing Exercise

5 mins

Show the students a visual aid card with a simple breathing pattern (e.g., inhale for 3 seconds, hold for 2 seconds, exhale for 3 seconds).
Guide the students through the breathing exercise, using hand signals or gestures to indicate when to inhale, hold, and exhale.
Repeat the exercise a few times, encouraging students to follow along.

Step 3

Closure

3 mins

Ask students to show a thumbs up if they feel calmer after the exercise.
Reinforce the idea that they can use this breathing technique whenever they feel upset or need to focus.
Thank the students for participating and encourage them to practice the exercise at home.

Worksheet

Visual Aid Cards

These cards provide visual cues for the breathing exercise, helping students follow along with the inhale, hold, and exhale pattern.

Inhale for 3 seconds

Hold for 2 seconds

Exhale for 3 seconds

Reading

Calm Breathing Exercise Guide

A simple guide to help teachers lead the breathing exercise, including tips for using visual aids and gestures.

Calm Breathing Exercise Guide

Objective: Help students practice self-regulation through a breathing exercise.

Materials Needed:

Visual Aid Cards

Instructions:

Show the visual aid card to the students.
Use hand signals to guide the students through the breathing pattern:
- Raise your hand as you inhale for 3 seconds.
- Hold your hand still for 2 seconds.
- Lower your hand as you exhale for 3 seconds.
Repeat the exercise several times, ensuring students are following along.
Encourage students to use this technique whenever they need to calm down or focus.