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Calm, Cool, and Collected

Lesson Plan

Coping Strategies for Big Feelings

Students will identify big feelings and learn three simple coping strategies—story-based recognition, a calming song, and breathing with a buddy—so they can manage emotions in the moment.

Young children often feel overwhelmed by big emotions. Introducing playful, concrete strategies helps them recognize feelings and self-regulate, leading to better focus, social skills, and emotional resilience.

Audience

PreK–Kindergarten

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Interactive story, song, and breathing practice

Materials

Big Feelings Story Cards, Calm Down Song Video, Breathing Buddies Guide, Feeling Thermometer Poster, Soft Toy or Plush Ball, and Colored Mats or Carpet Squares

Prep

Review and Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Welcome and Emotion Check-In

2 minutes

  • Invite children to sit on their mats in a circle.
  • Greet each child by name and ask, "How are you feeling today?"
  • Show the Feeling Thermometer Poster and have one child point to their emotion level.

Step 2

Story Time: Big Feelings

5 minutes

  • Introduce the Big Feelings Story Cards.
  • Read each card, prompting children: "When do you feel like this?"
  • After each card, ask, "What could help calm you if you felt that way?" to build connection.

Step 3

Song and Movement: Calm Down Song

5 minutes

  • Play the Calm Down Song Video.
  • Teach children the chorus and accompanying hand motions.
  • Encourage them to stand and move on their mats as they sing along.
  • Repeat twice for mastery.

Step 4

Practice Breathing Buddies

4 minutes

  • Hand each child a soft toy or plush ball as their "breathing buddy."
  • Follow the steps in the Breathing Buddies Guide:
    • Place the buddy on your belly.
    • Breathe in slowly to lift the buddy.
    • Breathe out to lower the buddy.
  • Model three slow breaths, then invite children to try.

Step 5

Reflection and Closing

4 minutes

  • Gather children back in a circle on their mats.
  • Ask, "Which strategy did you like best: story, song, or breathing?"
  • Invite each child to share one technique they will try when they feel a big emotion.
  • Sing a short goodbye verse of the Calm Down Song as a transition to the next activity.
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Slide Deck

Coping Strategies for Big Feelings

Today we will:

  • Identify big feelings
  • Learn a calming story strategy
  • Sing a relaxing song
  • Practice breathing with a buddy
    Let’s have fun learning how to feel calm and safe!

Welcome! Introduce today’s focus: learning three fun coping strategies for big feelings. Make eye contact and speak slowly. Show enthusiasm to engage young learners.

Feeling Thermometer

Use our Feeling Thermometer to show how you feel:

  • 💖 Happy/Calm (Top)
  • 🙂 Content
  • 😐 Okay
  • 😟 Worried
  • 😢 Sad/Angry (Bottom)

Point to each color on the Feeling Thermometer as you name the emotion. Invite one child to come up and point to how they feel today.

Big Feelings Story Time

Look at these Story Cards and think:

  • When do I feel this way?
  • What could help me calm down?
    Take turns sharing your ideas!

Hold up each Story Card as you read. After each card, pause and ask, “When do you feel like this?” and “What might help you feel better?”

Cue the Calm Down Song Video. Teach the chorus and fun hand motions. Encourage standing on your mat and moving gently.

Calm Down Song Lyrics

Take a deep breath in… (inhale)
And let it out again… (exhale)
Clap your hands and stomp your feet…
Now you’re calm and feeling neat!

Display lyrics clearly. Lead the class in one round of singing with hand gestures.

Breathing Buddies

  1. Place your buddy on your belly
  2. Breathe in slowly—watch it rise
  3. Breathe out gently—watch it fall
    Repeat three times together!

Model placing the plush ball on your belly. Demonstrate three slow breaths. Walk around to support each child and praise great breathing.

Reflection & Goodbye

Which strategy did you like most?

  • Story
  • Song
  • Breathing
    Share one you’ll use next time!
    Sing the goodbye verse: “Goodbye friends, see you soon, breathe in calm beneath the moon!”

Gather children in a circle. Prompt each to share which strategy they liked best. End with the goodbye verse of the Calm Down Song.

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Lesson Plan

Following Directions and Routines

Students will practice following classroom directions and learn daily routines using a visual schedule, song, and interactive games to build self-management skills.

Establishing clear routines and following directions helps young learners feel secure, supports attention, and reduces disruptions, fostering independence and confidence in the classroom.

Audience

PreK–Kindergarten

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Visual schedule, song, and interactive Simon Says

Materials

Visual Classroom Schedule Cards, Directions and Routine Song Video, Simon Says Cards, Routine Chart Printable, Colored Props or Manipulatives, and Chart Paper and Marker

Prep

Prepare Routine Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Welcome and Routine Check-In

2 minutes

  • Invite children to sit in a circle on the carpet.
  • Greet each child and ask them to name one thing they do every morning at school.
  • Point to the first card on the schedule and briefly discuss its routine.

Step 2

Introduce Visual Classroom Schedule

4 minutes

  • Show the Visual Classroom Schedule Cards in order.
  • Describe each routine (e.g., "First we read, then we snack, next we play").
  • Mix up three cards and have students help you reorder them correctly.

Step 3

Directions and Routine Song

5 minutes

  • Play the Directions and Routine Song Video.
  • Teach the chorus and matching actions for each routine.
  • Encourage children to stand, sing along, and perform the actions together.

Step 4

Simon Says Routine Game

5 minutes

  • Hold up a card from the Simon Says Cards showing a routine or action.
  • Lead the game: say "Simon says [action]" (e.g., "Simon says wash your hands").
  • Students perform only when you start with "Simon says."
  • Alternate commands with and without "Simon says" to practice attentive listening.

Step 5

Practice with Routine Chart

3 minutes

  • Distribute the Routine Chart Printable to each child.
  • Guide them to circle or sticker the routines in the correct order.
  • Invite a few volunteers to share their chart with the class.

Step 6

Reflection and Closing

1 minute

  • Gather students in a circle and ask, "Which routine do you like best?"
  • Reinforce the importance of following our classroom schedule.
  • Sing a quick goodbye verse of the routine song to close the session.
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Slide Deck

Following Directions & Routines

Today we will:

  • Review our classroom routines
  • Practice with our visual schedule
  • Sing the directions song
  • Play Simon Says
  • Complete a routine chart activity

Welcome! Introduce today’s focus: following directions and learning our daily routines. Engage students by asking what they do each morning. Use their responses to connect to our schedule.

Visual Classroom Schedule

Use our visual schedule to show what happens next:

  • Morning Meeting
  • Snack Time
  • Learning Centers
  • Clean-Up & Goodbye

Display the Visual Classroom Schedule Cards in order. Describe each step as you point to the card. Then mix up three cards and have students help you reorder them correctly.

Cue the Directions and Routine Song Video. Teach the chorus and matching actions for each part of our routine. Encourage students to stand and perform each action.

Directions & Routine Song Lyrics

First we sit and greet the day…
Then we wash our hands in play…
Next we line up nice and neat…
All together can’t be beat!

Display the lyrics on the screen. Lead the class in singing with movements that match each line.

Simon Says Routine Game

  • Hold up a card from Simon Says Cards
  • Follow only if you hear “Simon says”
  • Practice routines: wash hands, line up, sit quietly
  • Listen carefully and have fun!

Explain the rules of Simon Says. Hold up cards from the Simon Says Cards. Lead students to respond only when you say “Simon says.”

Routine Chart Activity

  • Use the Routine Chart Printable
  • Circle or place stickers on routines
  • Arrange them in order
  • Show your chart to a friend

Hand out the Routine Chart Printable. Guide students to circle or sticker each routine in the correct order. Invite volunteers to share their charts.

Reflection & Goodbye

Which routine did you like most?
Share one thing you learned.
Sing our goodbye verse:
“Goodbye friends, we did so well,
Following routines—can’t you tell?”

Gather everyone back in a circle. Ask, “Which routine did you like best?” Reinforce how following routines helps us learn. Close by singing a quick goodbye verse of our song.

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Lesson Plan

Impulse Control Adventures

Students will practice self-control by playing interactive impulse control games and engaging in story scenario role-play, learning to pause before acting and make calm choices.

Impulse control is crucial for young learners to wait their turn, follow rules, and interact positively. Practicing “pause and think” strategies through play builds the foundation for self-regulation and social success.

Audience

PreK–Kindergarten

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Interactive games and role-play

Materials

Red Light/Green Light Game Cards, Impulse Control Story Scenario Cards, Freeze Dance Music Video, Oops! Pause Signal Poster, Calm Corner Setup Guide, and Floor Markers or Colored Cones

Prep

Prepare Impulse Control Games Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Welcome and Impulse Check-In

2 minutes

  • Invite children to the carpet and greet them warmly.
  • Show the Oops! Pause Signal Poster and explain that it means “stop and think.”
  • Ask: “When might you need to stop and think before you act?”
  • Collect a few examples from students.

Step 2

Role-Play Story Scenarios

5 minutes

  • Introduce the Impulse Control Story Scenario Cards.
  • Read the first scenario aloud (e.g., child wants to grab a toy).
  • Invite volunteers to act out the scenario twice: once rushing in, once using the stop-and-think strategy.
  • Discuss how stopping helped make a better choice.

Step 3

Red Light/Green Light Game

5 minutes

  • Hand each child a Red Light/Green Light Game Card.
  • Explain: “Green light = go, red light = stop like a statue.”
  • Play: Call out “green light” or “red light” and show the card.
  • Children move forward on green, freeze on red, practicing quick impulse control.

Step 4

Freeze Dance Pause Practice

4 minutes

Step 5

Introduce the Calm Corner

2 minutes

  • Lead students to the Calm Corner and show them the space.
  • Explain: “If you feel a big impulse or need to stop and think, you can use this space to breathe, calm down, and choose what to do next.”
  • Demonstrate one simple breathing tool or visual there.

Step 6

Reflection and Closing

2 minutes

  • Gather children back on the carpet.
  • Ask: “Which game helped you practice stopping and thinking? Why?”
  • Reinforce the idea: “We can use our pause signal and calm corner anytime we need to control our impulse.”
  • End with a group thumbs-up and a short calm-breathing countdown: “3…2…1…breathe!”
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Slide Deck

Stop & Think Signal

Let’s learn our pause signal:

  • When you see this poster, stop what you’re doing.
  • Take a deep breath and think of a calm choice.
  • Share a time you might need to use it.

Welcome, friends! Show the Oops! Pause Signal Poster and explain that this signal means “stop and think.” Ask children to share times they might need to pause before acting. Encourage a few examples.

Role-Play Story Scenarios

  1. Watch the story scenario.
  2. Act it out quickly.
  3. Act it out again using our pause signal.
  4. Talk about how stopping helped us make a better choice.

Introduce the Impulse Control Story Scenario Cards. Read one scenario aloud. Invite volunteers to act it out twice—once rushing in, then using the stop-and-think strategy. Discuss how pausing helped.

Red Light / Green Light Game

  • Green light: Go forward slowly.
  • Red light: Freeze like a statue.
  • Practice listening and stopping fast!
  • Use our pause signal to stay in control.

Explain the rules and hold up a Red Light/Green Light Game Card for each call. Emphasize listening and quick stopping. Praise children who freeze quickly.

Cue the Freeze Dance Music Video. When music plays, children dance. When you show the pause signal, they must freeze instantly. Repeat and praise quick freezes.

Introducing the Calm Corner

  • This is our Calm Corner.
  • Go here when you need to pause.
  • Breathe, stretch, or look at calming visuals.
  • Choose your next positive action.

Show the Calm Corner Setup Guide. Explain that this is a special spot to go when they need space to stop, breathe, and make a calm choice. Demonstrate one breathing tool there.

Reflection & Closing

Which game helped you stop and think?
How will you use our pause signal?
Let’s end with a calm-breathing countdown: 3…2…1…breathe!

Gather children and ask: “Which activity helped you practice stopping the best?” Reinforce using the pause signal and Calm Corner whenever needed. End with a group breathing countdown: “3…2…1…breathe!”

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Lesson Plan

Practicing Calming Techniques

Students will explore and practice four calming techniques—guided imagery, tactile tool use, slow-motion movements, and a mindful movement song—to help them self-regulate and feel centered.

Teaching multiple, playful calming strategies empowers young children to manage stress, increase body awareness, and choose healthy ways to calm down when big feelings arise.

Audience

PreK–Kindergarten

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Guided imagery, sensory exploration, and mindful movement

Materials

Guided Imagery Script PDF, Calming Bottles Guide, Slow-Motion Movement Cards, Sensory Tool Tray Photos, Mindful Movement Song Video, and Soft Scarves or Fabric Pieces

Prep

Set Up Calming Stations

10 minutes

Step 1

Welcome & Body Check

2 minutes

  • Invite children to sit in a circle and greet them warmly.
  • Ask: “What do you notice in your body right now?”
  • Guide them to place hands on their hearts and take two deep, slow breaths.

Step 2

Guided Imagery Exercise

4 minutes

  • Explain: “We’re going on a calm journey with our imaginations.”
  • Read the Guided Imagery Script PDF in a soft voice.
  • Pause to let them picture waves, floating on clouds, or walking in a garden.
  • End with three slow breaths together.

Step 3

Tactile Tool Exploration

4 minutes

  • Show the Sensory Tool Tray Photos.
  • Pass around soft scarves or fabric pieces and let children feel textures.
  • Introduce the calming bottles from the Calming Bottles Guide.
  • Invite children to gently shake a bottle and watch the glitter settle as they breathe slowly.

Step 4

Slow-Motion Movement Practice

4 minutes

  • Explain: “Moving slowly can help us feel calm and focused.”
  • Draw a card from the Slow-Motion Movement Cards.
  • Demonstrate the action (e.g., walking like a sleepy cat, stretching like a slow tree).
  • Invite children to copy in slow motion. Repeat 3–4 cards.

Step 5

Mindful Movement Song

4 minutes

  • Play the Mindful Movement Song Video.
  • Teach simple, slow actions to match the lyrics (e.g., reach up, sway side to side).
  • Encourage children to follow along quietly, focusing on their movements and breath.
  • Repeat the chorus twice.

Step 6

Reflection & Goodbye

2 minutes

  • Gather in a circle and ask: “Which calming technique did you like best? Why?”
  • Encourage each child to name one technique they will try next time they feel big feelings.
  • End with a collective three deep breaths and a silent thumbs-up to each other.
lenny

Slide Deck

Welcome & Body Check

What do you notice in your body?
• Place your hand on your heart
• Take two slow breaths
Let’s get ready for some calming fun!

Welcome to today’s session! Invite children to sit in a circle. Ask: “What do you notice in your body right now?” Guide them to place a hand on their heart and take two slow, deep breaths together to settle in.

Guided Imagery Exercise

Close your eyes and imagine:
• Floating on a soft, fluffy cloud
• Walking through a colorful flower garden
• Listening to gentle ocean waves
Take three slow breaths as you picture your calm journey.

Read the guided imagery script slowly and softly. Pause after each scene to let children picture floating on a cloud, walking in a garden, or watching gentle waves. End with three deep breaths.

Tactile Tool Exploration

  1. Feel soft scarves and fabrics
  2. Shake a calming bottle (Calming Bottles Guide)
  3. Watch glitter settle as you inhale and exhale
    Explore each tool slowly and notice how it feels.

Show the Sensory Tool Tray Photos and pass out soft scarves or fabric pieces. Introduce the calming bottles and invite children to shake them gently and watch the glitter settle as they breathe.

Slow-Motion Movement

Draw a card and move slowly:
• Walk like a sleepy cat
• Stretch like a slow tree
• Tiptoe like a gentle breeze
Repeat each action in slow motion to feel calm.

Explain that moving slowly can calm our bodies. Draw a card from the Slow-Motion Movement Cards, demonstrate the action in slow motion, and invite children to follow.

Cue the Mindful Movement Song Video. Teach each slow, gentle action to match the lyrics. Encourage children to focus on their breathing and movements.

Reflection & Goodbye

Which calming technique did you enjoy most?
Why did it help you feel calm?
Name one you will try again.
Let’s take 3 deep breaths together—and give a silent thumbs-up!

Gather children back in a circle. Ask: “Which calming technique did you like best? Why?” Invite each child to name one they’ll use next time. Finish with three collective deep breaths and a silent thumbs-up.

lenny

Lesson Plan

Developing Perseverance and Patience

Students will practice perseverance by tackling small challenges—puzzles, balancing races, and waiting games—and learn to stay patient, focused, and celebrate effort even when tasks feel tough.

Building perseverance and patience helps young learners overcome frustration, develop a growth mindset, and gain confidence in trying again and sticking with tasks, laying the foundation for long-term success.

Audience

PreK–Kindergarten

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Hands-on challenges, timed patience practice, and reflection

Materials

Growth Mindset Story Cards, Perseverance Puzzle Cards, Egg-and-Spoon Race Supply List, Patience Timer Guide, I Did It! Celebration Song Video, Plastic Spoons and Eggs, and Sand Timers

Prep

Set Up Perseverance Stations

10 minutes

Step 1

Welcome & Growth Mindset Intro

2 minutes

  • Invite students to sit in a circle and greet them warmly.
  • Ask: “What does it mean to keep trying when something is hard?”
  • Introduce the concept of perseverance and patience as superpowers for learning.

Step 2

Story Time: Growth Mindset Tales

4 minutes

  • Show the Growth Mindset Story Cards.
  • Read one story about a character who didn’t give up.
  • Pause to discuss: “How did they feel? What did they do when it was tough?”

Step 3

Puzzle Perseverance Challenge

5 minutes

  • Distribute puzzles with matching Perseverance Puzzle Cards.
  • Encourage children to work independently or in pairs.
  • Prompt: “Keep going, even if a piece seems tricky!”
  • Offer praise for sticking with it, not just finishing.

Step 4

Egg-and-Spoon Patience Race

4 minutes

  • Hand each child a plastic spoon and egg from the Egg-and-Spoon Race Supply List.
  • Explain: “Walk slowly without dropping your egg. If it falls, try again!”
  • Model careful walking and encourage above all the effort and focus.

Step 5

Patience Timer Waiting Game

3 minutes

  • Show the sand timer and explain using the Patience Timer Guide.
  • Tell children to remain still until the timer runs out.
  • Ask: “How did waiting feel? What helped you stay patient?”

Step 6

Celebration & Reflection

2 minutes

  • Play the I Did It! Celebration Song Video.
  • Invite children to share one thing they found hard and how they kept trying.
  • Reinforce: “Every time we keep going, we grow stronger! Great job!”
lenny

Slide Deck

Welcome & Growth Mindset Intro

– What is perseverance?
– What is patience?
Let’s discover how these superpowers help us learn!

Invite students to sit in a circle. Ask: “What does it mean to keep trying when something is hard?” Introduce perseverance and patience as our superpowers for learning today.

Growth Mindset Story Time

Listen to our story:
• Someone tried and tried
• They faced challenges
• They didn’t give up

Show the Growth Mindset Story Cards. Read the story about a character who didn’t give up. Pause to ask: “How did they feel? What did they do when it was tough?”

Puzzle Perseverance Challenge

• Use your puzzle card
• Keep trying if it’s tricky
• Ask a friend for help
• Celebrate each try

Hand out the Perseverance Puzzle Cards with small puzzles. Encourage children to work independently or in pairs. Remind them: “Keep going, even if a piece feels tricky!”

Egg-and-Spoon Patience Race

• Balance your egg on the spoon
• Walk slowly and carefully
• If it drops, try again
• Focus on effort, not speed

Display the Egg-and-Spoon Race Supply List. Demonstrate balancing an egg on a spoon. Encourage children: “Walk slowly—if it drops, pick it up and try again!”

Patience Timer Waiting Game

• Watch the sand timer
• Stay still until it finishes
• Notice how waiting feels
• Share what helped you wait

Show the sand timer and the Patience Timer Guide. Ask children to remain still until the timer runs out. Then discuss: “How did waiting feel? What helped you stay patient?”

Play the I Did It! Celebration Song Video. While the song plays, invite children to move and celebrate their efforts. Afterward, ask: “What was hard, and how did you keep trying?”

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