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Calm Down Steps

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Lesson Plan

Calm Down Steps Lesson Plan

Teach a Kindergarten student a simple four-step self-regulation routine (Stop, Breathe, Count, Choose) to manage big emotions and build an individualized calm-down toolkit through guided modeling and practice.

Early emotional regulation skills reduce disruptive behavior, increase self-awareness, and empower students to manage frustration independently in the classroom.

Audience

Kindergarten

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Model, guide practice, and reinforce steps in real situations.

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials and Space

10 minutes

Step 1

Build Rapport & Identify Emotions

5 minutes

  • Welcome the student to the calm corner and sit at eye level.
  • Show an Emotion Picture Card and ask, “How does this character feel?”
  • Discuss times the student has felt that way, validating their experience.
  • Explain that we’ll learn a quick routine to help when feelings get big.

Step 2

Introduce Stop, Breathe, Count, Choose

7 minutes

  • Display the Calm Down Steps Visual Poster.
  • Explain each step:
    • Stop: Pause what you’re doing.
    • Breathe: Take 3 slow breaths.
    • Count: Slowly count to 5 in your head.
    • Choose: Pick one calm-down strategy (hug a teddy, draw, ask for help).
  • Model the steps aloud using a simple scenario (e.g., blocks fall over).

Step 3

Guided Practice with Cards

8 minutes

  • Spread several Emotion Picture Cards face-up.
  • Ask the student to pick one that matches a recent feeling.
  • Guide them through each calm-down step, referencing the poster.
  • Cue the timer for breaths and counting.
  • Offer praise and corrective feedback as needed.

Step 4

Independent Practice on Worksheet

6 minutes

  • Hand the student the Calm Down Steps Student Worksheet.
  • Ask them to circle an emotion, draw a face, and list which calm-down strategy they’d choose.
  • Prompt them to explain their choice in their own words.
  • Review their responses and reinforce correct understanding.

Step 5

Review & Issue Reminder Card

4 minutes

  • Summarize all four steps together, asking the student to recite them.
  • Give the student their laminated Calm Down Steps Reminder Card to keep at their desk.
  • Encourage them to use the routine whenever they feel upset and remind them you’re there to help.
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Slide Deck

Calm Down Steps

Stop. Breathe. Count. Choose.

Introduce the session and explain that you’ll learn four calm-down steps to help with big feelings.

How Are You Feeling?

😊 😡 😢 😲

Show an Emotion Picture Card. Ask: “How does this character feel? How are you feeling today?”

Step 1: STOP

Pause whatever you’re doing.

Explain: “Step 1 is STOP. We pause for a moment before doing anything else.” Model freezing in place.

Step 2: BREATHE

Take 3 slow breaths.

Guide the student: “Place hands on belly. Breathe in through your nose, out through your mouth.” Use a timer or count aloud.

Step 3: COUNT

Count to 5 in your head.

Count slowly with the student, pointing to your fingers or using the timer.

Step 4: CHOOSE

Pick a calm-down idea.

Show examples (hug teddy, draw, ask teacher). Let the student pick one.

Let’s Practice!

Stop → Breathe → Count → Choose

Practice all four steps with an emotion card scenario. Cue each step and offer praise.

You’ve Got This!

Use these steps whenever you feel upset.

Review all steps. Hand the student their laminated reminder card to keep at their desk.

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Worksheet

Calm Down Steps Worksheet

Student Name: ______________________ Date: ____________

1. Circle the face that shows how you feel when you get upset.

😊 😡 😢 😲



2. Draw a face in the box below to show how you look when you feel upset.

[Draw here]











3. Write the four Calm Down Steps in the correct order.

(Use these words if you need help: Stop, Breathe, Count, Choose)


2. _______________________________________
3. _______________________________________
4. _______________________________________



4. Which calm-down strategy will you choose when you feel upset?

Draw a picture or write your idea below.

[Your picture or words here]









5. Why is it important to Stop and Breathe first when you feel big feelings?








_________________________________________________________________________


Use your Calm Down Steps Visual Poster or your Calm Down Steps Reminder Card if you get stuck!

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Activity

Emotion Picture Cards Activity

Description:
A set of printable picture cards illustrating eight basic emotions. Each card shows a friendly child’s face expressing one emotion. Use these cards to help students identify feelings and practice the Calm Down Steps in guided scenarios.

Emotions Included:

  • Happy
  • Sad
  • Angry
  • Scared
  • Surprised
  • Frustrated
  • Excited
  • Calm

How to Prepare:

  1. Print the cards double-sided on cardstock (4″×4″ per card).
  2. Laminate and cut apart each card.
  3. Store cards in a small basket or ring for easy access in the calm corner.

Usage Instructions:

  • When introducing emotions, lay all cards face-up and ask the student to point to “How do you feel today?”
  • During guided practice, have the student pick one card to represent a recent feeling. Then walk through the Calm Down Steps (Stop, Breathe, Count, Choose) using that emotion as the scenario.
  • Encourage the student to choose different emotion cards over time, reinforcing recognition of varied feelings and appropriate coping strategies.

Keep these cards handy to make emotion identification and self-regulation practice quick and engaging!

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Activity

Calm Down Steps Reminder Card

Use these steps whenever you feel upset! Keep this card with you to stay calm.

🛑 STOP: Pause and freeze for a moment.
😮‍💨 BREATHE: Take 3 slow, deep breaths.
🔢 COUNT: Count silently to 5 in your head.
🎨 CHOOSE: Pick one calm-down idea (draw, hug a toy, ask for help).

(Laminate this card and keep it at your desk or in your calm corner.)

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lenny