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Calm-Down Superpower

Lesson Plan

Break Zone Guide

Students will learn to recognize physical and emotional cues signaling they need a sensory break and independently select and practice an appropriate break activity using the Break Zone Guide.

Helping kindergarteners self-manage their sensory needs promotes impulse control, reduces classroom disruptions, and builds confidence in self-regulation skills.

Audience

Kindergarten Students

Time

8 minutes

Approach

Guided visuals and hands-on choice with reflection.

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials and Space

5 minutes

Step 1

Introduce the Break Zone

1 minute

Step 2

Identify Personal Cues

2 minutes

  • Ask the student: “How does your body feel when you’re upset or wiggly?”
  • Offer simple examples (tummy ache, shaky legs, tired eyes)
  • Let them choose one feeling card from the Sensory Break Options that matches their cue

Step 3

Select a Break Option

2 minutes

  • Present the Break Choice Board
  • Invite the student to point to or pick one break activity
  • Encourage them to name their choice (e.g., “I want to jump on the spot.”)

Step 4

Practice the Break

2 minutes

  • Guide the student through their chosen activity (e.g., 10 jumping jacks, 30-second deep breaths)
  • Offer verbal support and model the action if needed
  • Praise effort and calm down progress

Step 5

Reflect and Plan Next Steps

1 minute

  • Give the student the My Break Reflection
  • Ask them to draw a happy/sad face or place a checkmark: “Did this help you feel better?”
  • Remind them they can use the Break Zone anytime they notice their cues
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Slide Deck

Sensory Break Options

Let’s look at ways to help our bodies feel just right! You can choose how you feel and then pick an activity that helps.

Introduce the slide: “These are options to help your body feel calm or ready to learn again.”

Feeling Cues

• Wiggly Legs
• Tummy Ache
• Tired Eyes
• Shaky Hands

Point to or hold up each card and ask, “Which one looks like how you feel?”

Movement Breaks

• Jumping Jacks
• Wiggle Like a Worm
• Spin Slowly (on the spot)

Demonstrate each movement and invite the student to join. “Try 5 jumping jacks with me!”

Calming Breaks

• 3 Deep Breaths
• Reach for the Sky Stretch
• Rock in Your Chair

Model deep breathing and a gentle stretch. Encourage the student to copy you.

Sensory Tools

• Squeeze a Stress Ball
• Play with Putty
• Listen to Soft Music

Show a stress ball or putty. “Squeeze and let it go. How does that feel?”

Make Your Choice

Point to how you feel and pick one activity from these cards. Let’s try it together!

Guide the student to point to a feeling and an activity. Offer praise for making a choice.

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Activity

Break Choice Board (Activity)

Description: A laminated board with pictures and words so the student can select their sensory break choice visually and tactilely.

Materials:

  • Laminated Break Choice Board printable with activity cards
  • Small tokens or markers for selection

Board Layout (3×3 grid):

Jumping JacksWiggle Like a WormSpin Slowly
3 Deep BreathsReach for the SkyRock in Your Chair
Squeeze Stress BallPlay with PuttyListen to Soft Music

Instructions:

  1. Place the board flat on a table or hang it at the student’s eye level.
  2. Ask the student, “How are you feeling?” and have them point to or place a token on the feeling cue cards (from the Sensory Break Options).
  3. Invite the student to choose one break activity by pointing to or placing a token on their preferred option.
  4. Encourage them to say aloud their choice: “I want to do ___.”
  5. Guide and support the student through the chosen activity, offering encouragement and praise for their effort and self-management.
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Journal

My Break Reflection

  1. How did your body feel before your break? (Draw or write!)





  2. Which break activity did you choose? (Circle or draw your choice)





  3. Did it help you feel better? Circle one: Yes / No

    Why or why not?





  4. How do you feel now after your break? (Draw or write!)





  5. Next time I can…





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