Lesson Plan
Calm in the Chaos Lesson Plan
Equip parents with tools to identify and mitigate children’s overstimulation triggers, design calming home environments, and establish predictable routines through hands-on activities and guided discussion.
Overstimulation and unpredictable routines can heighten children’s stress and behavioral challenges. Empowering caregivers with practical strategies fosters children’s emotional regulation, resilience, and family well-being.
Audience
Parents
Time
90 minutes
Approach
Interactive presentations, guided discussion, and hands-on planning exercises.
Materials
- Projector and Screen, - Whiteboard and Markers, - Overstimulation Triggers Worksheet, - Calm Environment Checklist, - Predictable Routines Template, and - Pens and Sticky Notes
Prep
Prepare for Workshop
15 minutes
- Print enough copies of each worksheet for all participants: Overstimulation Triggers Worksheet, Calm Environment Checklist, and Predictable Routines Template
- Set up projector, screen, whiteboard, and markers in the meeting space
- Review each generated material and outline key talking points
- Arrange seating to facilitate group discussion
Step 1
Welcome and Icebreaker
10 minutes
- Greet participants and introduce facilitators
- Share session objectives and agenda
- Icebreaker: In pairs, parents briefly describe a recent overstimulation challenge at home and what helped them cope
Step 2
Identifying Overstimulation Triggers
20 minutes
- Present a brief slideshow on common overstimulation triggers (sensory, emotional, environmental)
- Distribute Overstimulation Triggers Worksheet
- Parents individually list triggers they’ve observed in their children
- Group share: volunteers discuss one trigger and coping strategy
Step 3
Break
5 minutes
- Short stretch and refreshment break
- Encourage informal peer connection
Step 4
Creating Calm Environments
20 minutes
- Introduce key environment-modification strategies
- Provide Calm Environment Checklist
- In small groups, parents review their home spaces and identify at least three changes to reduce overstimulation
- Groups report one chosen strategy to the whole group
Step 5
Designing Predictable Routines
20 minutes
- Explain the benefits of predictable routines for emotional regulation
- Distribute Predictable Routines Template
- Parents draft a sample daily routine, highlighting transition points and calming activities
- Pair-and-share: provide peer feedback on routine clarity and feasibility
Step 6
Reflection and Q&A
15 minutes
- Facilitate group reflection: What strategy will you implement first?
- Open floor for questions and problem-solving discussion
- Share additional resources and contact information for follow-up support
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Slide Deck
Calm in the Chaos
Managing Overstimulation and Changes in Routines at Home
Welcome participants. Introduce yourself and any co-facilitators. Explain the workshop title and purpose. Encourage an open, supportive atmosphere.
Workshop Agenda
• Welcome & Icebreaker (10 min)
• Identifying Overstimulation Triggers (20 min)
• Break (5 min)
• Creating Calm Environments (20 min)
• Designing Predictable Routines (20 min)
• Reflection & Q&A (15 min)
Walk through each agenda item briefly. Emphasize interactivity and the opportunity to share experiences.
Session Objectives
By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:
• Identify and mitigate your child’s overstimulation triggers
• Design calming, low-stress home environments
• Establish predictable routines to support emotional regulation
Read each objective aloud and invite nods or quick questions. Reinforce that these are the goals for today.
Understanding Overstimulation Triggers
Common triggers include:
• Sensory: Loud noises, bright lights, strong smells
• Emotional: Big feelings, sudden demands or corrections
• Environmental: Cluttered spaces, rapid transitions
→ Complete your own list on the worksheet.
Present common triggers visually. Then distribute the Overstimulation Triggers Worksheet. Allow 5 minutes for personal reflection and list-making, followed by a brief share-out.
Calming Home Environment Strategies
Strategies to reduce overstimulation:
• Declutter common areas and organize toys
• Use soft, natural lighting and sound-dampening materials
• Create designated quiet or “cozy” zones
• Offer sensory tools: fidget toys, weighted blankets
Introduce the concept of modifying home spaces. Hand out the Calm Environment Checklist. In small groups, have parents choose three changes and report one back.
Benefits of Predictable Routines
• Lowers stress by setting clear expectations
• Supports emotional regulation during transitions
• Builds trust and cooperation between child and caregiver
• Encourages independence and daily success
Explain why structure matters. Link routines to reduced anxiety. Pass out the Predictable Routines Template.
Designing Your Routine
- Use the Predictable Routines Template
- Highlight key transition times (e.g., school→home)
- Insert brief calming activities (breathing, quiet reading)
- Review for clarity and feasibility with a partner
Guide parents through each section of the template. Encourage them to think about wake-up, meals, transitions, and bedtime rituals that include calming activities.
Reflection & Action Planning
What strategy will you implement first?
• Share your choice with the group
• Note any challenges you anticipate
• Identify one person who can support you
Invite each parent to share one strategy they’ll use first. Jot down common themes on the whiteboard. Encourage peer support.
Questions & Additional Resources
• Continue discussion and troubleshooting
• Access handouts and worksheets online
• Contact us: facilitator@familywellness.org
• Further reading: “Creating Calm Homes” guide
Open the floor for questions. Offer additional resources and contact methods for follow-up coaching or materials.
Worksheet
Overstimulation Triggers Worksheet
Use this worksheet to reflect on and document the situations that tend to overwhelm your child. Identifying these triggers is the first step toward creating a calmer home environment.
1. Common Overstimulation Triggers
List three triggers you’ve observed in your child. For each, briefly describe what sensory, emotional, or environmental factor seems to set it off.
-
Trigger #1: ________________________________________________
-
Trigger #2: ________________________________________________
-
Trigger #3: ________________________________________________
2. Overwhelm Incident Reflection
Think of a recent time your child became overwhelmed. Describe the sequence of events: what happened right before the meltdown, how your child reacted, and what you did to help.
3. Current Coping Strategies
What strategies have you already tried to help your child calm down (e.g., deep breathing, quiet corner, sensory toys)? For each, note how effective it was.
| Strategy | How It’s Used | Effectiveness (1–5) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. ____________________ | _____________________________________ | _____ |
| 2. ____________________ | _____________________________________ | _____ |
| 3. ____________________ | _____________________________________ | _____ |
4. New Strategy Brainstorm
List at least three new calming strategies you could try at home. Consider sensory tools, environmental changes, or transitional cues.
- Strategy A: _________________________________________________
- Strategy B: _________________________________________________
- Strategy C: _________________________________________________
5. Environmental Trigger & Modification
Identify one aspect of your home environment that may overstimulate your child. Propose a specific change you can make to reduce that trigger.
Trigger: _________________________________________________
Proposed Modification: __________________________________
Use this worksheet during the “Identifying Overstimulation Triggers” activity in the workshop. When you’re done, share one key insight with the group.
Worksheet
Calm Environment Checklist
Use this checklist to evaluate your home environment for overstimulation triggers and to plan targeted modifications.
1. Home Space Audit
Identify up to three key areas in your home. For each, note potential triggers and rate the current sensory load (1 = very calm, 5 = very stimulating).
- Area #1: ________________________________________________
• Potential Triggers: ________________________________________
• Sensory Load (1–5): ____
- Area #2: ________________________________________________
• Potential Triggers: ________________________________________
• Sensory Load (1–5): ____
- Area #3: ________________________________________________
• Potential Triggers: ________________________________________
• Sensory Load (1–5): ____
2. Environmental Factors Checklist
Review these common triggers. Check if present and brainstorm one modification for each.
| Factor | Present? (✓/✗) | Modification Idea |
|---|---|---|
| Cluttered surfaces | _________________________________ | |
| Harsh lighting | _________________________________ | |
| Loud noises | _________________________________ | |
| Strong odors | _________________________________ | |
| Busy wall décor | _________________________________ | |
| Unstructured play area | _________________________________ |
3. Sensory Supports Inventory
List any calming tools or zones you currently use. Rate how helpful each is (1 = not helpful, 5 = very helpful).
- Support #1: _______________________ Usefulness (1–5): ____
- Support #2: _______________________ Usefulness (1–5): ____
- Support #3: _______________________ Usefulness (1–5): ____
4. Top 3 Environmental Changes
Based on your audit, identify the three changes you’ll implement first to create a calmer space.
- Change #1: _____________________________________________
- Change #2: _____________________________________________
- Change #3: _____________________________________________
Use this checklist during the “Creating Calm Environments” activity in the workshop. When complete, share one key insight with your group.
Worksheet
Predictable Routines Template
Use this template to draft a clear, predictable daily routine for your child. Highlight key transition points and incorporate brief calming activities to support smooth changes.
1. Routine Overview
- Day(s) of Week Covered: _________________________________________
- Primary Goal(s) for Today: (e.g., reduce morning rush, improve bedtime wind-down)
2. Morning Routine
- Time: __________________
Activity: __________________________________________
Transition Cue: (e.g., timer, song) ____________________
Calming Activity: (e.g., deep breath, stretch) _________
- Time: __________________
Activity: __________________________________________
Transition Cue: __________________________
Calming Activity: ________________________________
- Time: __________________
Activity: __________________________________________
Transition Cue: __________________________
Calming Activity: ________________________________
3. Afternoon Routine
- Time: __________________
Activity: __________________________________________
Transition Cue: __________________________
Calming Activity: ________________________________
- Time: __________________
Activity: __________________________________________
Transition Cue: __________________________
Calming Activity: ________________________________
4. Evening Routine
- Time: __________________
Activity: __________________________________________
Transition Cue: __________________________
Calming Activity: ________________________________
- Time: __________________
Activity: __________________________________________
Transition Cue: __________________________
Calming Activity: ________________________________
5. Identifying Challenging Transitions
List two transitions that tend to be difficult, then suggest a clear cue and calming strategy for each.
- Transition: _________________________________________________
Cue: __________________________
Calming Strategy: ______________________
- Transition: _________________________________________________
Cue: __________________________
Calming Strategy: ______________________
6. Reflection & Next Steps
- What part of this routine do you anticipate will need the most adjustment?
- Support or resources needed:
Use this template during the “Designing Predictable Routines” activity in the workshop. When complete, pair up to share and refine your routine.