Cue to Calm

Iana Aguilera

Tier 3

Lesson Plan

Cue to Calm

Bria will recognize verbal and hand-gesture prompts and apply FERB self-control strategies (breaks, deep breathing, self-reminders) to manage dysregulation and prevent unexpected behaviors.

Teaching Bria to self-regulate reduces behavioral incidents, increases her emotional awareness, and empowers her with practical coping skills for academic and social success.

Audience

Individual student

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Model prompts and strategies, guided practice, and reflection.

Materials

Visual Prompt Cards for Self-Control, - FERB Self-Control Strategy Reference Sheet, and - Calm-Down Toolkit Items

Prep

Teacher Preparation

7 minutes

Review Cue to Calm to understand objectives and flow
Print and/or organize Visual Prompt Cards for Self-Control
Prepare copies of the FERB Self-Control Strategy Reference Sheet
Gather items for the Calm-Down Toolkit Items (e.g., stress ball, fidget tool, breathing bell)

Step 1

Warm-Up and Check-In

3 minutes

Greet Bria warmly and ask how she’s feeling today
Briefly review what a good calm moment feels like
Show her one Visual Prompt Card for Self-Control and explain that these will guide her if she feels upset

Step 2

Introduce Prompts and FERB Strategies

7 minutes

Present each Visual Prompt Card for Self-Control (e.g., stop sign, deep-breath icon)
Explain FERB strategies using the FERB Self-Control Strategy Reference Sheet:
- F: Take a Break
- E: Deep Breathe
- R: Remind Yourself (self-talk)
- B: Build Calm (use toolkit)
Ask Bria to point to the prompt she thinks would help if she felt upset

Step 3

Guided Practice and Modeling

7 minutes

Introduce the “Whispers in the Cafeteria” gossip scenario:
1. Read or role-play the scene where a rumor about Bria spreads at lunch.
2. Pause and ask Bria to identify the moment she feels a prompt should occur.
Model noticing the teacher’s visual prompt (stop sign) and state, “I need a break,” then demonstrate four deep breaths.
Prompt Bria to practice with the gossip scenario: hand her the prompt card, have her state the FERB step she’ll use, and choose one item from the Calm-Down Toolkit Items.
Provide positive feedback, correct gently, and reinforce the order: F, E, R, B.

Step 4

Wrap-Up and Reflection

3 minutes

Discussion

Cue to Calm Discussion

Objective

Guide Bria to reflect on and articulate how she will use prompts and FERB strategies to manage her emotions.

Teacher Guidelines

Create a supportive, non-judgmental environment.
Use open-ended questions and allow plenty of wait time (at least 5 seconds).
Validate Bria’s feelings and praise her effort.
Keep Visual Prompt Cards for Self-Control, the FERB Self-Control Strategy Reference Sheet, and items from the Calm-Down Toolkit Items visible throughout the discussion.

Discussion Questions

When you see the stop sign prompt, what does it remind you to do?
Tell me about a time today when you felt a little upset. Which FERB strategy could have helped you in that moment?
How do you feel after taking deep breaths? What do you notice in your body?
Which tool from your Calm-Down Toolkit do you like best? Why?
What helpful message (self-reminder) could you tell yourself if you start to feel frustrated during class?
If you are working on a tricky activity and begin to feel upset, what would be the first FERB strategy you use? Show me how you would do it.

Follow-Up Points

Encourage Bria to practice the strategy you discuss—offer to role-play if needed.
Note any hesitations or questions she has and address them with modeling.
Plan a quick check-in tomorrow to see which prompt and strategy she used in class.
Celebrate and reinforce each time she recognizes her feelings and uses a strategy.

Warm Up

Emotion Scale Check

Time: 3 minutes

Materials:

Emotion scale poster or cards
Markers or crayons

Instructions

On a scale of 1 to 5, circle the number that shows how you feel right now:

1 – Very calm
2 – Calm
3 – Okay
4 – A little upset
5 – Very upset

Circle your number below:

If you circled 4 or 5, take one deep breath and choose one FERB self-control strategy to help you feel calmer:

You’re ready to begin our session!