Mindful Guide Script

Deep Breathing Exercise

Teacher (smiling, calm voice): “Alright friends, let’s all sit up tall on our bottoms. Make sure both feet are flat on the floor and your hands are resting gently on your belly. We’re going to practice a special calm-down trick called deep breathing.

1. First, breathe in slowly through your nose as I count to three. Ready? 1… 2… 3… (pause)
2. Now breathe out softly through your mouth as I count to three. 1… 2… 3… (pause)

Teacher (softly): “Great job! Let’s try that two more times together.”

— Repeat 2 more slow breaths —

Teacher (warm tone): “How did that feel? Did you notice your belly move like a little balloon? Thumbs up if you feel more relaxed!”

Quiet Corner Demonstration

Teacher (standing, gentle): “Now I’m going to show you our quiet corner. It’s a cozy spot right here by the bookshelf. In the quiet corner, you can choose a calm-down tool—maybe a soft pillow, a fidget toy, or one of our picture books—and sit there for a moment.

1. Everyone stand up quietly and follow me to the corner. (Pause while students walk.)
2. Choose your calm-down tool carefully and sit down.
3. Place your hands on your belly again and let's take three slow breaths together—just like we practiced! 1…2…3… (pause) and 1…2…3… (pause) and 1…2…3… (pause)

Teacher (softly): “Wonderful. When you feel ready, walk back to our circle.” (Pause as students return.)

Teacher (encouraging): “Who can show me with a thumbs up that you felt calmer after our quiet corner visit? Awesome!”

Reflection Prompt

Teacher (inviting): “I’ll pass out our checklist in just a moment so you can mark which strategies you used—deep breaths, quiet corner—and write one word about how each felt. As you work, I’ll come by to help anyone who needs it. Remember, there are no wrong answers—this is all about how you feel.”

(Teacher distributes Mindful Moments Checklist Test and circulates.)

Emotion Regulation Key

This key provides guidance on interpreting students’ responses on the Mindful Moments Checklist Test. There are no strictly "right" or "wrong" answers—responses reflect each child’s experience. Use the notes below to celebrate successes and identify opportunities for support.

Question 1: Deep Breaths (Yes/No)

• Acceptable Responses: Yes or No
• Teacher Notes:
  • If a student circles Yes, they successfully practiced deep breathing today—acknowledge and praise their effort.
  • If they circle No, they did not use this strategy. Follow up by reminding them how to do deep breaths and encourage trying it next time.

Question 2: Feeling After Deep Breaths (One Word)

• Sample Responses: calm, relaxed, peaceful, proud, happy, focused
• Teacher Notes:
  • These one-word answers help you gauge the strategy’s immediate effect.
  • If a student writes a neutral or negative word (e.g., nervous, same), discuss what they felt and offer additional practice or different tools.

Question 3: Quiet Corner Visit (Yes/No)

• Acceptable Responses: Yes or No
• Teacher Notes:
  • Yes indicates the student visited the quiet corner—praise their use of the calm-down spot.
  • No suggests they did not—consider prompting them to try the quiet corner next time they feel upset.

Question 4: Feeling After Quiet Corner (One Word)

• Sample Responses: calm, safe, relaxed, refreshed, focused, happy
• Teacher Notes:
  • Use these words to understand how the quiet corner supports each child.
  • If a student shares a less positive feeling, explore adjustments: different tools, more time, or a co-regulation moment.

Using the Key

1. Celebrate Successes: Highlight each “Yes” and positive feeling word to reinforce strategy use.
2. Plan Next Steps: Identify students who did not use a strategy or reported minimal effect. Offer extra modeling, 1:1 check-ins, or alternative calm-down tools.
3. Track Progress: Refer back to this key over multiple sessions to see how students’ self-reported feelings evolve and adjust supports accordingly.

Great work helping students become more mindful and emotionally regulated!