Project Guide
Toolkit Creation Guide
Use this step-by-step guide to build your personalized Self-Regulation Toolkit. Follow each step, fill in the reflection prompts, and gather your materials to set yourself up for success!
Materials You’ll Need
- Strategy Showcase (slide-deck)
- Toolkit Components List (worksheet)
- My Toolkit Plan (journal)
- Toolkit Quality Scale (rubric)
Step 1: Review and Select Strategies
- Open the Strategy Showcase slide-deck.
- Review all the sensory and self-regulation strategies one by one.
- Choose three strategies you think will help you the most.
My Top 3 Strategies & Why They Work for Me
| Strategy Name | Why It Helps Me |
|---|---|
| 1. | |
| 2. | |
| 3. |
Reflection: Which strategy are you most excited to try first?
Step 2: Identify Your Toolkit Components
- Open the Toolkit Components List worksheet.
- For each strategy, list the tools or materials you’ll need (e.g., stress ball, headphones, break card).
My Toolkit Components
- Strategy 1: _________________________________
- Strategy 2: _________________________________
- Strategy 3: _________________________________
Why I Chose These Items:
Step 3: Design Your Toolkit Plan
- Open My Toolkit Plan.
- Sketch or write how you will organize your toolkit (box, folder, bag).
- Decide where you will keep it and when you will use it.
My Toolkit Design & Storage Plan
My Routine for Using My Toolkit:
Step 4: Reflect and Evaluate
- After you’ve designed your toolkit, open the Toolkit Quality Scale rubric.
- Rate your toolkit on each criterion (completeness, usability, personalization).
- Write one thing you’re proud of and one thing you’d like to improve.
Self-Evaluation Scores
- Completeness (all items included): ______ / 5
- Usability (easy to use quickly): ______ / 5
- Personal Fit (matches my needs): ______ / 5
Proud Of:
Improve Next Time:
Congratulations! You’ve created a Self-Regulation Toolkit that’s just right for you. Keep it handy and update it whenever you learn a new strategy or find a better tool.
Ready to put it into action? Take it with you to class, recess, or any time you need a quick break to feel your best!
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Slide Deck
Strategy Showcase
Today we will explore different sensory and self-regulation strategies. As you learn about each one, think about how it feels and whether it could help you stay calm and focused. Later, you will choose your top three strategies for your toolkit!
Introduce the Strategy Showcase. Explain that you will look at a variety of tools and techniques to help with big feelings, focusing on sensory and self-regulation strategies. Remind the student that they will pick their top three to build their toolkit.
1. Deep Breathing
What it is:
- Take slow, deep breaths in and out.
How to do it:
- Breathe in through your nose for a count of 4.
- Hold for a count of 2.
- Breathe out through your mouth for a count of 6.
Why it helps:
Deep breathing slows your heart rate and helps your body calm down.
Guide the student through a short breathing exercise together. Count out loud and model slow, steady breaths.
2. Stress Ball / Fidget Tool
What it is:
- A small squishy ball or fidget toy you can squeeze.
How to use it:
- Hold in one hand and squeeze slowly when you feel tense.
- Roll it between your fingers or hands.
Why it helps:
Squeezing releases tight muscles and gives your brain something to focus on.
Show a stress ball or fidget toy if available. Let the student squeeze or manipulate one as you discuss.
3. Movement Breaks
What it is:
- Short bursts of activity, like stretching or jumping.
How to do it:
- Stand up and stretch arms to the sky.
- Shake out your hands and legs.
- Do 5 jumping jacks or march in place.
Why it helps:
Moving your body can release extra energy and refocus your mind.
Encourage movement. If space allows, do a quick stretch or shake-out together.
4. Listening to Music
What it is:
- Using headphones and calming music or sounds.
How to use it:
- Choose music that helps you relax (instrumental or nature sounds).
- Keep volume at a safe level.
Why it helps:
Music can block out distractions and help you feel more peaceful.
Ask the student what music they find calming. Discuss volume and headphone safety.
5. Visual Timer
What it is:
- A timer you can see counting down.
How to use it:
- Set for a short break (2–5 minutes).
- Watch the timer move so you know when your break ends.
Why it helps:
Seeing time pass helps you relax without worrying about losing track of minutes.
Show a visual timer or app on a device. Demonstrate setting a short interval.
6. Positive Self-Talk
What it is:
- Saying kind, encouraging words to yourself.
Examples:
- “I can calm down.”
- “I’m doing my best.”
- “I’ve got this.”
Why it helps:
Positive words can change how you feel and help you stay confident.
Model positive statements. Invite the student to say one out loud.
7. Break Card
What it is:
- A small card you show to ask for a quick break.
How to use it:
- Keep it on your desk or in your pocket.
- Show it to your teacher when you need a quiet moment.
Why it helps:
It gives you permission for a short reset without needing to speak.
Show a sample break card (e.g., a colored index card). Explain how and when to use it.
8. Calming Jar (Sensory Bottle)
What it is:
- A clear bottle filled with water, glitter, and glue.
How to use it:
- Shake gently and watch the glitter swirl.
- Take deep breaths until the glitter settles.
Why it helps:
Watching the glitter float can help your mind slow down and relax.
Demonstrate a calm-down jar if available, twisting it to show the glitter swirling.
Choose Your Top 3
Now that you know about eight strategies, think about: 1. Which ones made you feel calm? 2. Which are easiest to use? 3. Which fit your needs?
Ready? You’ll use your top three in the next step of your Self-Regulation Toolkit project!
Encourage the student to think back over each strategy and decide which feels most helpful. Remind them they’ll pick three to build their toolkit.
Worksheet
Toolkit Components List
Use this worksheet to list the tools or materials you’ll need for each of your top three self-regulation strategies. Then explain why each item will help you.
Strategy 1: _______________________________
Materials Needed for Strategy 1:
- _______________________________
- _______________________________
- _______________________________
Why I Chose These Items for Strategy 1:
Strategy 2: _______________________________
Materials Needed for Strategy 2:
- _______________________________
- _______________________________
- _______________________________
Why I Chose These Items for Strategy 2:
Strategy 3: _______________________________
Materials Needed for Strategy 3:
- _______________________________
- _______________________________
- _______________________________
Why I Chose These Items for Strategy 3:
Journal
My Toolkit Plan
Use this journal to plan how you'll organize and use your Self-Regulation Toolkit.
1. Container & Design
Which box, bag, or folder will hold your toolkit? Why?
Draw or describe your toolkit setup (where each item goes):
2. Storage Location
Where will you keep your toolkit so it’s easy to reach when you need it?
3. My Routine for Using My Toolkit
Make a plan for when and how you’ll use your toolkit. Think about class breaks, times you feel stressed, or transitions.
- Situation 1:
Strategy & Steps:
- Situation 2:
Strategy & Steps:
- Situation 3:
Strategy & Steps:
Notes or Reminders:
Rubric
Toolkit Quality Scale
Use this rubric to evaluate your Self-Regulation Toolkit. For each criterion, choose a score from 1–3 and read the descriptors to see how you can improve.
| Criterion | 1 – Needs Improvement | 2 – Proficient | 3 – Exemplary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Completeness | Several chosen strategies or tools are missing; some sections are blank or not fully addressed. | All three strategies are included with basic materials listed; most sections filled out. | Every chosen strategy is fully represented with detailed materials and clear explanations. |
| Usability | Toolkit is hard to navigate; items are not organized or labeled; steps unclear. | Toolkit is mostly organized; items are somewhat easy to find and use with minimal guidance. | Toolkit is well-organized, clearly labeled, and ready for immediate use without confusion. |
| Personal Fit | Items and strategies do not match your needs or preferences; feels generic. | Most items suit your needs; some choices could be more tailored to what helps you best. | Items and strategies are thoughtfully chosen to match your personal interests, sensory needs, and preferences. |
Scoring: 1 (lowest)–3 (highest)
Reflection:
- One thing I’m proud of:
- One thing I’d like to improve next time: