Lesson Plan
Building Your Regulation Toolkit Plan
Adults will be able to identify their personal sensory needs and create a personalized regulation toolkit with strategies and tools to manage their emotional and energy levels within each Zone of Regulation.
Understanding and actively managing personal sensory needs is crucial for overall well-being and productivity. This lesson provides adults with practical strategies and a tangible toolkit to navigate daily challenges, reduce stress, and improve self-regulation, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Audience
Adults
Time
90 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, guided self-reflection, and hands-on toolkit creation.
Materials
Whiteboard or large paper, Markers, Sensory Strategies for Adults Slide Deck, My Personalized Regulation Toolkit Guide, Various sensory tools (e.g., stress balls, fidgets, weighted items, headphones, essential oils, textured objects, calming pictures), Notebooks or journals, Pens/Pencils, and Small boxes or bags for toolkits
Prep
Prepare Materials
30 minutes
- Review the Sensory Strategies for Adults Slide Deck and familiarize yourself with the content.
- Print copies of the My Personalized Regulation Toolkit Guide for each participant.
- Gather a variety of sensory tools for demonstration and inspiration.
- Ensure whiteboard/large paper and markers are available.
- Prepare small boxes or bags for participants to assemble their toolkits.
- Review the Toolkit Effectiveness Rubric to understand assessment criteria.
Step 1
Introduction: What Are Your Sensory Superpowers?
10 minutes
- Greet participants and introduce the concept of 'Sensory Superpowers Toolkit.'
- Discuss: "What are 'sensory superpowers'? How do our senses impact our feelings and energy?"
- Introduce the Zones of Regulation briefly (Blue: low energy/sad; Green: calm/focused; Yellow: frustrated/anxious; Red: angry/out of control).
- Explain the lesson's objective: to build a personalized toolkit for self-regulation.
Step 2
Exploring Sensory Strategies
20 minutes
- Present the Sensory Strategies for Adults Slide Deck.
- Go through each Zone and discuss common sensory strategies that help adults regulate.
- Activity: "Sensory Brainstorm." Ask participants to share strategies they currently use or have found helpful.
- Introduce various sensory tools and allow participants to briefly interact with them (e.g., stress balls, fidgets, weighted items).
Step 3
Identifying Personal Sensory Needs
25 minutes
- Distribute the My Personalized Regulation Toolkit Guide.
- Guide participants through the self-assessment sections of the guide.
- Encourage deep reflection on personal triggers, calming strategies, and alerting tools for each Zone.
- Journal/Reflection: "Think about a time you were in the Blue Zone. What would have helped you shift? What about the Yellow or Red Zones?" Allow time for individual writing.
Step 4
Building Your Toolkit
30 minutes
- Explain the concept of a tangible sensory toolkit.
- Guide participants to select items for their personal toolkit based on their completed My Personalized Regulation Toolkit Guide.
- Provide access to the collected sensory tools or encourage participants to list items they will acquire.
- Hands-on Activity: Participants begin assembling their physical toolkits using the provided boxes/bags and available items, or sketching/listing items they plan to include.
- Circulate and provide individualized support and suggestions.
Step 5
Wrap-up and Next Steps
5 minutes
- Review the importance of using the toolkit regularly.
- Introduce the Toolkit Effectiveness Rubric as a tool for ongoing self-assessment.
- Encourage participants to share one item they are excited to include in their toolkit.
- Homework/Follow-up: "Continue to build and use your toolkit. Reflect on its effectiveness and make adjustments as needed."
Slide Deck
Sensory Superpowers Toolkit
Understanding Your Inner Regulator
- How do your senses influence your mood and energy?
- Discovering your unique sensory profile
- Building a personalized toolkit for self-regulation
- Taking control of your Zones!
Welcome adults to the session. Briefly introduce the topic of sensory regulation and how it impacts daily life. Emphasize that this is about personalized strategies.
The Zones of Regulation: Your Inner Traffic Light
Where Are You Right Now?
- Blue Zone: Low energy, sad, tired, bored, sick
- Green Zone: Calm, happy, focused, ready to learn/work
- Yellow Zone: Frustrated, anxious, excited, nervous, wiggly
- Red Zone: Angry, out of control, yelling, aggressive
Introduce the Zones of Regulation concept. Explain each Zone with brief, relatable adult examples. Emphasize that all zones are okay, but regulation helps us move between them effectively.
Blue Zone Boosters: Waking Up Your Senses
Strategies for Low Energy, Sadness, or Boredom
- Movement: Quick walk, stretching, jumping jacks
- Auditory: Upbeat music, engaging podcast, talking to a friend
- Visual: Bright lights, looking at vibrant colors, outdoor scenery
- Tactile: Cold water on face/hands, textured objects
- Olfactory/Gustatory: Strong mints, citrus scents, crunchy snacks
Discuss the Blue Zone. Provide examples of sensory input that can help elevate energy or mood. Encourage participants to think about their own experiences and what might help them move to Green.
Yellow Zone Chillers: Finding Your Calm
Strategies for Frustration, Anxiety, or High Excitement
- Movement: Deep pressure (weighted blanket), pushing against a wall, slow stretches
- Auditory: Calming music, white noise, quiet environment
- Visual: Dim lighting, gazing at a serene image, closing eyes
- Tactile: Stress ball, fidget toy, soft fabric, warm drink
- Olfactory/Gustatory: Calming scents (lavender), chewing gum, smooth snacks
Discuss the Yellow Zone. Explain how sensory input can help calm heightened emotions or bring down high energy. Encourage participants to identify what makes them feel 'wiggly' or 'frustrated' and what could help.
Red Zone Reboots: Stepping Back to Regain Control
Strategies for Anger, Out of Control Feelings, or Overwhelm
- Immediate Action: Deep breaths, counting slowly, stepping away
- Intense Sensory Input (if safe): Ice on wrists, cold shower, screaming into a pillow
- Heavy Work: Pushing/pulling heavy objects, intense physical activity (short burst)
- Seeking Support: Talking to a trusted person (once calmer), going to a quiet space
Discuss the Red Zone. Emphasize the importance of proactive strategies and seeking safe spaces. Explain that in this zone, immediate calming is key, and processing comes later.
Green Zone Keepers: Maintaining Your Focus
Strategies for Staying Calm, Happy, and Focused
- Regular Movement: Daily exercise, stretching breaks
- Mindfulness: Meditation, deep breathing, present moment awareness
- Organized Space: Clutter-free environment for focus
- Healthy Habits: Sufficient sleep, balanced diet, hydration
- Positive Social Connections: Engaging with supportive people
Emphasize that the Green Zone isn't about doing a strategy, but maintaining it. Discuss how preventative strategies help stay in Green and how self-awareness is key.
Your Personalized Toolkit: What Works For YOU?
No One-Size-Fits-All Solution
- Reflect: What sounds appealing to you?
- Experiment: Try different strategies and tools.
- Customize: Build a toolkit that truly meets your needs.
- Adapt: Your needs might change, and that's okay!
Next Step: Building Your Personalized Toolkit!
Transition to the idea of a personalized toolkit. Explain that what works for one person may not work for another. Introduce the next step: filling out the guide to build their own kit.
Project Guide
My Personalized Regulation Toolkit Guide
This guide will help you reflect on your sensory needs and create a personalized toolkit to help you regulate within each of the Zones. Remember, your toolkit is unique to you, and it can change over time!
Part 1: Understanding Your Zones & Triggers
Reflect on each Zone below. What does it feel like for you? What usually causes you to enter this Zone?
The Blue Zone (Low Energy, Sad, Tired, Bored)
- How I feel in this Zone:
- What usually puts me in this Zone:
The Green Zone (Calm, Happy, Focused)
- How I feel in this Zone:
- What helps me stay in this Zone:
The Yellow Zone (Frustrated, Anxious, Excited, Nervous)
- How I feel in this Zone:
- What usually puts me in this Zone:
The Red Zone (Angry, Out of Control, Overwhelmed)
- How I feel in this Zone:
- What usually puts me in this Zone:
Part 2: Identifying Your Sensory Superpowers (Strategies & Tools)
Based on your reflections, what strategies and tools can help you move between Zones or stay in the Green Zone?
For the Blue Zone (To boost energy/mood):
List 3-5 strategies/tools that help you feel more alert, engaged, or uplifted. Consider movement, sound, light, touch, taste/smell.
For the Yellow Zone (To calm down/focus):
List 3-5 strategies/tools that help you feel calmer, more centered, or less anxious. Consider deep pressure, quiet, soft textures, calming scents.
For the Red Zone (To regain control/de-escalate):
List 2-3 immediate, intense strategies/tools you can use when you feel overwhelmed or out of control. Think about safety and quick shifts.
For the Green Zone (To maintain calm/focus):
List 2-3 daily habits or routines that help you stay in a regulated, focused state.
Part 3: Assembling Your Toolkit
What physical items will you include in your actual toolkit? These can be things you already own or things you plan to acquire.
My Toolkit Contents:
- Item 1:
- Item 2:
- Item 3:
- Item 4:
- Item 5:
- Item 6:
- Item 7:
- Item 8:
Part 4: Toolkit Action Plan
- Where will you keep your toolkit so it's easily accessible?
- When will you try to use your toolkit strategies? (e.g., daily check-ins, when I notice I'm shifting zones, during stressful moments)
- How will you know if your toolkit is working?
Remember to review and adjust your toolkit as you learn more about your sensory needs!
Rubric
Toolkit Effectiveness Rubric
This rubric will help you assess the effectiveness of your personalized regulation toolkit and guide you in making adjustments for optimal self-regulation.
| Criteria | 1 - Needs Development | 2 - Developing | 3 - Proficient | 4 - Exemplary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toolkit Completeness | Toolkit has fewer than 3 strategies/tools, or items are not clearly linked to Zones. | Toolkit has 3-5 strategies/tools, but some may not be fully relevant to identified Zones. | Toolkit contains 5-7 relevant strategies/tools for various Zones, showing thoughtful selection. | Toolkit has 7+ diverse, highly relevant strategies/tools, demonstrating comprehensive planning for all Zones. |
| Personalized Relevance | Most strategies/tools chosen are generic and do not reflect personal sensory needs. | Some strategies/tools are personalized, but others are not fully aligned with individual triggers/preferences. | Most strategies/tools are clearly tailored to personal sensory triggers and preferred regulation methods. | All strategies/tools are deeply personalized, directly addressing specific sensory needs and highly effective for the individual. |
| Accessibility & Readiness | Toolkit items are not easily accessible, or the individual frequently forgets to use them. | Toolkit is somewhat accessible, and the individual sometimes remembers to use strategies when needed. | Toolkit is consistently accessible, and the individual makes a conscious effort to use strategies when shifting Zones. | Toolkit is always accessible, and the individual proactively and consistently uses strategies to maintain or regain regulation. |
| Application & Use | The individual rarely uses the toolkit strategies, even when aware of being in a non-Green Zone. | The individual occasionally attempts to use toolkit strategies but struggles with consistent application or timing. | The individual regularly attempts to use toolkit strategies and demonstrates growing awareness of when and how to apply them. | The individual consistently and effectively applies toolkit strategies, showing strong self-awareness and improved regulation outcomes. |
| Reflection & Adjustment | No reflection on toolkit effectiveness, or unwilling to make changes. | Limited reflection on toolkit effectiveness; may make minor adjustments with prompting. | Regularly reflects on toolkit effectiveness and is open to making adjustments based on experience. | Actively and insightfully reflects on toolkit effectiveness, proactively making informed adjustments to optimize regulation. |
Next Steps:
- Review your toolkit using this rubric.
- Identify areas where your toolkit or its use could be improved.
- Make adjustments to your toolkit or your routine for using it.
- Continue to reflect on its effectiveness over time!