Lesson Plan
Building Your Regulation Toolkit Plan
Adults will be able to identify their individual sensory needs and preferences, and then create a personalized sensory toolkit with strategies and tools to effectively regulate themselves across different Zones of Regulation.
Understanding and managing personal sensory input is crucial for emotional and energy regulation, leading to improved well-being and productivity. This lesson provides a practical, customizable solution for immediate self-support.
Audience
Adults
Time
90 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, guided reflection, and hands-on toolkit creation.
Materials
Whiteboard or large paper, Markers or pens, Various sensory items (e.g., stress balls, fidgets, weighted items, headphones, essential oils, textured objects, visual aids) for demonstration and exploration, Index cards or small slips of paper, Empty shoeboxes or small containers (one per participant), Sensory Strategies for Adults, My Personalized Regulation Toolkit Guide, and Toolkit Effectiveness Rubric
Prep
Preparation Steps
30 minutes
- Review all generated materials: Building Your Regulation Toolkit Plan, Sensory Strategies for Adults, My Personalized Regulation Toolkit Guide, and Toolkit Effectiveness Rubric.
- Gather various sensory items for demonstration and for participants to explore (e.g., stress balls, fidgets, weighted items, headphones, essential oils, textured objects, visual aids).
- Prepare a whiteboard or large paper and markers.
- Ensure each participant has an empty shoebox or small container for their toolkit.
- Print out copies of the My Personalized Regulation Toolkit Guide and Toolkit Effectiveness Rubric.
Step 1
Introduction & Warm-Up: What are Your Zones?
15 minutes
- Begin by welcoming participants and introducing the concept of the Zones of Regulation as a framework for understanding and communicating emotional and energy states.
- Facilitate a brief discussion: "Think about a time recently when you felt in the 'Blue Zone' (low energy, sad, bored). What did that feel like?" and "When have you been in the 'Yellow Zone' (frustrated, anxious, worried)? How did that impact you?"
- Introduce the idea that everyone has different sensory needs that impact their Zone. "Today, we're going to explore how sensory input affects us and build a personalized 'Sensory Superpowers Toolkit' to help us navigate these Zones."
- Display Sensory Strategies for Adults Slide 1-3.
Step 2
Understanding Sensory Input & The Zones
20 minutes
- Present the Sensory Strategies for Adults (Slides 4-10) to introduce different types of sensory input (visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, taste, proprioceptive, vestibular) and how they relate to the Zones.
- Lead a guided reflection: "Which sensory inputs tend to push you into the 'Red Zone' (anger, intense excitement)? Which ones help you get back to the 'Green Zone' (calm, focused)?"
- Encourage participants to share examples and observations in small groups or as a whole class.
Step 3
Brainstorming Sensory Strategies
20 minutes
- Using Sensory Strategies for Adults (Slides 11-15), introduce various sensory strategies for each Zone (Blue, Green, Yellow, Red).
- Provide time for participants to explore the various sensory items you've gathered. "Pick up an item. How does it make you feel? Which Zone do you think it would help you with?"
- Facilitate a group brainstorm. Ask participants to suggest other strategies they currently use or could use. Write these on the whiteboard, organized by Zone.
- Distribute index cards. Ask each participant to write down at least one personal strategy for each Zone on separate cards.
Step 4
Building Your Personalized Toolkit
25 minutes
- Distribute the empty shoeboxes/containers and copies of the My Personalized Regulation Toolkit Guide.
- Explain that this guide will help them document their chosen strategies and the reasons behind them.
- Instruct participants to choose at least 2-3 sensory items or representations of strategies for each Zone to place in their shoebox. These can be physical items (if available) or written reminders of strategies (from their index cards).
- Circulate and provide individualized support and suggestions as participants build their toolkits. Emphasize that this is highly personal.
- Display Sensory Strategies for Adults (Slides 16-17) to reinforce the concept of a personalized toolkit.
Step 5
Reflection & Next Steps
10 minutes
- Ask participants to share one item or strategy from their toolkit and explain why it's meaningful to them.
- Introduce the Toolkit Effectiveness Rubric and explain its purpose: to help them evaluate and refine their toolkit over time.
- Encourage participants to keep their toolkits accessible and to practice using their strategies regularly.
- Conclude by emphasizing that self-regulation is an ongoing journey and their toolkit is a living document that can evolve with them.
Slide Deck
Sensory Superpowers Toolkit
Understanding Your Inner Zones & Building Your Support System
- What are the Zones of Regulation?
- How does sensory input affect us?
- Creating your personalized toolkit!
Welcome participants and introduce the topic of sensory regulation. Briefly recap or introduce the concept of the Zones of Regulation, emphasizing it's a tool for understanding our emotional and energy states.
Quick Zones Recap
- Blue Zone: Low energy, sad, tired, sick, bored
- Green Zone: Calm, happy, focused, ready to learn/work
- Yellow Zone: Frustrated, anxious, excited, silly, worried, fidgety
- Red Zone: Angry, enraged, terrified, out of control
Where are you right now?
Ask participants to recall or share what they know about the Zones. Reinforce that everyone experiences these zones.
Why Do We Shift Zones?
Our environment and internal state constantly influence our Zone.
Today, we'll explore:
- Sensory Input: The information our brains receive from our senses.
- How to harness this input to help us regulate.
Introduce the idea that we're going to dive deeper into why we shift between zones, and how our senses play a big role. Emphasize that self-regulation is about awareness and having tools.
What is Sensory Input?
Information our brains receive through our senses about the world around us and our own bodies.
It influences:
- How we feel
- How we think
- How we react
Define sensory input simply. Explain that it's all the information our body takes in.
Our Sensory Systems
- Visual: What we see (lights, colors, patterns)
- Auditory: What we hear (sounds, music, quiet)
- Tactile: What we feel (textures, temperature, pressure)
- Olfactory: What we smell (scents, odors)
- Taste: What we taste (flavors, textures of food)
- Proprioceptive: Body awareness (muscle and joint input, heavy work)
- Vestibular: Balance and movement (movement, spinning, swinging)
Go through each sensory system with a brief explanation and examples relevant to adults. Ask for examples from the audience.
Sensory Input & Your Zones
Different sensory inputs can:
- Calm you down (Green Zone)
- Alert you up (Green Zone from Blue)
- Overwhelm you (Yellow/Red Zone)
- Underwhelm you (Blue Zone)
It's all about finding what works for YOU!
Explain that sensory input can either help us regulate or deregulate us, depending on our individual needs and the amount/type of input.
Blue Zone Boosters (Low Energy/Motivation)
To feel more alert and engaged:
- Movement: Quick walk, stretching, dancing
- Auditory: Upbeat music, engaging conversation
- Visual: Bright lights, stimulating colors
- Olfactory/Taste: Strong mint, citrus scents, crunchy snacks
- Proprioceptive: Heavy work tasks, pushing/pulling
Present strategies for the Blue Zone. Encourage discussion on how these might help. Provide examples of items.
Green Zone Grounding (Calm/Focused)
To maintain focus and calm:
- Visual: Organized space, natural light
- Auditory: Calming music, white noise, quiet environment
- Tactile: Fidget toys, smooth textures
- Olfactory: Soothing scents (lavender)
- Proprioceptive: Deep pressure, comfortable seating
Focus on maintaining the Green Zone. What helps us stay focused and regulated?
Yellow Zone Stabilizers (Anxious/Frustrated)
To de-escalate and regain control:
- Movement: Deep breathing, gentle stretches, slow walks
- Auditory: Calming music, nature sounds, quiet space
- Visual: Soft lighting, looking at calming images
- Tactile: Stress ball, weighted lap pad, soft blanket
- Proprioceptive: Wall pushes, gentle squeeze
Discuss strategies to bring down heightened states in the Yellow Zone. Emphasize proactive strategies.
Red Zone Reset (Angry/Out of Control)
To regain intense self-control:
- Movement: Intense physical activity (if safe), stomping, deep breathing with force
- Auditory: Complete quiet, loud music to match intensity (then shift to calm)
- Tactile: Firm pressure, cold pack on face/neck, squeezing something hard
- Proprioceptive: Bear hugs, intense muscle contractions
- Vestibular: Rocking, swinging (if available and safe)
For the Red Zone, emphasize immediate, intense strategies to prevent further escalation or to help return to baseline. Safety first.
Your Personalized Toolkit
A collection of items and strategies that help YOU regulate your emotions and energy levels.
- Immediate Support: Access tools when you need them.
- Empowerment: Take charge of your well-being.
- Customizable: What works for one person may not work for another.
Transition to the idea of a personal toolkit. Explain it's a physical representation of their strategies.
Building Your Toolkit: The Guide
We will use the My Personalized Regulation Toolkit Guide to:
- Identify your personal sensory preferences.
- Select strategies for each Zone.
- Assemble your physical toolkit.
Introduce the Project Guide and the task of building their physical toolkit. Explain that they will be documenting their choices.
Toolkit Effectiveness Rubric
Use the Toolkit Effectiveness Rubric to:
- Evaluate how well your toolkit is working.
- Identify areas for improvement.
- Continuously refine your self-regulation strategies.
Explain the importance of regularly reviewing and adjusting their toolkit. It's not a one-time setup.
Summary & Moving Forward
You now have:
- A deeper understanding of sensory input and the Zones.
- A personalized toolkit of strategies.
- A plan to continue your self-regulation journey.
Practice makes progress!
Summarize the key takeaways and encourage continued practice.
Project Guide
My Personalized Regulation Toolkit Guide
This guide will help you create a personalized Sensory Superpowers Toolkit – a collection of strategies and tools to help you manage your emotions and energy levels across the Zones of Regulation. This toolkit is unique to YOU!
Section 1: Understanding Your Sensory Profile
Reflect on how different sensory inputs affect you. This will help you choose effective strategies.
Visual Input
- What visual inputs tend to make you feel overwhelmed or agitated (e.g., bright lights, busy patterns)?
- What visual inputs help you feel calm, focused, or alert (e.g., natural light, specific colors, organized spaces)?
Auditory Input
- What sounds or noise levels tend to push you into the Yellow or Red Zone (e.g., loud noises, specific frequencies, constant chatter)?
- What sounds or quiet environments help you feel regulated (e.g., soft music, nature sounds, complete silence)?
Tactile Input
- What textures or types of touch do you dislike or find irritating (e.g., scratchy fabrics, unexpected touch)?
- What textures or touch sensations help you feel grounded or comforted (e.g., soft blankets, fidgets, deep pressure)?
Olfactory (Smell) Input
- What smells tend to bother you or trigger negative feelings?
- What smells do you find calming, alerting, or pleasant?
Taste Input
- Are there any tastes or food textures that particularly affect your mood or energy (e.g., very spicy, bland, crunchy)?
- What tastes or food textures do you find regulating?
Proprioceptive (Body Awareness) Input
- Do you often feel restless, sluggish, or have a need for heavy work activities?
- What physical activities or sensations help you feel grounded, strong, or centered (e.g., pushing, pulling, lifting, weighted items)?
Vestibular (Movement/Balance) Input
- What types of movement or changes in position make you feel dizzy, disoriented, or anxious (e.g., spinning, sudden movements)?
- What types of movement help you feel calm, alert, or organized (e.g., gentle rocking, swinging, walking)?
Section 2: My Toolkit Strategies by Zone
Now, based on your sensory profile, identify specific strategies and tools for each Zone. Aim for at least 2-3 for each Zone. These can be physical items you put in your toolkit or reminders of activities you can do.
Blue Zone: (Tired, Sad, Bored, Sick - Need to feel more alert or engaged)
- Strategy/Tool:
- Why this helps:
- Why this helps:
- Strategy/Tool:
- Why this helps:
- Why this helps:
- Strategy/Tool:
- Why this helps:
- Why this helps:
Green Zone: (Calm, Happy, Focused, Ready to Learn/Work - How to maintain this zone)
- Strategy/Tool:
- Why this helps:
- Why this helps:
- Strategy/Tool:
- Why this helps:
- Why this helps:
- Strategy/Tool:
- Why this helps:
- Why this helps:
Yellow Zone: (Frustrated, Anxious, Worried, Fidgety, Excited - Need to slow down or calm a little)
- Strategy/Tool:
- Why this helps:
- Why this helps:
- Strategy/Tool:
- Why this helps:
- Why this helps:
- Strategy/Tool:
- Why this helps:
- Why this helps:
Red Zone: (Angry, Enraged, Terrified, Out of Control - Need intense regulation to return to safety)
- Strategy/Tool:
- Why this helps:
- Why this helps:
- Strategy/Tool:
- Why this helps:
- Why this helps:
- Strategy/Tool:
- Why this helps:
- Why this helps:
Section 3: Assembling Your Physical Toolkit
Now, gather the items you've identified! Your toolkit can be a shoebox, a small bag, or any container that is easily accessible.
- What physical items will you include? (e.g., stress ball, essential oil roller, headphones, chewing gum, visual timer, small snack, fidget toy, picture of a loved one)
- Where will you keep your toolkit so it's readily available? (e.g., desk, bedside table, work bag)
Remember to regularly review your toolkit using the Toolkit Effectiveness Rubric and adjust it as your needs change. Your Sensory Superpowers Toolkit is a dynamic tool for lifelong self-regulation!
Rubric
Toolkit Effectiveness Rubric
This rubric will help you evaluate how well your personalized Sensory Superpowers Toolkit is working for you. Use it to reflect on your strategies and make adjustments as needed.
Evaluation Criteria
| Criteria | 1 - Needs Improvement | 2 - Developing | 3 - Proficient | 4 - Exemplary |
| :---------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Initial Assessment & Introduction to Zones:
-
Criteria 1: Understanding of Zones of Regulation
- 1 - Needs Improvement: Expresses minimal understanding of the Zones of Regulation concept; struggles to identify personal feelings within the Zones.
- 2 - Developing: Shows a basic understanding of the Zones; can identify some personal feelings within Zones, but may need prompts or examples.
- 3 - Proficient: Clearly understands the Zones of Regulation framework; can accurately identify and describe personal feelings within each Zone.
- 4 - Exemplary: Demonstrates a deep understanding of the Zones, articulating nuances and interconnectedness; consistently and insightfully identifies personal feelings with examples.
-
Criteria 2: Awareness of Sensory Needs
- 1 - Needs Improvement: Cannot identify specific sensory inputs that affect their regulation; dismisses the impact of sensory experiences.
- 2 - Developing: Can identify a few general sensory inputs that impact them, but struggles to connect them directly to their Zones of Regulation.
- 3 - Proficient: Identifies a range of specific sensory inputs (across different systems) that clearly influence their movement through the Zones.
- 4 - Exemplary: Articulates a detailed and nuanced understanding of their individual sensory profile, including specific triggers and supports, and how these directly relate to their Zone shifts.
Toolkit Development & Application:
-
Criteria 3: Personalization of Toolkit Strategies
- 1 - Needs Improvement: Toolkit contains generic strategies with little personal relevance; rationale for choices is unclear or absent.
- 2 - Developing: Toolkit includes some personally relevant strategies, but may lack variety or clear justification for their inclusion.
- 3 - Proficient: Toolkit contains a variety of personally meaningful and effective strategies for each Zone, with a clear explanation of why each strategy is chosen.
- 4 - Exemplary: Toolkit is highly individualized and creative, incorporating a diverse array of deeply personal and effective strategies for each Zone, with compelling, insightful justifications for each choice.
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Criteria 4: Practicality & Accessibility of Toolkit
- 1 - Needs Improvement: The toolkit is disorganized, incomplete, or not easily accessible; physical items are missing or impractical.
- 2 - Developing: The toolkit has some organization and most items are present, but accessibility or practicality could be improved.
- 3 - Proficient: The toolkit is well-organized, complete, and stored in a location that ensures easy and timely access when needed.
- 4 - Exemplary: The toolkit is meticulously organized, thoughtfully curated with practical items, and strategically placed for optimal, immediate access in diverse environments.
Ongoing Reflection & Adjustment:
-
Criteria 5: Intentional Application of Strategies
- 1 - Needs Improvement: Rarely or inconsistently attempts to use toolkit strategies; does not reflect on outcomes.
- 2 - Developing: Attempts to use strategies when prompted, but struggles with independent application or evaluating their effectiveness.
- 3 - Proficient: Consistently and independently attempts to use toolkit strategies in response to Zone shifts and reflects on their effectiveness.
- 4 - Exemplary: Proactively and instinctively applies a wide range of toolkit strategies, demonstrates flexible problem-solving, and critically evaluates and adapts strategies based on ongoing self-assessment.
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Criteria 6: Toolkit Refinement & Growth
- 1 - Needs Improvement: Shows no evidence of reviewing or adjusting the toolkit; assumes the initial choices are fixed.
- 2 - Developing: Recognizes the need for toolkit adjustments but has not yet made significant changes or shows limited insight into how to refine it.
- 3 - Proficient: Regularly reviews the toolkit, makes thoughtful adjustments to strategies or items based on personal experience, and understands that the toolkit is dynamic.
- 4 - Exemplary: Demonstrates continuous, insightful refinement of the toolkit, actively seeking new strategies and adapting the toolkit to evolving needs and contexts, leading to sustained improvement in self-regulation.
Rubric
Toolkit Effectiveness Rubric
This rubric will help you evaluate how well your personalized Sensory Superpowers Toolkit is working for you. Use it to reflect on your strategies and make adjustments as needed.
Evaluation Criteria
| Criteria | 1 - Needs Improvement | 2 - Developing | 3 - Proficient | 4 - Exemplary |
| :---------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------grounded, strong, or centered (e.g., pushing, pulling, lifting, weighted items)?
Vestibular (Movement/Balance) Input
- What types of movement or changes in position make you feel dizzy, disoriented, or anxious (e.g., spinning, sudden movements)?
- What types of movement help you feel calm, alert, or organized (e.g., gentle rocking, swinging, walking)?
Section 2: My Toolkit Strategies by Zone
Now, based on your sensory profile, identify specific strategies and tools for each Zone. Aim for at least 2-3 for each Zone. These can be physical items you put in your toolkit or reminders of activities you can do.
Blue Zone: (Tired, Sad, Bored, Sick - Need to feel more alert or engaged)
- Strategy/Tool:
- Why this helps:
- Why this helps:
- Strategy/Tool:
- Why this helps:
- Why this helps:
- Strategy/Tool:
- Why this helps:
- Why this helps:
Green Zone: (Calm, Happy, Focused, Ready to Learn/Work - How to maintain this zone)
- Strategy/Tool:
- Why this helps:
- Why this helps:
- Strategy/Tool:
- Why this helps:
- Why this helps:
- Strategy/Tool:
- Why this helps:
- Why this helps:
Yellow Zone: (Frustrated, Anxious, Worried, Fidgety, Excited - Need to slow down or calm a little)
- Strategy/Tool:
- Why this helps:
- Why this helps:
- Strategy/Tool:
- Why this helps:
- Why this helps:
- Strategy/Tool:
- Why this helps:
- Why this helps:
Red Zone: (Angry, Enraged, Terrified, Out of Control - Need intense regulation to return to safety)
- Strategy/Tool:
- Why this helps:
- Why this helps:
- Strategy/Tool:
- Why this helps:
- Why this helps:
- Strategy/Tool:
- Why this helps:
- Why this helps:
Section 3: Assembling Your Physical Toolkit
Now, gather the items you've identified! Your toolkit can be a shoebox, a small bag, or any container that is easily accessible.
- What physical items will you include? (e.g., stress ball, essential oil roller, headphones, chewing gum, visual timer, small snack, fidget toy, picture of a loved one)
- Where will you keep your toolkit so it's readily available? (e.g., desk, bedside table, work bag)
Remember to regularly review your toolkit using the Toolkit Effectiveness Rubric and adjust it as your needs change. Your Sensory Superpowers Toolkit is a dynamic tool for lifelong self-regulation!