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Sensory Toolbox

Lesson Plan

Sensory Toolkit Builder

Participants will grasp the Zones of Regulation framework and build a personalized, portable sensory toolbox to help them self-regulate in real-world situations by selecting and organizing tools for each Zone.

Adults often face stressors that impact work and well-being. This workshop empowers learners with hands-on, creative strategies to recognize emotional states and use sensory tools to maintain focus and calm.

Audience

Adult Learners

Time

75 minutes

Approach

Hands-on, interactive exploration and creation.

Materials

Prep

Prepare Workshop Materials

15 minutes

  • Review the Tools for Every Zone Slide-Deck
  • Print enough copies of the Design Your Toolbox Blueprint Worksheet for all participants
  • Gather a variety of sensory items such as stress balls, fidget toys, textured strips, aroma vials
  • Acquire small containers or pouches for each participant's sensory toolkit
  • Arrange tables/stations with materials for easy access

Step 1

Introduction to Zones of Regulation

10 minutes

  • Briefly explain the four Zones: Blue (low alert), Green (ready to learn), Yellow (heightened alert), Red (extreme emotion)
  • Discuss real-life scenarios and emotions tied to each Zone
  • Invite participants to reflect on which Zones they experience most often and why

Step 2

Explore Zones with Slide Deck

10 minutes

  • Present the Tools for Every Zone Slide-Deck
  • Review strategies and sensory tools linked to each Zone
  • Encourage questions and group discussion about which tools resonate

Step 3

Sensory Item Exploration

15 minutes

  • Set up stations featuring different sensory items
  • In small groups, participants rotate and try each item
  • Prompt them to note which items help move them toward the Green Zone

Step 4

Design Your Toolbox Blueprint

20 minutes

Step 5

Assemble Sensory Toolboxes

15 minutes

  • Provide each participant with a container or pouch and sensory items
  • Participants select and arrange their tools according to their blueprint
  • Circulate to offer feedback on balanced tool selection

Step 6

Group Share and Reflection

5 minutes

  • Invite volunteers to present their toolboxes and explain their choices
  • Facilitate a brief reflection: How will you integrate this toolbox into daily routines?
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Slide Deck

Tools for Every Zone

Exploring Sensory Strategies for Self-Regulation

In this session, you’ll learn practical tools for each Zone of Regulation and reflect on which strategies resonate with you.

Welcome everyone! Explain that this slide deck will introduce sensory strategies matched to each Zone of Regulation. Encourage active participation and note-taking.

Zones of Regulation Framework

The Zones framework helps us recognize our emotional state and choose tools to self-regulate.

Blue Zone: Low alert (tired, sad)
Green Zone: Ready to learn (calm, focused)
Yellow Zone: Heightened alert (anxious, excited)
Red Zone: Extreme emotion (overwhelmed, out of control)

Take a moment: Which Zone are you in right now?

Briefly define each Zone and color code. Ask participants to silently identify their current Zone.

Blue Zone: Tools for Low Alert

• Weighted lap pad or blanket to provide gentle pressure
• Chewable necklace or chew toy for oral input
• Slow, deep breathing exercises
• Gentle stretching or yoga poses

Prompt: Which calming tool have you tried before, and how did it help?

Discuss the Blue Zone tools. Emphasize slow, calming inputs. Invite volunteers to share past experiences with these tools.

Green Zone: Staying Ready to Learn

• Fidget spinner or stress ring for subtle movement
• Positive affirmations: write or recite a motivating phrase
• Light physical activity: desk stretches, short walk
• Aromatherapy: citrus or mint scents for alertness

Prompt: What strategy do you rely on to stay calm and focused?

Highlight that Green Zone is ideal for productivity. Encourage sharing of strategies that keep people in the Green.

Yellow Zone: Strategies for Heightened Alert

• Noise-cancelling headphones or ear plugs
• Squeezing a stress ball or therapy putty
• Short mindfulness or grounding exercise (5 breaths)
• Hydration or healthy snack break

Prompt: When you feel anxious or on edge, which tool could help you regain calm?

Explain that Yellow Zone tools help downshift from heightened alert. Solicit real-life examples.

Red Zone: Calming from Extreme Emotion

• Heavy weighted blanket or deep pressure vest
• Self-hug or shoulder squeeze for deep pressure
• Guided imagery or calming audio track
• Creating a ‘safe space’: low light, soft textures

Prompt: Recall a time you felt overwhelmed. Which of these tools might have helped you most?

Stress that Red Zone support should be safe and strong. Emphasize planning ahead for these moments.

Reflect & Choose Your Tools

• Identify one tool or strategy for each Zone
• Note why each choice works for you personally
• Prepare to sketch or list these on your blueprint worksheet

Guide participants to select one tool per Zone. Remind them they’ll record these on the worksheet next.

Next Steps

Use the Design Your Toolbox Blueprint Worksheet to plan your portable sensory toolbox.

• Sketch or list chosen tools for each Zone
• Add colors, labels, and motivational quotes
• Time allotted: 20 minutes

Let’s move to the worksheet activity now.

Introduce the worksheet and next activity. Encourage personalization and creativity.

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Worksheet

Design Your Toolbox Blueprint Worksheet

Use this worksheet to plan a personalized, portable sensory toolbox. For each Zone, sketch or describe your chosen tool, list why it works for you, and get creative!

1. Blue Zone (Low Alert)

Sketch your Blue Zone tool:











List the tool(s) you'll include:




Why this tool helps you feel calm or energized:






2. Green Zone (Ready to Learn)

Sketch your Green Zone tool:











List the tool(s) you'll include:




Why this tool helps you stay focused:






3. Yellow Zone (Heightened Alert)

Sketch your Yellow Zone tool:











List the tool(s) you'll include:




Why this tool helps you regain calm:






4. Red Zone (Extreme Emotion)

Sketch your Red Zone tool:











List the tool(s) you'll include:




Why this tool helps you feel safe or grounded:






Personalization & Reflection

Choose colors or labels for your toolbox:




Add a motivational quote or reminder:




How will you integrate this sensory toolbox into your daily routine?






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