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The Self-Care Toolkit

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Lesson Plan

The Self-Care Toolkit

To introduce 1st-4th graders to simple self-care strategies they can use when feeling stressed, tired, or overwhelmed.

Teaching students self-care strategies from a young age helps them develop emotional intelligence and coping mechanisms, leading to better overall well-being and improved ability to focus and learn.

Audience

1st-4th Grade

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Students will explore various calming techniques and create their own 'toolkit' of ideas.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Self-Care Toolkit Slide Deck, My Self-Care Toolkit Activity, Self-Care Worksheet, and Crayons or colored pencils

Prep

Prepare Materials

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction: What is Self-Care?

5 minutes

  • Begin by asking students what they do when they feel upset, angry, or tired. Lead a brief discussion.
    - Introduce the concept of self-care using the Self-Care Toolkit Slide Deck. Explain that self-care is about taking care of ourselves so we can feel our best.

Step 2

Exploring Self-Care Strategies

15 minutes

  • Use the Self-Care Toolkit Slide Deck to guide students through various self-care strategies, such as deep breathing, listening to quiet music, drawing, or taking a short walk.
    - Demonstrate each technique and have students practice along. Encourage discussion about how each strategy makes them feel.

Step 3

My Self-Care Toolkit Activity

15 minutes

  • Distribute the My Self-Care Toolkit Activity.
    - Explain that students will create their own personal self-care toolkit by drawing or writing different strategies they can use when they need to calm down or feel better.
    - Circulate and provide support and encouragement.

Step 4

Share and Reflect

5 minutes

  • Invite students to share one or two items from their self-care toolkit with a partner or the class.
    - Discuss how these tools can help them in different situations.

Step 5

Wrap-Up: Self-Care Worksheet

5 minutes

  • Distribute the Self-Care Worksheet for students to complete individually as a cool-down or for homework.
    - Reiterate the importance of using their self-care tools regularly.
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Slide Deck

What is Self-Care?

Feeling tired, stressed, or overwhelmed?

Self-care is how we take care of ourselves to feel happy and healthy!

It's like giving your mind and body a big hug! 🤗

Ask students: "Have you ever felt tired, stressed, or grumpy? What do you usually do to feel better?" Listen to their responses. Introduce the idea that self-care is about taking care of ourselves so we can feel our best, like a superhero keeping their powers strong!

Why is Self-Care Important?

When we take care of ourselves, we can:

  • Feel happier 😊
  • Be more focused in school 🧠
  • Have more energy to play! ⚡
  • Be kind to ourselves and others ❤️

Explain that self-care is different for everyone. What makes one person feel calm might not work for another. We're going to explore different ideas to find what works for us!

Self-Care Tool 1: Deep Breaths

Belly Breathing!

  • Breathe in slowly through your nose, counting to 4. 👃
  • Feel your belly get big like a balloon. 🎈
  • Breathe out slowly through your mouth, counting to 6. 👄
  • Feel your belly get small.

Let's try it together!

Demonstrate deep belly breathing. Have students place a hand on their belly and breathe in slowly, feeling their belly rise like a balloon, then exhale slowly. Repeat a few times. "This is a great tool for when you feel angry or nervous."

Self-Care Tool 2: Listen to Music

Tune In! 🎶

  • Listen to your favorite calming songs.
  • Try some quiet instrumental music.
  • Nature sounds can be super relaxing too! 🌳🌊

What music makes you feel good?

Ask students: "What kind of music helps you feel calm or happy?" Play a very short, calming instrumental piece if possible, or describe types of calming sounds like nature sounds. "Sometimes, just closing your eyes and listening to quiet music can make a big difference."

Self-Care Tool 3: Get Creative

Art Power! 🎨✏️

  • Draw a picture.
  • Color in a coloring book.
  • Build with blocks or LEGOs.
  • Write a story or poem.

Let your imagination flow!

Ask students: "Do you like to draw or color? How does it make you feel?" Explain that focusing on art can help calm a busy mind. Give them a moment to imagine what they might draw.

Self-Care Tool 4: Move Your Body

Wiggle and Stretch! 🚶‍♀️🤸‍♂️

  • Take a short walk outside.
  • Do some gentle stretches.
  • Dance to a happy song! 🕺
  • Play a quiet game.

Movement can help you feel refreshed!

Explain that sometimes moving our bodies helps release stress. "If you're feeling restless, a quick stretch or walk can help!" Have students gently stretch their arms up high and then touch their toes.

Your Self-Care Toolkit!

What helps YOU feel calm, happy, or relaxed?

  • We all have different ways to take care of ourselves.
  • Today, you'll create your very own My Self-Care Toolkit Activity!
  • Fill it with ideas that work for you! ✨

Transition to the activity. "Now it's your turn to think about what self-care tools you want in YOUR toolkit!"

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Activity

My Self-Care Toolkit 🧰✨

Instructions: Draw or write different ways YOU can take care of yourself when you feel stressed, tired, or overwhelmed. Fill your toolkit with your favorite ideas!

My Toolkit for Feeling Calm 😌

What do you do when you need to calm down? (e.g., deep breaths, count to ten, hug a stuffed animal)













My Toolkit for Feeling Happy Again 😊

What do you do when you feel sad or grumpy? (e.g., listen to music, draw, talk to a friend)













My Toolkit for More Energy! ⚡

What do you do when you feel tired or bored? (e.g., take a walk, stretch, play a game)













My Favorite Self-Care Superpower! ⭐

What is one self-care tool you will try to use this week?




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Worksheet

Self-Care Check-In 📝

Name: ________________________

Date: ________________________

  1. What does self-care mean to you? (Circle one)
    • Taking care of my toys
    • Taking care of myself so I feel good
    • Taking care of my pets




  1. Draw a face that shows how you feel when you need self-care.







  1. Name two feelings that self-care can help you with.
    a. ____________________________
    b. ____________________________




  1. From your Self-Care Toolkit, what is one strategy you will try this week?
    My strategy: ____________________________________________________




  1. Why do you think this strategy will help you?







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The Self-Care Toolkit • Lenny Learning