Calm Behavior Chart Template

Instructions: Use this template to identify, track, and reinforce calm behaviors in your classroom. Complete each section to prepare your chart and implementation plan.

Part 1: Brainstorm Calm Behaviors

List three calm behaviors you want to encourage and track in your classroom:

1. ____________________________________________
   
   
   
   
2. ____________________________________________
   
   
   
   
3. ____________________________________________
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Calm Behavior Chart

Complete the chart below for up to six students. In the “Visual Icon” column, draw or attach the icon you will use as a prompt for each behavior.

Part 3: Introduction & Tracking Plan

1. How will you introduce this chart and the visual icons to your students? Describe your steps and talking points:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. What routine will you use to review and update the chart daily? Outline your process and timing:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Cue Card Role-Play

Purpose:
Practice using calm cue cards in realistic classroom scenarios to support student self-regulation and build teacher confidence in implementation.

Time: 20 minutes
Group Size: Pairs (teachers take turns as “teacher” and “student”)
Materials:

• Calm Cue Cards Set
• Scenario prompt cards (see below)
• Timer (optional)

Scenario Prompt Cards

Cut these into individual cards and place face down. Each pair draws one to role-play.

1. Fidgety During Lecture
   A student is tapping their pencil and shifting in their seat during a lesson.

2. Upset at Transition
   A student becomes anxious moving from recess back to class and refuses to join the group.

3. Test Anxiety
   A student is overwhelmed at the start of a quiz and says, “I can’t do this.”

4. Peer Conflict
   Two students are whispering angrily after a playground disagreement.

5. Off-Task Chatting
   A student keeps talking to a neighbor during independent work time.

6. Emotional Outburst
   A student raises voice and paces after receiving correction.

Instructions

1. Form Pairs and Draw a Scenario (2 min)

   • One person plays the teacher; the other, the student.
   • Draw a scenario prompt card at random.

2. Plan Your Response (2 min)

   • The “teacher” selects one or more cards from the Calm Cue Cards Set.
   • Decide on placement, wording, and timing of the cue.

3. Role-Play (4 min)

   • Enact the scenario: the “student” behaves according to the prompt.
   • The “teacher” uses the cue card(s) as they would in real time.
   • Practice delivering the cue calmly and clearly.

4. Switch Roles & New Scenario (2 min planning, 4 min role-play)

   • Swap roles and draw a new scenario.
   • Repeat planning and enactment.

5. Group Debrief (6 min)

   • Reconvene in the full group.
   • Each pair shares:
     • Which cue card(s) they used and why.
     • What went well and any challenges.
     • Adaptations they would make for their own classroom context.

Reflection Questions

• How did the timing and phrasing of the cue card influence student response?
  
  
  
• What modifications might you need for different age groups or individual student needs?
  
  
  
• How will you introduce these cue cards to your students to ensure understanding and buy-in?
  
  
  

Next Steps

• Customize Your Set: After the session, review your Calm Cue Cards Set and add or adjust cards based on what you learned.
• Implementation Plan: Schedule a day this week to introduce cue cards during a low-stakes transition. Note student reactions and refine your approach.
• Peer Check-In: Pair up with a colleague mid-week to discuss successes and challenges in using cue cards.

Self-Regulation Strategy Checklist Handout

Use this one-page reference to match common student triggers with the appropriate visual tool and follow-up steps. Keep it at your desk or attach it to your clipboard for quick access.

How to Use This Checklist

1. Identify the Trigger – Observe the student and select the matching row.
2. Implement the Strategy – Present the visual support calmly and clearly.
3. Follow-Up – Use the suggested steps to monitor progress, provide feedback, and record data.
4. Adjust as Needed – Review collected data weekly and customize visuals or strategies based on individual needs.

Keep this handout alongside your Self-Regulation Strategy Checklist Handout and other Tier 1 tools for seamless, proactive support of all learners.

Calm Cue Cards Set

Cut along the lines to create individual cue cards. Draw or paste a visual icon in the space provided. Use these cards during transitions or moments of dysregulation to prompt calm behavior.

Pause & Breathe
[Draw Icon Here]



Take 3 slow, deep breaths to calm your mind.

Use Your Words
[Draw Icon Here]



Tell me how you feel before we solve the problem together.

Take a Break
[Draw Icon Here]



Step away for a moment—stretch or move to reset.

Stay on Task
[Draw Icon Here]



Focus on one step at a time and complete your work.

Check Your Body
[Draw Icon Here]



Notice your posture and relax your shoulders and hands.

Ready to Learn
[Draw Icon Here]



Give yourself a quick self-check: calm mind, open ears, ready hands.

Calm Corner Poster

A Safe Space to Reset and Refocus

Steps to Use the Calm Corner

1. Notice Your Feeling:

   • I feel: ________________________________________
     
     
     

2. Choose Your Calm Tool:

   • [Draw Icon Here] ______________________________
   • [Draw Icon Here] ______________________________
     
     

3. Practice Your Strategy (choose one):

   • Pause & Breathe (3 slow breaths)
   • Check Your Body (relax shoulders & hands)
   • Use Your Words (name your feeling)
   • Take a Break (stretch or move)

4. Rest for up to ___ minutes, then return when you feel ready.
   
   
   ## Calm Corner Rules

• One student at a time.
  
• Use a quiet voice.
  
• Respect the space and materials.
  
• Return to the class quietly when you’re ready.
  
  
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Teacher Tip:
• Post this poster at the entrance of your Calm Corner.
• Model each step with students during a low-stakes moment.
• Review rules and expectations regularly to build confidence in use.