Sensory Breaks

Class-wide toolkit for quick, on-the-spot sensory resets – promotes self-regulation and keeps everyone engaged throughout the day. This 20-minute Tier 1 lesson for 2nd graders introduces simple strategies and fun activities to help students recognize and reset their energy levels, fostering a calm, focused classroom environment.

In this lesson, kindergarten students will learn how to independently take a sensory break by implementing a sensory diet. This lesson is important as it helps young learners recognize their sensory needs and manage their emotions and energy levels effectively. By practicing sensory breaks, students can improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance their overall well-being.

In this 15-minute Tier 1 sensory regulation session for 2nd graders, students will engage in a Brain Dance warm-up, explore various sensory tools, participate in a guided sensory break, and wrap up with a Mood Meter check-in. This resource helps maintain attention, reduce stress, and build self-regulation skills in the classroom.

A short, evidence-based 10-minute break routine for a 3rd grade student feeling overwhelmed. This Tier 3 individualized support lesson teaches coping skills through movement and breathing exercises to help students self-regulate and return to learning ready and calm.

In this quick 8-minute Tier 3 lesson, kindergarteners learn to spot when their bodies need a break and independently choose from fun calming or movement activities. By mastering their sensory break skills, students boost self-regulation, reduce disruptions, and gain confidence in managing big feelings.

A 20-session, 5-minute Tier 3 individual program for a 3rd grader with autism to learn how to choose and use sensory diet activities for self-regulation. This lesson supports sensory-seeking and sensory-avoiding needs through targeted practice, helping the student increase independence and self-awareness.

A 20-session, 5-minute Tier 3 individual program for a 3rd grader with autism to learn how to choose and use sensory diet activities for self-regulation. This lesson supports sensory-seeking and sensory-avoiding needs through targeted practice, helping the student increase independence and self-awareness.

A concise 15-minute individual lesson to help a 3rd grade student with autism recognize and request a break when overwhelmed. Includes a social story reading, visual supports, and a guided activity to practice asking for a break. Essential for building self-advocacy and emotional regulation.

Individualized sessions for a 5th grade student to explore their unique sensory preferences and coping strategies, empowering them to self-advocate and self-regulate effectively. This Tier 3 program includes practical tools and reflections to support emotional and behavioral well-being.

In this K-2 lesson, students will create and use a sensory corner to practice self-regulation through guided sensory activities. This lesson supports emotional wellness and helps young learners explore tools like stress balls, fidget toys, and calming visuals to manage stress and emotions effectively.

In this individual Tier 3 project for a 5th grade special education student, learners compile personalized sensory and self-regulation strategies into an actionable toolkit. Over one 40-minute session, the student will design and plan their own toolkit to support lasting emotional and behavioral success.

This lesson plan is designed to help kindergarten students learn to express their need for a break in a constructive manner. Over six weeks, students will engage in fun and simple activities that promote self-regulation and communication skills. This lesson is important as it empowers young students to manage their emotions and communicate effectively, fostering a supportive classroom environment.

This lesson focuses on understanding and managing sensory overstimulation and dysregulation, crucial for students' well-being and academic success. Designed for 9th graders, it provides strategies to cope with sensory challenges in a 30-minute session, ensuring all students can thrive in a classroom environment.

In this 6-session lesson designed for kindergarteners, students will explore and identify their sensory preferences and understand how these preferences affect their emotions and behaviors. This lesson is crucial for helping young learners develop self-awareness and emotional regulation skills, empowering them to navigate their world with confidence.

This lesson helps individual students understand the importance of taking a break when feeling overwhelmed. They learn strategies to calm down and return to tasks with a clear mind, specifically designed for a 9th-grade student. The session lasts 35 minutes and focuses on Tier 3 individual support to manage emotions effectively.

In this lesson, kindergarteners will explore various sensory tools through a fun and interactive game. The goal is to help students understand how these tools can be used to calm down and manage emotions. This lesson is important as it introduces young learners to self-regulation techniques in a playful manner, fostering emotional awareness and resilience.

A 2-session, individualized 5th-grade special education lesson teaching self-advocacy and coping strategies (deep breathing, asking for breaks) to manage emotional dysregulation. Includes kinesthetic activities, discussion, a video, and a project to reinforce skills.

In this brief 15-minute small-group session, 3rd grade students will learn and practice simple, energizing brain breaks to reset attention, boost self-regulation, and prepare for challenging tasks. These quick, movement-based resets empower learners with executive function strategies to recharge focus and approach work with renewed energy.

A 6-session individual counseling curriculum designed to help 1st–5th graders develop sensory awareness and self-regulation skills. Clinical staff will learn to guide students through sensory profiling, calming strategies, and personalized regulation plans in 30-minute sessions.

This one-on-one behavior support packet guides a 7th grade student through personalized coping strategies and emotional tracking in a 30-minute session. Building self-regulation skills fosters resilience, academic focus, and well-being.

This lesson guides students on a sensory walk, encouraging them to use their senses to explore their environment. This mindfulness exercise helps students center themselves, improving focus and reducing anxiety. By engaging with their surroundings, students learn to be present in the moment, which can enhance their emotional well-being and concentration.

Students will rotate through different stations, each focusing on a specific self-regulation skill such as deep breathing, positive self-talk, and emotions check-in. This hands-on lesson is designed to be interactive and engaging. It will help students develop essential self-regulation skills that are crucial for their emotional and academic success.

This individualized Tier 3 lesson helps a 4th grade student build a personalized 'chill pill' break kit packed with calming items. Over a single 30-minute session, the student learns proactive self-regulation through hands-on selection and reflection. The project guide, visuals, checklist, and rubric ensure the student finishes with a usable kit and clear measurement of its effectiveness.

Students will learn simple, fun brain breaks to boost focus, calm their minds, and re-energize during the school day. This engaging 15-minute Tier 1 lesson for 1st graders supports self-regulation, classroom engagement, and social-emotional wellness.

An individualized toolkit students build with strategies tailored to their sensory profiles, empowering them to self-regulate in diverse environments. This Tier 3 lesson for a 5th grade student spans a 60-minute session and focuses on self-regulation through sensory awareness. Students will assess their sensory needs, explore regulation strategies, and assemble a personalized toolbox.

In this 15-minute, Tier 2 intervention, an individual student will learn to use short, targeted brain breaks to refocus and self-regulate. This lesson equips the student with a rotation plan, engaging visuals, timers, and reflection tools to build independence and boost attention.

Individual worksheets offering personalized sensory toolkits and step-by-step calm-down strategies for students needing extra support. This Tier 3 lesson provides a concise 10-minute session for 4th grade students focusing on self-regulation through personalized calm-down approaches.

This short, targeted mindfulness session is designed for an individual 5th-grade student. In a focused 10-minute routine, the student will learn and practice breathing and focus techniques to reduce anxiety and build self-regulation skills.

A 6-session individualized counseling series for a 6th-grade student with ADHD to learn and apply positive coping strategies. Each 30-minute session builds practical skills like deep breathing, positive self-talk, grounding techniques, and taking a break. Tailored for Tier 3 intensive support with visual, multisensory activities to help Julian manage overwhelming feelings and communicate his needs effectively.

In this single 20-minute lesson, PreK students with autism will learn to independently ask for a break using visual supports. This vital skill fosters self-advocacy, regulation, and classroom engagement.

These 10-minute personalized mindfulness sessions are tailored for a 5th grade student to practice breathing and focus techniques, reduce anxiety, and build self-regulation skills. This Tier 3 (Individual) support provides engaging, age-appropriate activities to help the student refocus during the school day.

A quick whole-class sensory break routine to help 2nd graders recognize and manage their energy levels—you’ll see calmer, more focused students afterward. This Tier 1 lesson is designed for a 2nd grade class and runs for one 10-minute session.

In this lesson, students will create a personalized 'Calm Down' kit with items that help them relax and refocus when feeling stressed. This activity encourages self-awareness and emotional regulation by allowing students to identify and select sensory activities that soothe them, such as stress balls or mindful breathing cards. The lesson is important as it equips students with tools to manage stress and emotions effectively, promoting mental well-being and focus.

In this 15-minute individual session for a kindergarten student with sensory processing disorder and ADHD, learners will explore quick, everyday self-regulation techniques and practice pausing before reacting. This lesson builds emotional awareness and gives the child concrete tools (deep breaths, wall push, counting) to manage big feelings in the moment.

In this lesson, students will collaborate to create a toolkit of self-regulation strategies that they can use when feeling overwhelmed. This lesson is important as it empowers students with practical tools to manage their emotions and behaviors, fostering a supportive classroom environment. By reflecting on these strategies, students can identify which ones resonate with them personally, enhancing their emotional intelligence and self-awareness.

This lesson involves setting up different sensory stations where students can engage their senses through focused activities like listening, touching, and smelling. This lesson is important as it helps students develop mindfulness and sensory awareness, which are crucial for their emotional and cognitive development. By engaging in these activities, students can improve their focus, calmness, and ability to process sensory information.

In this 75-minute, whole-class workshop, adult learners will explore the Zones of Regulation framework and build a personalized, portable sensory toolbox for real-world self-regulation. This lesson encourages creativity, hands-on practice, and equips participants with practical tools they can use daily.

In this 30-minute, one-session Tier 1 lesson for Kindergarten, students will become “Sensory Superheroes” by exploring their five senses and discovering simple tools to help their bodies stay calm and focused. This fun, hands-on lesson builds self-awareness and self-regulation skills essential for learning success.

This lesson consists of a morning and afternoon check-in and check-out questionnaire designed for a 5th-grade student over three days, totaling six sessions. It focuses on helping the student develop mindfulness around personal boundaries, verbal respect towards peers, and self-contribution to the betterment of classmates and themselves. This lesson is important as it fosters self-awareness, empathy, and respectful communication, which are crucial life skills.

In this engaging 30-minute Pre-K lesson, students will learn and practice two simple self-calming strategies—belly breathing and counting to four—to manage strong feelings. This lesson builds self-management and mindfulness skills essential for emotional responsibility. Through modeling, guided practice, and a fun hands-on activity, young learners will create their own calm-down kits to use whenever they feel upset.

This lesson involves setting up sensory exploration stations where students can engage their senses through activities like listening, touching, and smelling. This lesson is important as it helps young students develop mindfulness and sensory awareness, which are crucial for their emotional and cognitive development. By engaging in these activities, students can improve their focus, relaxation, and understanding of their sensory experiences.

Students will create a personalized calming corner at home or school to practice self-regulation. This individual Tier 3 project builds planning, creativity, and emotional management skills in one 40-minute session.

In this 30-minute one-on-one session, a 7th grader struggling with impulsivity learns the Stop-Think-Go self-regulation method—using a traffic-light check and deep breathing—to pause before reacting and choose thoughtful responses, boosting focus and confidence.

This individualized 30-minute intervention equips an 8th-grade student with self-regulation strategies aligned to CASEL’s self-management competency. Through personalized planning, calming techniques, mood tracking, reflection, and a guided cool-down, students develop lifelong coping skills for emotional well-being.

This 5-session lesson is designed for 3rd graders to develop personalized classroom management skills. Each 30-minute session focuses on empowering students with strategies to manage their space, time, and interactions effectively, fostering a sense of responsibility and independence.

This 9-session lesson is designed for a kindergarten student to help them identify and understand their sensory preferences. Through engaging activities, games, and discussions, the student will explore their five senses, enhancing self-awareness and promoting sensory integration. Each session lasts 30 minutes, focusing on individual support to cater to the student's unique needs.

An activity-driven session teaching mindful movement breaks to manage restlessness and impulsivity. Perfect for quick behavior resets for 2nd–3rd graders in small group settings.

In this lesson, students will create a personalized 'Calm Down' kit with items that help them relax and refocus when feeling stressed. Through sensory activities like stress balls or mindful breathing cards, they will learn to identify what soothes them, fostering self-awareness and emotional regulation. This lesson is important as it equips students with tools to manage stress and emotions effectively, promoting mental well-being.

In this 15-minute, Tier 1 grounding activity, 4th graders will use a 5-4-3-2-1 mindfulness technique paired with a coloring page to reduce stress and refocus. This lesson helps students learn self-regulation skills through guided sensory awareness and creative expression.

This lesson introduces Pre-K and Kindergarten students to the concept of 'Calm Corners'—spaces they can personalize that offer a peaceful retreat within the classroom. Through guided activities, they learn to take mindful breaks, enhancing their emotional regulation and self-care skills.

This lesson introduces students to a series of gentle, mindful movements and stretches that serve as a refresh break during the school day. These activities are designed to help reduce stress and increase focus, providing a physical outlet for emotions and energy. By incorporating mindful movement, students can enhance their ability to concentrate and manage stress effectively.

A small-group toolkit teaching self-regulation through sensory strategies and mindfulness exercises for 2nd grade. Over four 25-minute sessions, students will explore sensory strategies, create tactile bottles, and develop a mood monitoring habit to support emotional regulation. Tier 2 group support.

A teacher-friendly observation list to assess 6th graders’ self-regulation skills in real time. This Tier 1 resource helps educators notice and record students’ emotional, behavioral, and cognitive regulation across a 30-minute session, guiding data-driven support and positive classroom routines.

In this 20-minute Tier 2 toolkit for 2nd-grade small groups, students learn to pause, notice feelings, and use a self-monitoring checklist to guide their impulses and emotions. This lesson builds self-awareness and emotional regulation skills essential for classroom success.

This individualized Tier 3 intervention supports an 8th grade student in building self-regulation skills aligned to CASEL’s self-management competency. Over a 30-minute session, the student will develop personalized coping strategies and learn practical calm-down techniques to apply in real-life moments.

This lesson introduces young students to self-management strategies through a fun and engaging game-based approach. Using the 'Song: Calm Body Calm Mind' video, students will learn the importance of self-regulation and practice deep breathing exercises. The lesson includes an interactive game to reinforce these skills, helping students manage their energy and impulsive behaviors effectively. This lesson is crucial for developing foundational self-regulation skills, which are essential for emotional well-being and academic success.

This 15-minute Tier 1 behavioral support routine introduces kindergarteners to three brief mindfulness exercises—Breathing Balloon, Five Senses Scan, and Peaceful Posture—to help reduce stress, build self-control, and foster emotional awareness in the classroom.

In this 30-minute Pre-K lesson, students will learn and practice two self-calming strategies (belly breathing and counting to four) to manage strong emotions. This interactive experience helps young learners build mindfulness, self-management, and responsibility for their feelings through guided modeling, hands-on practice, and creation of a personal calm-down kit.

This lesson introduces students to quick and engaging 'brain breaks' that incorporate movement and laughter. These activities are designed to rejuvenate students' minds and bodies, enhancing their readiness to learn. By providing a fun and interactive break, students can reset and refocus, improving their overall learning experience.

Students will learn about the importance of taking a break and how to create their own 'Calm Down Corner' in class or at home. This lesson is important as it helps students understand the value of self-regulation and provides them with tools to manage their emotions effectively.

A quick intervention using timed sensory breaks and breathing techniques to recalibrate attention for individual learners. This 15-minute, Tier 3 lesson supports an 8th-grade student in Special Education by providing targeted, sensory-rich activities to boost focus and self-regulation.

Designed for 4th and 5th graders, this lesson introduces the concept of self-regulation through creative activities. Students will explore personalized calming techniques and build a toolkit to manage their emotions effectively.

In this one-session Pre-K lesson, students become "Emotion Superheroes" by learning simple self-regulation techniques like deep breathing, movement breaks, and calm-down strategies. This lesson builds emotional awareness and helps young learners manage big feelings in the classroom—and beyond. (Audience: Pre-K, Tier 1, Duration: 30 minutes)

This lesson introduces students to mindful movement breaks, including guided stretches and breathing exercises. These activities are designed to help students manage anxiety and enhance concentration, providing essential tools for their emotional and mental well-being. By integrating these techniques throughout the day, students can learn to refocus and destress effectively.

In this 90-minute Tier 2 workshop, teachers will learn research-backed techniques to support students with ADHD and sensory needs in small group settings. This session empowers educators with practical strategies and adaptable classroom tools to promote attention, self-regulation, and inclusive learning environments.

This lesson introduces middle school students to self-regulation techniques through a creative mix of art and calming exercises. By exploring emotions through coloring and guided imagery, students learn to manage stress and anxiety, enhancing their emotional toolkit. This lesson is important as it equips students with essential skills to handle emotional challenges, promoting mental well-being and resilience.

A small-group check-in/check-out routine that helps students recognize early signs of frustration and apply quick reset strategies to stay on track. This Tier 2 group lesson supports 4th–5th graders in developing self-regulation habits over a 15-minute session.

Students will collaborate to create an 'Impulse Control Toolkit' filled with strategies and tools to manage impulsivity. This lesson promotes teamwork, creativity, and practical application. Designed for 7th-grade students, this engaging session lasts 45 minutes and focuses on group support, making it ideal for Tier 2 interventions.

In this 5-session, 20-minute kindergarten series, students will learn self-management skills such as recognizing feelings, using breathing and counting strategies, and creating a personal calm-down plan. These lessons build emotional awareness and classroom readiness, giving young learners tools to stay focused and regulated.

This lesson guides kindergarten students in creating a 'Calm Down Corner' in the classroom where they can practice self-regulation strategies like deep breathing and using stress balls when they feel overwhelmed. It emphasizes the importance of taking breaks and self-care, helping students understand how to manage their emotions effectively. This lesson is important as it equips young learners with essential skills for emotional regulation, contributing to a positive classroom environment and supporting their overall well-being.

Students will learn about self-regulation through the creation and use of a 'Calm Down Corner' in the classroom. This lesson is important as it introduces young students to the concept of managing their emotions and provides them with a practical tool they can use whenever they feel overwhelmed or upset.

A quick 10-minute individual wrap-up routine for a 7th grade student, guiding them through daily reflective questions to reinforce self-management and prepare actionable goals for the next day. Ideal for Tier 3 personalized support.

In this 15-minute individual support session, first graders will learn and practice strategies for smoothly transitioning between subjects during the school day. This lesson uses visual cues, role-play, and positive reinforcement to build student confidence and independence.

In this 30-minute individual lesson, your kindergarten student will learn how and why to ask for a break using a simple signal and understanding self-regulation. This Tier 3 intervention equips the student with tools to recognize when they need a pause and communicate it effectively.

An interactive module for 9th grade special education students to explore daily routines and self-care skills, fostering independence and preparing them for life beyond school. This Tier 1 lesson lasts one 60-minute session.