Fidget Tools
It spins on your finger.
Fidget spinner!
What is one example of what a break looks like?
Many answers could apply including but not limited to:
- Movement breaks
- Listening to a song
- Sitting in a quiet corner
- Reading a book
How is calming down different than having fun
Calming down relaxes your body while having fun is typically energizing
Show me how you would properly use a fidget while working on a writing assignment
(show how this is done)
You are in the green zone but you feel yourself start to get move to the yellow or red zone. What is one strategy you can use to stay in the green zone?
(gives example)
It's soft and squishy but does not change shape
Squishy ball
Stress ball
Squishies
True or false: You can just walk out of class and not ask a teacher to take a break.
False, you have to try an in class break first AND need to tell a teacher before taking an out of class break.
True or false, Tools that get you excited and energetic are good calm down tools
False, calm down tools help you cool down and collect your body so you can work again
When work is becoming frustrating, show me how you would use any breathing technique to calm yourself
(show deep breathing)
You are in the blue zone, What can you do to get you back to the green zone?
(give example of tool or action)
It's soft and it's shape can change depending on how you move it
- Putty
- Slime
True or False, Teachers can play with you on your breaks.
False, Breaks are independent.
Name one strategy that can help you calm down
(Answers can vary)
You are having a hard time sitting still in class and cannot focus. Show me how you would use a movement break.
(show an example)
You are in the yellow zone, what can you do to help yourself get back to the green zone?
(give example of tool or action)
All you need for this coping tool is your body.
Breathing, Taking a walk, tapping.
True or False: A break is a way to avoid work.
False, a break helps you get back to the green zone so you can get back to work.
It is time to transition to math, you are on a break playing with Legos and can't step away. Are legos a good calm down tool?
No, if you struggle to step away from the item it is not a calm down tool.
The classroom is getting loud and it's making you feel frustrated. Show me something that you can do to calm yourself down
(show what you would do)
You are using a tool in the yellow zone but you are starting to feel like you are getting to the red zone, What can you do?
Many answers may apply including but not limited to:
- Get a different tool
- Ask a movement break
- Drink water
When does a fidget stop being a tool and become a toy
When it is distracting you from your work
True or False: Talking to friends who are doing their work is an okay break
False, friends are trying to get their own work done and can be distracted when you talk to them
When we get upset about having to step away from a calm down tool, is that a good calm down tool?
No, calm down tools get us ready to work again
You feel anger bubbling inside of you and you are about to do something you might regret. Show me how you would count to 10 to calm yourself
(show an example)
You are in the red zone, you have tried in class strategies but they are not working. What is one out of class strategy you can use to get back to the green zone?
(give example of a tool or action)