Calm Down Strategies
Taking a breath in and out as you trace your fingers
What is 5 star breathing?
Leo and Mia are playing a board game. Right when Leo is about to win, Mia changes the rules and says Leo has to go back to the start. Leo knows that's not fair.
What is anger and frustration?
Leo and Mia are playing a board game. Right when Leo is about to win, Mia changes the rules and says Leo has to go back to the start. Leo knows that's not fair.
A good winner celebrates their own effort and skill without making the other person feel bad.
What is how to be a good winner?
You're fighting with your sibling. You say, "I need a break," and go sit alone in a comfy chair for five minutes to cool down.
What is take a break?
Waiting 6 seconds before you respond to something or someone. Thinking about your favorite pizza topping or movie to help calm yourself down.
What is 6 second pause?
Sam is at the park and realizes they left their favorite teddy bear, Mr. Snuggles, on the bus. They look everywhere in their bag, but he's gone.
What is sadness?
Sam is at the park and realizes they left their favorite teddy bear, Mr. Snuggles, on the bus. They look everywhere in their bag, but he's gone.
What is tell an adult, be sad that he's gone but realize it's out of our control and move on?
Maya and her friend Liam have been playing a fast-paced card game. Maya is the winner! She jumps up, excited to have won.
What is:
Say: "Good game, Liam! That was really close!"
Do: Give a high-five or a thumbs-up to Liam.
You have too much restless energy. You do 10 jumping jacks or run outside for a quick sprint.
What is move your body?
T - is it true?
H - is is helpful?
I - is it inspiring?
N - is it necessary?
K - is it kind?
What is THINK before you speak?
In art class, Chloe and Ben are supposed to color a big poster together. Ben keeps coloring outside the lines and using the wrong colors on the parts Chloe already drew.
What is feeling disappointed and worried?
In art class, Chloe and Ben are supposed to color a big poster together. Ben keeps coloring outside the lines and using the wrong colors on the parts Chloe already drew.
Sam and Chloe race each other across the playground. Chloe just barely crosses the finish line first. Sam wanted to win badly and feels disappointed and a little frustrated.
What is:
Do: Take three slow, deep breaths before speaking.
Say: "Nice job, Chloe. You are really fast."
Say: "Aw, man! I really wanted to win. Maybe next time I'll start faster."
Do: Offer a handshake or a fist bump to Chloe.
You feel really worried about a test. You do five big "dragon breaths" (in through the nose, out through the mouth like a dragon) to slow your heart.
What is deep breathing?
5 - things you see
4 - things you feel
3 - things you hear
2 - things you smell
1- thing you taste
What is Grounding Technique?
An adult told Jake they could go get ice cream after school if he finished his homework right away. Jake worked super fast and finished, but then the adult says she's too tired and they have to stay home instead.
What is annoyed, angry, frustrated?
An adult told Jake they could go get ice cream after school if he finished his homework right away. Jake worked super fast and finished, but then the adult says she's too tired and they have to stay home instead.
What is be happy that he finished his work, have understanding that she is tired, ask if you can go tomorrow?
It's okay to feel disappointed! A good loser handles their feelings without acting mean or making excuses.
What is be a good sport even if you lose?
You are bored or feeling lonely. You go read a book, draw a picture, or play with a favorite toy to focus on something fun.
Name 5 ways you can calm your body when upset.
What is: count to ten, breath, sip water, have a snack, talk to someone, take a walk, etc.
Maya sees a group of her usual friends playing a fun game of tag. She runs over and asks, "Can I play too?" One friend shakes their head and says, "No, we already have enough people."
What is hurt, sad, lonely?
Maya sees a group of her usual friends playing a fun game of tag. She runs over and asks, "Can I play too?" One friend shakes their head and says, "No, we already have enough people."
Ben loses a game of checkers to his sister, Mia. He gets very mad, pushes the checkerboard off the table, and shouts, "You cheated! You always win! I'm never playing with you again!"
What is:
Do: Stop and step back from the mess. Wait for a grown-up if one is nearby.
Say: "Ben, I was ready to say 'Good game,' but I won't talk to you when you are yelling or throwing things."
Say: "I know you're mad, but I didn't cheat. You just didn't see my strategy."
Say: "If we want to play again later, you will need to clean up the board first, and you need to apologize for yelling."
Do: Quietly walk away to read or play something else.
You feel a deep sadness. You talk to a grown-up or friend about why you are sad, and they listen and give you a hug.
What is talk about it?