Emotional Regulation
What are 3 things you can do to calm down when you feel upset?
Take deep breaths, count to 10, or use a fidget toy.
What does it mean to be a good friend?
Being kind, sharing, and listening to your friends.
What does "keeping an open mind" mean?
Being okay with trying new things or listening to new ideas.
(Role Play): Your friend says something that hurts your feelings. Show us how you would talk to them about it in a calm way.
“When you said that, it hurt my feelings. Can you please not say that again?”
What is something you like about yourself?
“I’m really good at drawing” or “I’m kind to my friends.”
(Role Play): Show us how you can calm down if a friend accidentally breaks your favorite toy. What would you do first?
taking deep breaths, walking away for a moment, and saying, “It’s okay. We can fix it together.”
If your friend is feeling sad, what could you say to help them feel better?
“I’m here for you” or “Do you want to play with me to feel better?”
(Role Play): Your teacher changes the classroom schedule, and now recess is after lunch instead of before. Show us how you would respond in a flexible way.
“That’s okay! I can wait for recess, and we’ll still have fun.”
What are the steps you can take to apologize when you hurt someone?
Say you’re sorry, explain what you’ll do differently, and ask if they’re okay.
What does the phrase "The Power of Yet" mean?
It means you might not be able to do something now, but you’ll get better if you keep trying.
Role play: You’re starting to feel really angry because you lost a game. Show us what you can do to calm down.
Putting the game aside, couting down from 10, taking deep breaths, asking for a break
(Role Play): You and your friend both want to play with the same toy. Show us how you can handle this.
“Let’s take turns!” or “We can share it together.”
(Role Play): You wanted to go outside, but it starts raining. Show us how you would react in a flexible way.
“It’s okay! Let’s play inside instead.”
(Role Play): You accidentally bump into your friend and knock over their tower. Show us how you would apologize.
“I’m so sorry! Can I help you rebuild it?”)
Why is it important to have a "growth mindset"?
It helps you keep trying, even when things are hard, so you can learn new things.
What could you do if none of your usual calming strategies (like breathing or counting) are helping you feel better?
Talk to an adult, try a new activity like drawing or reading, or ask a friend for help.
(Role Play): Your friend is upset because they lost a game. Show us how you would cheer them up without teasing or being mean.
“It’s okay! Let’s try again, and I’ll help you.” or “Do you want to pick the next game?”
Why is it important to try new things, even if they seem scary?
Because you might end up liking it, and it helps you grow.
(Role Play): You and your sibling both want to watch a different TV show. What could you say or do to solve the problem without yelling?
“Let’s take turns picking the show!” or “What if we find something we both like?”
Why is it important to keep trying, even when something feels hard? Can you give an example?
It helps you learn and grow! For example, if you can’t ride a bike at first, practicing will help you get better.
(Role Play): You feel nervous before speaking in front of your class. Show us how you would use one calming strategy to feel more confident.
using positive self-talk like, “I’ve got this!”, taking deep breaths
(Role Play): You see two friends arguing over who gets to be the leader in a game. What could you say or do to help them?
“What if you take turns being the leader?” or “Let’s vote to decide!”)
What can you say if a friend suggests a game you don’t want to play?
“I don’t really like that game, but we can try it for a little while!”
(Role Play): You accidentally bump into someone in line, and they get upset with you. Show us how to handle the situation so that no one stays upset.
“I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to bump into you. Are you okay?” and offering to make space in the line.
(Role Play): Pretend you’re a coach for a friend who feels bad because they didn’t win a game. What would you say to help them feel confident again?
“You did your best, and that’s what matters! Next time, you might win.” or “You’re really good at other things—let’s practice together!”