What's the Problem?
The teacher handed out a worksheet, but you do not know what the directions mean.
What is not understanding the assignment / needing help?
Your hands squeeze into tight fists, your jaw feels stiff, and your face gets hot.
angry or frustrated
When the room gets too noisy, putting these on your ears can help bring your body back to a calm state.
What are noise-canceling headphones?
Instead of speaking out loud in a quiet classroom, you can hand the teacher one of these small visual tools to show you need a break.
What is a Break Card / Communication Icon
What is not understanding the assignment / needing help?
What is sensory overload / too much noise?
Your stomach feels like it has butterflies, and your heart is beating fast before a class presentation.
anxious or nervous
When your face feels hot and your brain feels full, taking 3 slow counts in through your nose and out through your mouth is called this strategy
What are deep belly breaths?
Complete this sentence frame: "It is too loud in here. May I please use my ________?"
What are headphones / earplugs
A classmate is sitting very close to you in group work and tapping their pencil on your desk.
What is a personal space or distraction problem?
Your eyes feel heavy, your head is resting on your desk, and your brain feels foggy.
tired or overstimulated
When you are confused by a whole page of math problems, asking the teacher to show you just this helps you get started.
What is the first step or an example problem
You can use this mode of communication if speaking out loud feels too overwhelming when you are upset.
What is typing on a device, pointing to a chart, or writing a note
You were promised 10 minutes of computer time after finishing your work, but the bell is about to ring and you haven't received your turn.
What is an unmet expectation or schedule change
Your shoulders are relaxed, your breathing is slow, and you feel ready to learn.
What is feeling calm or regulated
Taking 2 minutes to step into the quiet hallway, drink water, or stretch your muscles is called taking one of these.
What is a sensory or regulation break
Complete this sentence frame: "I am stuck on problem #2. Can you show me ________?"
What is an example / how to do step 1?