Learning Goals
- Learning strategies that increase feelings of calmness and control
Curriculum Connection
Over time, with practice, observation and coaching, students begin to build a personal “coping toolbox” that they can carry with them through life.
Health and Physical Education –
Stress Management and Coping Skills
Materials
- Template of visual cues, or –
- Electronic device to display visual cues
Preparation
- Comfortable, quiet space.
- Visual cues displayed.
- If you haven’t already, consider trying the “Belly Breathing” task before trying this one.
Extensions:
Support learners through adult imitation and direction.
For beginner learners, use thumbs up and thumbs down signals to indicate state of calmness.
Verbal Prompts
Let’s relax our bodies and minds.
Begin by taking 5 belly breaths.
First, Rate how you feel on a scale of 1 to 5.
1 is very calm and centered and 5 is very upset or stressed.
Or, you can give a thumbs up or thumbs down to describe how you’re feeling.
Next, look around and say (or show) 3 things you see.
Next, look around and say (or show) 3 things you hear.
Then, look around and feel 3 things.
Finally, notice how you feel. Did your number lower? Can you give a thumbs up, now?
Finished.
Good for you! You helped to keep your brain and body calm by noticing things around you.
Time to check your schedule!
