How do I calm my strong feelings?

Instructions:

1. Explain to the children that they will talk about strong feelings. Say, “Having strong feelings is when you feel really mad, scared, excited or sad. When you have strong feelings you sometimes need help to calm down”. Invite the children to share a time where they felt strong feelings and what helped them calm down.

2. Lead a conversation with Al about a time when he had strong feelings and how he found a quiet space to calm down. Refer to the puppet script for guidance. 

3. Practice the three calm down steps with the kids. 

4. For enrichment, have the kids make a drawing about what helps them calm down, and have different images of calming down activities as examples.

InterACTions:

PK3

• What do you do when you feel a big feeling?

• How do you calm your body?

• How do you feel when you breathe slowly?

• What helps you feel better?

PK4

• What do you do when you feel a strong emotion?

• How do you calm yourself down?

• How can you help others calm down?

• Do you know other ways to calm yourself down?

• Which of these calming strategies will you start using?

• How do you feel when you breathe?

Does this help you feel relaxed?