Lesson Plan
Coping Strategies for Big Feelings
Students will identify big feelings and learn three simple coping strategies—story-based recognition, a calming song, and breathing with a buddy—so they can manage emotions in the moment.
Young children often feel overwhelmed by big emotions. Introducing playful, concrete strategies helps them recognize feelings and self-regulate, leading to better focus, social skills, and emotional resilience.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Review and Prepare Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Welcome and Emotion Check-In
2 minutes
Step 2
Story Time: Big Feelings
5 minutes
Step 3
Song and Movement: Calm Down Song
5 minutes
Step 4
Practice Breathing Buddies
4 minutes
Step 5
Reflection and Closing
4 minutes
Slide Deck
Coping Strategies for Big Feelings
Feeling Thermometer
Big Feelings Story Time
Calm Down Song Lyrics
Breathing Buddies
Reflection & Goodbye
Lesson Plan
Following Directions and Routines
Students will practice following classroom directions and learn daily routines using a visual schedule, song, and interactive games to build self-management skills.
Establishing clear routines and following directions helps young learners feel secure, supports attention, and reduces disruptions, fostering independence and confidence in the classroom.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Routine Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Welcome and Routine Check-In
2 minutes
Step 2
Introduce Visual Classroom Schedule
4 minutes
Step 3
Directions and Routine Song
5 minutes
Step 4
Simon Says Routine Game
5 minutes
Step 5
Practice with Routine Chart
3 minutes
Step 6
Reflection and Closing
1 minute
Slide Deck
Following Directions & Routines
Visual Classroom Schedule
Directions & Routine Song Lyrics
Simon Says Routine Game
Routine Chart Activity
Reflection & Goodbye
Lesson Plan
Impulse Control Adventures
Students will practice self-control by playing interactive impulse control games and engaging in story scenario role-play, learning to pause before acting and make calm choices.
Impulse control is crucial for young learners to wait their turn, follow rules, and interact positively. Practicing “pause and think” strategies through play builds the foundation for self-regulation and social success.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Impulse Control Games Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Welcome and Impulse Check-In
2 minutes
Step 2
Role-Play Story Scenarios
5 minutes
Step 3
Red Light/Green Light Game
5 minutes
Step 4
Freeze Dance Pause Practice
4 minutes
Step 5
Introduce the Calm Corner
2 minutes
Step 6
Reflection and Closing
2 minutes
Slide Deck
Stop & Think Signal
Role-Play Story Scenarios
Red Light / Green Light Game
Introducing the Calm Corner
Reflection & Closing
Lesson Plan
Practicing Calming Techniques
Students will explore and practice four calming techniques—guided imagery, tactile tool use, slow-motion movements, and a mindful movement song—to help them self-regulate and feel centered.
Teaching multiple, playful calming strategies empowers young children to manage stress, increase body awareness, and choose healthy ways to calm down when big feelings arise.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Set Up Calming Stations
10 minutes
Step 1
Welcome & Body Check
2 minutes
Step 2
Guided Imagery Exercise
4 minutes
Step 3
Tactile Tool Exploration
4 minutes
Step 4
Slow-Motion Movement Practice
4 minutes
Step 5
Mindful Movement Song
4 minutes
Step 6
Reflection & Goodbye
2 minutes
Slide Deck
Welcome & Body Check
Guided Imagery Exercise
Tactile Tool Exploration
Slow-Motion Movement
Reflection & Goodbye
Lesson Plan
Developing Perseverance and Patience
Students will practice perseverance by tackling small challenges—puzzles, balancing races, and waiting games—and learn to stay patient, focused, and celebrate effort even when tasks feel tough.
Building perseverance and patience helps young learners overcome frustration, develop a growth mindset, and gain confidence in trying again and sticking with tasks, laying the foundation for long-term success.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Set Up Perseverance Stations
10 minutes
Step 1
Welcome & Growth Mindset Intro
2 minutes
Step 2
Story Time: Growth Mindset Tales
4 minutes
Step 3
Puzzle Perseverance Challenge
5 minutes
Step 4
Egg-and-Spoon Patience Race
4 minutes
Step 5
Patience Timer Waiting Game
3 minutes
Step 6
Celebration & Reflection
2 minutes
Slide Deck
Welcome & Growth Mindset Intro
Growth Mindset Story Time
Puzzle Perseverance Challenge
Egg-and-Spoon Patience Race
Patience Timer Waiting Game
