Lesson Plan

Cool Calm Lesson Plan

Students in grades K–4 will recognize and name at least four common emotions, practice two calming techniques (deep breathing and positive self-talk), and reflect on applying these strategies in various school situations.

Developing self-management skills helps K–4 students regulate emotions, improve focus, and build resilience, supporting positive classroom behavior and academic success.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Gather Materials and Review

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction: Identifying Feelings

5 minutes

Step 2

Teaching Calming Strategies

10 minutes

Step 3

Guided Practice: Role-Play Scenarios

8 minutes

Step 4

Reflection Activity

5 minutes

Step 5

Wrap-Up and Home Connection

2 minutes

Slide Deck

Cool, Calm, and Collected

Welcome! Today we’re learning how to be “Cool, Calm, and Collected” when big feelings show up. We’ll name our feelings, practice strategies, and learn to stay calm at school.

Identifying Our Feelings

Show one feeling card at a time. K–1: ask students to make the face and name it. Grades 2–4: ask for a time they felt that way.

Calming Strategies

Point to each picture. Explain: deep breaths, counting, quiet hands, gentle stretch, positive self-talk. K–1: echo the name. Grades 2–4: discuss how each helps.

Deep Breathing Song

Play the song. Lead deep breaths: inhale on “Smell the flower,” exhale on “Blow out the candle.” Repeat together.

Positive Self-Talk

Introduce positive self-talk. K–1: echo statements like “I can do it!” Grades 2–4: create their own kind statements.

Role-Play Scenarios

Read each scenario. K–1: show the emotion and pick a strategy. Grades 2–4: explain why the strategy helps.

Reflection Activity

Distribute reflection sheets. K–1: draw and circle. Grades 2–4: write a sentence about when they will use their strategy.

Wrap-Up & Home Connection

Review each strategy. Encourage students to practice at home. Finish with our class chant: “Cool, Calm, Collected!”

Lesson Plan

Cool Calm Lesson Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Gather Materials and Review

Step 1

Introduction: Identifying Feelings

Step 2

Teaching Calming Strategies

Step 3

Guided Practice: Role-Play Scenarios

Step 4

Reflection Activity

Step 5

Wrap-Up and Home Connection

Slide Deck

Cool, Calm, and Collected

Identifying Our Feelings

Calming Strategies

Deep Breathing Song

Positive Self-Talk

Role-Play Scenarios

Reflection Activity

Wrap-Up & Home Connection

Worksheet

Worksheet

Reading

Worksheet

Cool, Calm, and Collected

Nicole Camp