Lesson Plan

Calm Check-In Blueprint

Guide a 1st grader to recognize emotional triggers, practice a calming conversation, and apply a breathing exercise, concluding with a reflection.

Supporting self-regulation in young learners builds emotional awareness and coping skills, reducing future classroom disruptions and boosting confidence.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Session Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up Check-In

5 minutes

Step 2

Identify Triggers & Triumphs

5 minutes

Step 3

Guided Calm Conversation

5 minutes

Step 4

Breathing Buddy Exercise & Reflection

5 minutes

Slide Deck

Triggers & Triumphs

Use this title slide to introduce the concept. Explain that some things make us feel upset (triggers) and some things help us feel calm (triumphs).

Trigger: Spilled Milk

Display an image of a cup spilling milk. Ask: “Has this ever happened to you? How did it feel?”

Trigger: Loud Noise

Show a picture of a thundercloud or loudspeaker. Ask: “What do loud noises do to our feelings?”

Triumph: Caring Hug

Use an image of a child hugging a stuffed animal. Prompt: “How does a hug make you feel?”

Triumph: Deep Breaths

Show the breathing buddy toy on a belly. Guide the student through one slow inhale and exhale.

Triumph: Calm Counting

Display numbers 1–5 and encourage the student to count slowly when upset. Ask them to try it now.

Lesson Plan

Calm Check-In Blueprint

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Session Materials

Step 1

Warm-Up Check-In

Step 2

Identify Triggers & Triumphs

Step 3

Guided Calm Conversation

Step 4

Breathing Buddy Exercise & Reflection

Slide Deck

Triggers & Triumphs

Trigger: Spilled Milk

Trigger: Loud Noise

Triumph: Caring Hug

Triumph: Deep Breaths

Triumph: Calm Counting

Script

Activity

Journal

? Feeling Calm?

Bonnie Gil