Lesson Plan
Feelings Firefighters Plan
Kids will learn to notice big feelings and use three firefighter-themed DBT skills—mindful breathing, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation—to calm themselves in playful, active ways.
Early emotional awareness helps Pre-K students identify feelings and gain self-control. This no-mess, playful firefighter theme makes learning coping skills concrete and fun.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Lesson Materials
5 minutes
Step 1
Hook: Sound the Alarm
2 minutes
Step 2
Mindful Breathing: Fire Hose Breathe
3 minutes
Step 3
Distress Tolerance: Finger Trace Breathing
4 minutes
Step 4
Emotion Regulation: Feelings Flashcard Rescue
4 minutes
Step 5
Cool Down: Firefighter Freeze Pose
2 minutes
Slide Deck
Feelings Firefighters
Hook: Sound the Alarm
Mindful Breathing: Fire Hose Breathe
Distress Tolerance: Glitter Calm Bottle Shake
Emotion Regulation: Feelings Flashcard Rescue
Cool Down: Firefighter Freeze Pose
Great Job, Feelings Firefighters!
Worksheet
Activity
Activity
Lesson Plan
Feelings Firefighter Refresher
Reinforce firefighter DBT skills—mindful breathing, finger trace breathing, and emotion spotting—through interactive review games to help Pre-K students confidently calm big feelings.
Regular practice helps young children generalize coping strategies, boosting self-control and emotional awareness in playful, familiar routines.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Set Up for Review
5 minutes
Step 1
Hook & Quick Review
2 minutes
Step 2
Game 1: Flashcard Fire Drill
5 minutes
Step 3
Game 2: Partner Trace & Breathe
3 minutes
Step 4
Game 3: Freeze Drill
3 minutes
Step 5
Cool Down: Reflection Circle
2 minutes
