Lesson Plan

Calm Classroom Blueprint

Students will learn to recognize strong emotions using an emotion thermometer and practice three calming strategies—deep breathing, reflection, and journaling—to manage big feelings independently.

Building a shared language and toolkit for self-regulation helps 3rd graders cope with stress, supports positive behavior, and fosters emotional resilience in the classroom.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Emotion Thermometer

5 minutes

Step 2

Mindful Breathing Circle

10 minutes

Step 3

Journal Practice

15 minutes

Step 4

Share & Build Class Chart

10 minutes

Step 5

Peaceful Exit Reflection

5 minutes

Slide Deck

Emotion Thermometer

Welcome students to today’s lesson. Introduce the Emotion Thermometer as our tool for measuring feelings and choosing the right calm-down strategy.

What Is an Emotion Thermometer?

Explain that the thermometer has three zones. Point to each and describe the feeling intensity.

Cool, Warm, and Hot Levels

Discuss each level: color, examples, body signals.

Visual Examples

Show or draw emoji and invite students to mimic each expression.

Spot Your Emotions

Give students 30 seconds to think, then have them turn and share.

Next: Deep Breathing

Lead three guided breathing rounds. Emphasize slow exhale to release tension.

Journal Activity

Model one example on the board before students begin. Circulate to support as they work.

Lesson Plan

Calm Classroom Blueprint

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

Step 1

Introduction & Emotion Thermometer

Step 2

Mindful Breathing Circle

Step 3

Journal Practice

Step 4

Share & Build Class Chart

Step 5

Peaceful Exit Reflection

Slide Deck

Emotion Thermometer

What Is an Emotion Thermometer?

Cool, Warm, and Hot Levels

Visual Examples

Spot Your Emotions

Next: Deep Breathing

Journal Activity

Activity

Journal

Cool Down

How Can We Stay Calm?

Kasi Trent-Ashley