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Counseling & TherapyEvidence-Based Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Discover a curated collection of free Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) resources tailored for educators, students, and parents. Gain practical skills in recognizing and managing thought patterns through interactive activities, insightful lessons, and real-world scenarios. Empower yourself with evidence-based tools to boost emotional resilience and problem-solving, making mental well-being accessible to all.

Suggested Resources

Community Resources

Community Resources

Understanding CBT: Thoughts, Feelings, Actions

This lesson introduces students to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), focusing on the interplay between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Students will explore how these elements influence each other and learn practical strategies to manage stress and anxiety. This lesson is crucial for developing self-awareness and emotional regulation skills, which are essential for mental well-being and academic success.

Tier 1
2/25

Deb Schmill

h

NY Instructor

Mind Over Mood

This lesson introduces 6th graders to the basics of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) framework, focusing on understanding thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This foundational knowledge is crucial for developing emotional intelligence and resilience, helping students manage their emotions and reactions in everyday situations. The lesson is designed for a single 15-minute session and includes engaging activities and a game to reinforce learning.

Tier 1
5/7
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Thomas Nikiper

S

MA Counselor

CBT for Kids: Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors

This lesson is designed for 1st to 3rd grade students with special needs and behavior challenges. The objective is to engage students in a fun, collaborative, and hands-on activity that helps them understand the connection between helpful and unhelpful thoughts and their feelings and behaviors using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles. The lesson is designed to be completed in 15 minutes.

Tier 2
2/25
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Kristen LaRosa

D

AZ Counselor

Unlock Your Thoughts

In this 30-minute, single-session Tier 2 group lesson, 9th graders are introduced to the basics of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Students will learn how thoughts influence feelings and behaviors through interactive activities, gaining practical skills to challenge negative thinking patterns. This lesson helps students develop essential self-awareness and coping strategies for stress and anxiety.

Tier 2
6/12

Rebecca.Bibeau

S

MA Counselor

How Does Your Mind Talk?

Introduce students to CBT by exploring how thoughts influence feelings and behaviors; empowers them to recognize and reshape unhelpful thinking patterns. This lesson is designed for a 6th grade classroom, delivered in a single 45-minute session, equipping students with practical tools to improve their emotional well-being.

Tier 1
5/19
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Andrew Argueta

E

CA Counselor

Mindfulness Moments

A 10-minute Tier 3 counseling session guide for 9th graders to practice quick mindfulness and breathing exercises for stress reduction and improved focus. This individual support session equips students with easy-to-follow techniques they can use anytime.

Tier 3
5/13

Anna Dinardo

i

OH Counselor

Introduction to CBT: Understanding Thoughts and Feelings

This lesson serves as an introduction to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for middle school students. It aims to help students understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Through discussion, group activities, and a CBT exercise, students will learn how to identify and challenge negative thoughts. This foundational lesson is important as it equips students with basic CBT skills that can be built upon in future sessions.

Tier 1
2/25
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Jessica Handley

p

TN Instructor

Mindset Over Mood

Students will explore how their thoughts shape emotions and learn mindfulness and cognitive techniques to manage moods. This helps build self-awareness, emotional regulation, and resilience. Audience: Grades 6–8; 1 session, 50 minutes.

Tier 1
5/19
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Emma Gebhard

S

MA Social Worker, Counselor

Mind Games: Unmasking Thoughts

In this engaging lesson, high school students in a therapeutic classroom will explore various cognitive distortions and learn techniques to challenge and reframe unhelpful thoughts. This lesson is crucial for fostering self-awareness and emotional regulation, empowering students to make informed choices about their moods and behaviors. The session will last 35 minutes and is designed as a Tier 2 group lesson.

Tier 2
4/2
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Kimberly MacDonald

S

MA Counselor, Social Worker

Triangle of Thoughts

In this 30-minute Tier 2 group session for 10th graders, students will build group rapport and learn the basics of the CBT triangle—how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact. This lesson jumpstarts a 16-week anxiety-management curriculum with fun icebreakers and active group-building exercises.

Tier 2
Wednesday
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ahosmer

S

MA Social Worker

CBT Bingo

In this 25-minute Tier 2 small-group activity, new counselors will reinforce their understanding of core Cognitive Behavioral Therapy concepts through an interactive Bingo quiz. Participants identify real-life examples of CBT principles to mark off their cards, promoting recall, collaboration, and deeper learning.

Tier 2
5/16

Tiffani

E

CA Counselor

Mind Unhooked

In this 30-minute Tier 2 small group lesson, students will explore the concepts of cognitive fusion and cognitive defusion through ACT and art therapy techniques. They will learn how to recognize when they’re ‘fused’ with unhelpful thoughts and practice creative defusion strategies to gain mental flexibility. This lesson supports emotional regulation skills critical for social-emotional learning.

Tier 2
5/23
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Mikaela Secore

h

NY Counselor

Mind Shift Masters

A 3-session CBT skills group for 10th graders with anxiety. Students will learn to identify cognitive distortions, fill out the CBT triangle, and reframe thoughts. These 30-minute Tier 2 group lessons build coping skills through interactive readings, discussions, games, and worksheets.

Tier 2
Wednesday
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ahosmer

S

MA Social Worker

Calm Minds Toolkit

A 16-week CBT curriculum for high school students (ages 15-18) with anxiety. Students will learn core CBT concepts—CBT triangle, anxiety management skills, thought distortion identification—and practice through readings, discussions, activities, games, worksheets, and guided scripts. Each 30-minute session builds practical tools to manage anxiety and foster resilience.

Tier 2
Wednesday
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ahosmer

S

MA Social Worker

Transforming Thoughts: Positive Self-Talk

This 5-session lesson is designed for a 3rd grade student on an IEP, focusing on identifying negative and positive self-talk, understanding coping strategies, and exploring cognitive behavioral triangle connections. Each 20-minute session will empower the student with practical skills to transform negative thoughts into positive ones, enhancing their emotional well-being and resilience.

Tier 3
4/15
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Lindsey Jordan

Instructor

Are Your Thoughts Controlling You?

An engaging class discussion on cognitive distortions and how they can impact mental health. Students will learn to identify and challenge negative thought patterns. This lesson is crucial for helping students develop self-awareness and emotional intelligence, which are essential for mental well-being. Designed for a 10th-grade class, the session will last 45 minutes and is suitable for Tier 1 classroom-wide support.

Tier 1
3/18

Jeanette Flores Tyler

a

NC Social Worker, Behavior Interventionist, Counselor

CBT Triangle and Brain Connection

This lesson introduces 4th-grade students to the CBT triangle, which connects thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and its relationship with brain function. Through engaging activities, students will learn how their thoughts can influence their emotions and actions. This lesson is important as it empowers students with self-awareness and emotional regulation skills, fostering resilience and mental well-being.

Tier 1
2/25
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James Kelliher

t

VT Counselor

Hidden Assumptions

An individualized CBT session guiding an 11th grade student through identifying and disputing core beliefs using targeted reading, worksheets, and reflection. This Tier 3 lesson deepens self-awareness and equips the student with practical CBT strategies in a single 55-minute session.

Tier 3
5/8
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Joanna Torres

E

CA Social Worker

Calm and Confident

This lesson aims to introduce second graders to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to help them manage anxiety. Through a combination of game-based learning, experiential activities, and discussion, students will learn to identify anxious thoughts and practice calming strategies. This lesson is important as it equips young students with tools to manage their emotions, promoting emotional well-being and resilience.

Tier 1
2/25

Stacie Browne-Gallagher

h

NY Counselor, Psychologist, General Education Teacher, Special Education Teacher, Social Worker, Behavior Interventionist, School Administrator

CBT Bootcamp

A 10-week series of 30-minute group lessons for high school students exploring Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Each session builds practical skills in identifying and reframing thoughts, managing emotions, and engaging in healthy behaviors through interactive activities. This Tier 2 program develops resilience and mental wellness.

Tier 2
6/12

Rebecca.Bibeau

S

MA Counselor

Mind Matters Toolkit

A one-session, 30-minute individual counseling lesson for 6th graders focused on mental health counseling and building personal coping strategies. This Tier 3 lesson helps students identify emotions, learn coping tools, and practice self-talk to manage stress and anxiety.

Tier 3
5/16
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Jacqueline Russell

I

FL Counselor

Flip the Script: Positive Thinking

This three-session individual counseling series for 8th graders focuses on reframing negative thinking patterns into positive ones. It's crucial for developing emotional resilience and improving mental well-being. Each session lasts 30 minutes and is designed to provide personalized support and practical strategies for managing negative thoughts.

Tier 3
5/8
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Gianna Akerberg

S

MA Counselor, Social Worker

Emotional First Aid: Coping Strategies for Tough Times

Equip students with emotional coping skills for when they encounter personal challenges. They will learn practical strategies for immediate emotional support, fostering resilience and a positive mental health framework.

Tier 1
3/4

p adams

a

NC Social Worker

Mindful Moments

This lesson aims to help 9th grade female students reduce symptoms of OCD through trauma-informed teaching strategies. By focusing on mindfulness and self-awareness, students will learn techniques to manage their symptoms, allowing them to better access classroom instruction. This lesson is important as it empowers students with tools to improve their mental health and academic performance.

Tier 2
2/25
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Nicole Camp

S

MA Psychologist

Crisis Toolkit

A small-group program offering targeted tools and strategies for students who need extra support in de-escalating emotions during crisis moments. This 30-minute Tier 2 (group) session for 7th graders helps them identify triggers, practice de-escalation skills, and create personalized safety plans.

Tier 2
5/7
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Art Fergusson

Instructor

Mood Lift Toolkit

This one-session, 30-minute individual lesson equips 11th grade students with practical skills—mindfulness exercises, cognitive reframing, and journaling—to help manage feelings of depression. By guiding students through hands-on activities and reflective prompts, this lesson empowers them to build personal coping strategies they can use anytime.

Tier 3
5/14

Janelle Solis

E

CA Social Worker

Grief Counseling Simulation

This lesson involves a simulation-based activity where students role-play as grief counselors and clients. Through this exercise, students will learn effective communication and empathy skills, which are crucial for interpersonal relationships and emotional intelligence. The lesson includes feedback sessions to help students reflect on their performance and improve their skills, making it a valuable experience for personal and professional development.

Tier 1
2/25
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Stephanie Cordero

q

TX Counselor

Mindful Moments

Mindful Moments guides a small group of 4th graders through simple, 25-minute mindfulness exercises each session to help manage anxiety and improve focus. This Tier 2 counseling & therapy intervention equips students with tools they can use both in and out of the classroom, fostering self-regulation and emotional awareness.

Tier 2
5/20
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Breanna Cherry

T

MD Counselor

Mastering the Mind: Decision-Making and Problem-Solving for Teens

This lesson is designed for students who struggle with emotional regulation and decision-making, focusing on enhancing their problem-solving skills through realistic scenarios and CBT strategies. The session will last 30 minutes, incorporating differentiation strategies and offering a Spanish translation option to ensure accessibility for all learners.

Tier 2
3/21
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Jami Dion

S

MA School Administrator

Emotions in Check

In this 30-minute session, 12th grade students in a Tier 2 support group will learn strategies to cope with tough emotions like anxiety, anger, and sadness. Through interactive discussions, a guided activity, and personal reflection, students will gain practical tools to manage their emotional well-being and build resilience.

Tier 2
5/28

Alyssha Walker

q

TX Behavior Interventionist

Catch the Worry

A one-session, 30-minute individual lesson introducing 1st graders with autism to basic CBT skills by identifying feelings, finding calm thoughts, and practicing a simple ‘Catch the Worry’ strategy. This lesson helps students gain tools to manage anxious thoughts and build emotional awareness.

Tier 3
5/29

Kaytlin

j

OK Counselor, Social Worker

Think-Feel-Act Loop

In this Tier 2 group session, 10th grade students explore how their thoughts influence feelings and behaviors through a structured CBT framework. Over a 35-minute session, students engage in interactive mapping and scenario analysis to build cognitive awareness and self-regulation skills.

Tier 2
Wednesday
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spoirier

S

MA Social Worker

Thought Detectives

In this 4-session small group lesson, 6th and 8th grade special education students will learn to identify and challenge negative thoughts using fun detective-themed CBT techniques. Students will develop skills to replace negative self-talk with balanced thoughts, boosting resilience and emotional well-being. Sessions are 30 minutes each, ideal for learners with autism and depression.

Tier 2
5/15
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R Silva

S

MA Social Worker, Special Education Teacher

Mindful Moments

Short, focused exercises to teach mindfulness techniques for stress reduction and emotional regulation for an individual 11th grade student. This Tier 3 session is a 30-minute individual counseling mini-session to equip the student with practical tools for emotional regulation.

Tier 3
5/12

Emily Matson

O

IN Counselor

Calm & Carry On

An individual 15-minute SEL counseling session for a 7th grader to identify stress triggers and practice quick, evidence-based coping strategies like breathing and grounding. This targeted Tier 3 intervention helps students develop self-regulation tools they can use anytime to feel more in control and resilient.

Tier 3
5/16
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Tia McMahon

h

NY Counselor

Unmasking Cognitive Distortions

This 5-session lesson for 8th graders focuses on identifying and challenging cognitive distortions, which are irrational thought patterns that can negatively impact mental health. Through interactive activities and discussions, students will learn to recognize these distortions in their own thinking and develop healthier cognitive habits, empowering them to improve their emotional well-being.

Tier 1
4/19
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Nancy Love

T

MD Instructor

Mind Over Mood

In this one 30-minute Tier 3 session, an individual 11th grade student will learn practical emotional regulation strategies using personalized tools and reflection. This lesson helps students manage intense emotions, reduce stress, and improve focus—critical skills for academic success and personal well-being.

Tier 3
5/22

Alicia Wilson

h

NY Social Worker

Keep It Cool

This quick 15-minute small-group intervention equips 5th graders with the simple “Pause and Breathe” toolkit to self-de-escalate strong emotions. By learning mindful breathing and reflection techniques, students gain practical strategies to manage stress and build resilience.

Tier 2
5/12
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Ashleigh Dimpflmaier

p

TN Counselor

Mood Mapping

In this 15-minute small-group Tier 2 session, 7th graders will learn to identify emotional triggers and coping strategies using interactive mood charts. This targeted behavioral support helps students build self-awareness and resilience through daily check-ins.

Tier 2
5/13
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elizabeth.smith

S

MA Counselor, Social Worker

Flip Your Inner Script

In this one-on-one 45-minute session, an 8th grade student learns practical activities to identify and reframe negative or anxious thoughts. This lesson empowers students to build resilience and a positive mindset through guided exercises and reflection. Tier 3 support ensures personalized strategies.

Tier 3
5/22

Lisa Cooper

E

CA Social Worker

Mind Check-In

In this 30-minute one-on-one session, the teacher guides a 12th grader through self-assessment, coping strategies, and goal-setting to support their mental health. This individual Tier 3 intervention builds self-awareness and equips students with personalized tools to manage stress and emotions.

Tier 3
6/10

cgoodreau

S

MA Social Worker

Quiet Courage

In this 15-minute one-on-one session, a 12th-grade student will learn personalized coping strategies to manage cafeteria noise and feelings of rejection sensitivity dysphoria. This lesson helps build self-awareness and resilience through mindfulness, self-advocacy, and practical tools for real-life challenges.

Tier 3
6/4

EmmA

i

OH General Education Teacher

Mindful Moments

An introduction to Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills for 7th graders, focusing on mindfulness techniques to manage emotions and improve focus. This 30-minute, Tier 1 classroom session will help students learn practical tools for self-regulation and stress management.

Tier 1
6/13
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Jacquelyn White

Instructor

Want to Feel Calmer?

An individualized 30-minute counseling session for an 8th-grade student focusing on deep breathing and grounding techniques to manage anxiety in real time. This Tier 3 lesson equips the student with on-the-spot tools for emotional regulation and fosters self-awareness and resilience.

Tier 3
5/14
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Kayley Bulin

v

WI Counselor

Body Signal Detectives

In this two-session, 20-minute individual counseling series, the 2nd-grade student will become a “detective” of their own body, learning to recognize at least two physical responses tied to dysregulated feelings (anxiety, frustration, anger). This builds emotional awareness and self-regulation skills crucial for classroom success.

Tier 3
5/12
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Lindsey Jordan

Instructor

Coping Skills Carnival

In this engaging 45-minute session for 4th graders, students will rotate through various stations to learn and practice different coping skills. This lesson is crucial for helping students manage stress and emotions, fostering resilience and emotional intelligence.

Tier 1
4/16
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Mayra Mendoza Saenz

q

TX Counselor

Mindful Balance

A 30-minute individualized session introducing 7th graders to Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, focusing on mindfulness and emotion regulation. This session helps students develop tools to manage intense emotions and improve coping strategies. Tier 3 support for students needing personalized emotional health instruction.

Tier 3
5/29
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shawkins

S

MA Social Worker

Mindful Minutes

This lesson introduces 5th graders in a small group to mindfulness techniques, teaching breathing and grounding exercises to calm anxiety and improve focus. Through a 20-minute routine, students will learn and practice individual counseling techniques that support self-regulation and emotional wellness.

Tier 2
5/13
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Madeline Miller

L

IA Counselor

Flip Your Thoughts

A four-session small group intervention for 10th graders with anxiety and depression to learn to challenge and stop negative thinking using thought stopping techniques. By building awareness, challenging distortions, and practicing new thinking skills in a safe, supportive setting, students will gain observable changes in their thought patterns and emotional wellbeing.

Tier 2
5/23
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jtoomey

S

MA Counselor

Counseling Corner

A one-on-one counseling session for 5th graders focused on identifying emotions and learning coping strategies. This Tier 3 individualized lesson empowers students to understand their feelings and practice tools for emotional regulation within 30 minutes.

Tier 3
5/13
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Abby Downing

S

MA Counselor

Executive Functioning and Emotional Regulation

This 6-week program is designed for a 9th-grade male student who enjoys art and struggles with mental health. The objective is to improve executive functioning skills, identify emotions, regulate emotions, and learn coping skills. Each session lasts 10 minutes and includes a lesson plan, worksheet, activity, game, discussion, project, and a cool-down activity.

Tier 3
2/25
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Ashley Stone

v

WI Social Worker

Can You Stay Calm?

In this 25-minute one-on-one Tier 3 session for a 2nd grade student, we'll help the student identify personal triggers, explore self-calming strategies, and create a customized calm-down plan through guided reflection and drawing prompts. This individualized support builds self-awareness and emotional regulation.

Tier 3
5/9
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Kylie Taniguchi

k

OR Counselor

Mindset Makeover

This 3-session lesson is designed for a student struggling with low self-esteem, negative mindset, perfectionism, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. It focuses on teaching positive coping strategies, 'I' statements, positive self-talk, and reframing negative thoughts to help manage overwhelming situations. Each session is 30 minutes long and includes a variety of engaging components to support individual growth and emotional well-being.

Tier 3
4/14

Sara Andrea Mendoza

E

CA Psychologist

Feedback Fear Busters

In this 20-minute small group lesson for 10th graders, students will learn and practice three evidence-based strategies to reduce anxiety when receiving feedback. By exploring real-life scenarios and applying calming techniques, learners will build confidence and emotional resilience.

Tier 2
5/20
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jtoomey

S

MA Counselor

Can You Catch Anxiety?

In this detective-themed individual counseling session, a 5th grade student will track anxious thoughts like clues and learn strategies to ‘catch’ and challenge them. This 45-minute Tier 3 activity helps build coping skills and self-awareness in a personalized, engaging format.

Tier 3
5/20

Theresa

I

FL Counselor, Social Worker

Mindful Moments

A focused 20-minute personalized counseling session for a kindergarten student to assess calming strategies, practice new techniques, and develop an individualized coping plan. This Tier 3 intervention strengthens self-regulation skills with immediate feedback and clear expectations.

Tier 3
5/13
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Isabella Tovar

E

CA Counselor

Grounding Practices for Trauma

This lesson introduces 10th grade students to grounding practices that can help manage trauma-related stress and anxiety. Through experiential learning and inquiry-based activities, students will explore techniques such as the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding method. This lesson is important as it equips students with practical tools to manage emotional distress, fostering resilience and emotional well-being.

Tier 1
2/25

Fazeel Chauhan

E

CA Social Worker

Calm Down Corner

This lesson introduces the concept of a 'Calm Down Corner' in the classroom, a dedicated space where students can practice emotional regulation techniques to help them manage stress and anxiety. Students will watch a video on controlled breathing, practice the technique, engage in an art activity to create posters or emotion cards, and discuss when and how to use the Calm Down Corner.

Tier 1
2/25

Monesha Hornbeak

j

OK Math, Language Arts