A lesson designed to help school-age neurodivergent students identify physiological warning signs of sensory and emotional overwhelm, communicate their needs using clear self-advocacy prompts, and select appropriate sensory strategies from a structured menu.
Use words, point to your choice card, or hand a card to an adult. Say: "I need a sensory break." or "It's too loud in here."
3
Use a Calm Down Action
Do the action you chose. Focus your brain completely on your breathing, your fidget toy, or your heavy work push.
4
Engine Reset Check-In
How is your engine running now? Is your temperature cooling down? If yes, you are ready to restart. If no, stay and do 1 more minute of quiet break.
Cut this card out & keep it in your pocket or tape it on your desk!
🛡️
My Personal Safety Plan
I am in charge of my sensory comfort!
School-Age Safe Card
My Name Is:
Write your name here...
Favorite Power Phrase:
"It is too..."
My Best Fidget Tool:
e.g. Blue Squishy Ball...
My Best Quiet Spot:
e.g. Corner beanbag chair...
Remember: You have the right to ask for a safe break!
3 Things I can hear around the room.
2 Things I can smell or enjoy.
1 Deep breath through my nose.
Look around slowly...
✊
Muscle Squeeze
Heavy Work
1. Fist Clenches Squeeze your hands into tight fists for 5 seconds. Now open and relax them. Repeat.
2. Shoulder Shrugs Pull your shoulders all the way to your ears. Hold tight for 5 seconds, then drop them.
Feel the relaxation melt...
🥣
Hot Soup Breath
Breathing
👃
Smell the soup...
Inhale deeply and slowly through your nose, imagining the yummy aroma of warm noodle soup.
👄
Cool the soup...
Exhale slowly out your mouth, making a soft "shhh" wind sound to cool it down so it's ready to eat.
Do this slow loop 3 times...
🚀
Space Capsule
Mind Shift
Imagine sitting inside a safe, comfortable, super quiet Space Capsule flying through the stars.
There are no noises, no bright classroom lights, and no tasks inside. It is completely quiet and calm. Look out the window at the peaceful blue Earth below.
You are safe in orbit...
Cut along the dotted gray lines to create portable individual coping tool cards!