Body Brain Lesson Plan
Body & Brain Listening: Regulation Stations
45-Minute Lesson • Substantially Separate Class • Multi-Ability
Listen, Learn, and Grow
Core Concept: Listening with your Brain means thinking about what is being shared. Listening with your Body means using physical tools to help your nervous system feel calm, alert, and ready. "A tool helps our brain listen; a toy distracts our brain."
45-Minute Lesson Flow
0 – 10 Min
Direct Instruction
Introduce Brain vs. Body listening. Model how physical tools help wiggles or sleepy bodies. Teach the "Tool vs. Toy" rule.
Whole-group circle
10 – 34 Min
Station Rotations
Rotate through 4 regulation stations (5 min each + 1 min chime). Students try each physical tool during a short listening challenge.
Small groups & 1:1
34 – 45 Min
Reflect & Choose
Complete the visual Body Check sheet. Each student picks their #1 regulation helper to use during daily academic instruction.
Desks & AAC check-in
The 4 Regulation Stations
Station 1
Hand Fidgets Lab
Tools: Pop-its, Tangle, textured stress balls.
Purpose: Calms restless hands; keeps tactile energy low so ears focus.
Rule: Keep tool in lap or below table height.
Station 2
Active Feet Track
Tools: Elastic chair kick bands, wobble cushion, foot rollers.
Purpose: Releases excess lower-body motor energy without leaving seat.
Rule: Feet push or bounce gently; chair stays flat.
Station 3
Standing Desk Station
Tools: Standing table / desk riser, anti-fatigue floor mat.
Purpose: Upright posture boosts alertness for low-energy or stiff bodies.
Rule: Stand tall with gentle micro-shifts; eyes forward.
Station 4
Deep Pressure Den
Tools: Weighted lap pad (3–5 lbs) or shoulder wrap.
Purpose: Proprioceptive calming input to reduce sensory overload.
Rule: Weight rests flat on lap or shoulders; deep breath.
Adult & Paraprofessional Roles
- • Lead Teacher: Facilitates whole-group, timer, rotation chimes, and Stations 1 & 3.
- • Paraprofessional A: Manages safe weight placement at Station 4 and bands at Station 2.
- • 1:1 Support / Floater: Models AAC communication, prompts visual schedules, and assists transitions.
Key Accommodations
- • AAC / Non-Verbal: Use the communication strips printed directly on each station mat.
- • Sensory Seekers: Route toward high-resistance tools (kick bands or deep pressure) first.
- • Physical / Wheelchair: Provide table-mounted band or foot roller on wheelchair footplate.
Body & Brain Listening • Special Education Teacher Guide 45-Minute Lesson Plan
Regulation Stations Task Mats
Station Visual Mats Cut or laminate for classroom station tables
Listen, Learn, and Grow • Page 1
Station 1
Hand Fidgets Lab
"Hands busy, brain listening!"
1
Pick 1 Tool Pop-it, tangle, or squeeze ball
2
Keep Down In lap or flat below desk height
3
Brain Focus Eyes on speaker, mind on words
Point to communicate:
Helps Me
Trade Tool
Distracting
All Done
Station 2
Active Feet Track
"Moving feet to stay calm!"
1
Feet on Tool Rest on band, disc, or roller
2
Gentle Motion Bounce or push softly & rhythmically
3
Chair Flat All 4 chair legs safe on floor
Point to communicate:
Feels Good
Calms Wiggles
Legs Tired
Ready Next
Sensory Regulation Station Display Mat Stations 1 & 2
Station Visual Mats Cut or laminate for classroom station tables
Listen, Learn, and Grow • Page 2
Station 3
Standing Desk Station
"Upright body, alert brain!"
1
Stand Tall Feet shoulder-width on mat
2
Shift Weight Gentle sway side-to-side
3
Eyes Forward Chest open, ready to listen
Point to communicate:
Wakes Me Up
Focused
Need Stool
Too Tired
Station 4
Deep Pressure Den
"Gentle weight to feel grounded!"
1
Place Pad Rest flat on lap or shoulders
2
Slow Breath In through nose, out slow
3
Feel Grounded Body feels safe, still & ready
Point to communicate:
Just Right
Calms Me
Too Heavy
Pad Off
Sensory Regulation Station Display Mat Stations 3 & 4
Body Check Reflection Sheet
My Body & Brain Check-In
Which tool helped my body calm down so my brain could listen?
Listen, Learn & Grow
Name:
Date:
Circle or point to the pictures to show how each tool worked for you!
Station 1 Hand Fidgets
My Body Felt
⚡ Wiggly
⭐ Just Right
💤 Tired
Helped Brain Listen?
Yes!
A Little
No
Station 2 Active Feet
My Body Felt
⚡ Wiggly
⭐ Just Right
💤 Tired
Helped Brain Listen?
Yes!
A Little
No
Station 3 Standing Desk
My Body Felt
⚡ Wiggly
⭐ Just Right
💤 Tired
Helped Brain Listen?
Yes!
A Little
No
Station 4 Deep Pressure
My Body Felt
⚡ Wiggly
⭐ Just Right
💤 Tired
Helped Brain Listen?
Yes!
A Little
No
My #1 Body Helper Today (Circle One):
I choose this tool!
Fidget Toy
Foot Band
Standing
Heavy Pad
Draw or write how this helper makes you feel:
Student Self-Advocacy & Sensory Check-In Sheet Listen, Learn & Grow Series
