Cool Down Comic Worksheet Hero Name:
Date:
Mission: Calm
BRAIN BRAKES: THE COOL-DOWN COMIC!
Meet Cal . Cal was building a perfect block tower during free play, when suddenly... CRASH! Another student knocked it down by accident!
PANEL 1
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Trigger Alert!
The Storm is Brewing:
Cal feels their face get super hot. Their fists are clenched tight, and they want to yell! Cal feels a huge storm inside.
"THAT'S NOT FAIR! I worked so hard on that! I want to throw these blocks!"
PANEL 2
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Brain Brake!
Use 4-7-8 breathing or a heavy press!
1. DRAW Cal using a "Brain Brake":
Draw Cal calming down here
2. WRITE Cal's self-talk bubble:
What can Cal say to help their brain cool down?
"It was an accident. I can..."
PANEL 3
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Cool & Clever!
Cal chooses a helpful action!
3. DRAW Cal taking positive action:
Draw Cal fixing the problem safely
4. WRITE Cal's new choice:
What does Cal do or say to the classmate next?
"Let's rebuild it..."
MY PERSONAL HERO BRAKE:
Next time I feel a strong emotion (like anger, frustration, or sadness), my absolute favorite way to hit the brakes is:
Brain Brakes Teacher Guide TEACHER FACILITATION GUIDE
BRAIN BRAKES: SELF-REGULATION
Focus: Managing Strong Emotions & Finding Calm (Grade 3 β’ First Days of School)
30 MINS
SEL Activity
Learning Objectives
Identify physical signs of a "strong emotion" trigger.
Practice two self-regulation "brakes" (breathing & centering).
Apply coping choices to a social conflict scenario.
Materials Needed
Cool Down Comic Worksheet (1 per student)
Pencils, crayons, or colored markers.
Optional: Visual projection of lesson slides.
5 MIN Warm-Up
The Volcano Shake
Have students stand up. Instruct them to freeze, squeeze all their muscles (fists, shoulders, face), and make a "fizzing" sound like a shaken soda or volcano about to blow. On your count of three, they "let go" and drop into a loose ragdoll shape with a long, slow exhale.
Prompt: "That tight volcano feeling is what strong emotions look like inside our bodies. Let's learn how to hit the brakes!"
10 MIN Direct Teach
The Two Hero Brakes
Explain that in 3rd grade, we are the heroes of our own brains. We can use "Brain Brakes" to pause before making a bad move. Teach two specific techniques:
1. Balloon Breath (4-4-4)
Inhale through nose for 4 secs (blowing up balloon), hold for 4, exhale slowly for 4 (balloon deflating). Practice 3 times together.
2. Self-Shield Squeeze
Cross arms and grip opposite shoulders. Give a firm, grounding squeeze while pressing feet flat on the floor. Hold for 5 seconds.
10 MIN Practice
Comic Strip Creation
Distribute the Cool Down Comic Worksheet . Read Panel 1's story together (Cal's blocks being knocked down). Explain that Cal has a strong trigger, and they must help Cal finish the story!
Panel 2: Draw Cal using a "Brain Brake" (like Balloon Breath) & write a helpful self-talk statement in the bubble.
Panel 3: Draw Cal finding a safe, positive way to rebuild or talk it out, and write their safe response.
5 MIN Debrief
Cool-Down Share
Have students complete the "Personal Hero Brake" reflection at the bottom. Invite 2-3 volunteers to act out their comic panels or share their favorite way to calm down. Establish a physical "Calm Down Corner" in the classroom where they can use these brakes anytime.
Classroom Pro-Tip: Use visual cues! Touch your temples or mimic a deep balloon breath to remind escalated students to "hit their brakes" without verbal calling-out.
Differentiation: Provide sentence starters on the board: "I can try to...", "It was just an...", "I need a..."
Brain Brakes Slides MISSION: CALM
BRAIN BRAKES!
Be the Hero of Your Own Brain π¦ΈββοΈβ‘
Self-Regulation for 3rd Grade START β
The Storm Warning βοΈ
01 / TRIGGERS
When we get mad, scared, or super frustrated, our bodies try to send us warning signals first!
If we catch these signals early, we can hit our Brain Brakes before we crash!
π₯΅
Hot Face
β
Tight Fists
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Fast Heart
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Tummy Storm
Ask: What happens to YOUR body when you're frustrated? NEXT β
Brake 1: The Balloon Breath π
02 / HERO BRAKES
This sends fresh oxygen to your brain, turning off the alarm!
Let's practice 3 slow balloon breaths right now as a class!
1
Inhale Slow (4 Seconds)
Smell a beautiful flower. Imagine a balloon in your tummy filling up with air!
2
Hold & Wait (4 Seconds)
Keep the air in. Feel quiet, sturdy, and strong.
3
Exhale Slow (4 Seconds)
Blow out a candle. Let the balloon slowly empty. Ahhh, much better!
Ready to learn our second power brake? NEXT β
Brake 2: The Self-Shield Squeeze π‘οΈ
03 / HERO BRAKES
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Ground & Center
Use firm physical pressure to tell your body that you are completely safe.
Grip Your Shoulders
Cross your arms and grab onto opposite shoulders. Give yourself a giant, steady hug.
Plant Your Feet
Press both heels flat against the floor. Feel the solid ground beneath you.
Squeeze & Release
Squeeze firmly for 5 seconds... then release and let your arms drop. Feel the relief wash down.
Which brake do you like better? Breath or Squeeze? COMIC MISSION β
Your Comic Mission! βοΈ
04 / PRACTICE
The Problem:
Cal built an awesome tower, but it was accidentally knocked down! Cal feels super mad.
You must design the rest of Cal's comic strip to help them hit the brakes, calm down, and make a safe decision!
Steps to Complete:
Panel 2 Draw Cal breathing/calming & write their self-talk.
Panel 3 Draw Cal solving it calmly & write what they say.
Bottom Write down YOUR favorite hero brake!
Quiet hands, open minds, let's start creating! THE END π