Break Tools & Fidgets Lesson Plan Break Tools & Fidgets
Tier 3 Individual Lesson Plan
Time 25 MIN
Objective
Students will learn to identify and appropriately use sensory tools (fidgets, break cards, headphones) for self-regulation in different situations.
Why This Matters
Understanding how to use sensory tools helps students manage their emotions and focus in the classroom, leading to a more positive and productive learning experience.
Prep & Materials
Gather fidget variety
Break card & headphones
Print Scenario cards
Review lesson script
Prep Time: 10 mins
Instructional Steps
Part & Time Activities & Steps Warm-Up
5 Minutes
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Tool Review
Introduce fidgets, break cards, and headphones.
Discuss what each tool is and when to use it.
Prompt student for prior knowledge or experiences.
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Activity 1
8 Minutes
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Choosing the Right Tool
Present "Tool Choice Scenarios" via slide deck.
Read each scenario aloud; ask the student to choose a tool.
Provide gentle guidance and corrective feedback.
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Activity 2
7 Minutes
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Fidget Exploration Game
Engage in the "Fidget Exploration Game."
Allow student to try various fidgets and identify top choices.
Explain why these tools feel calming to them.
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Practice
3 Minutes
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Sentence Starters & Strategy
Practice: "When I need a break, I can ___."
Teach the "Fidget Squeeze + 10-Second Pause" strategy.
Practice the squeeze/pause sequence together.
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Cool Down
2 Minutes
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Tool Selection Check
Assess understanding with the final check-in question.
Collect data on student accuracy throughout the lesson.
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Break Tools & Fidgets Slide Deck Break Tools & Fidgets:
Your Calm Crew!
Today, we're going to learn about some cool tools that can help us when we feel big emotions or need to focus!
Meet Your Calm Crew!
Fidget Tools
Squeeze, squish, or play gently to help your body feel calm.
Break Card
A special card to ask for a short break when you need one.
Headphones
Put them on to quiet loud noises and help you focus.
Which one looks interesting to you?
Tool Choice Challenge!
It's time for a challenge! We'll read some stories, and you'll pick the best tool to help!
Scenario 1: You're doing a puzzle, but the classroom is getting very loud. What tool could help you focus?
Tool Choice Challenge!
Scenario 2
"You're feeling frustrated because your tower keeps falling down. You feel like you might cry. What tool could help you calm down and try again?"
Tool Choice Challenge!
Scenario 3
"You have lots of energy, and you want to move. You're finding it hard to sit still during reading time. What tool could help you keep your body calm and ready to learn?"
Fidget Fun Time!
Now it's time to explore! You get to try out different fidget tools.
Which ones feel best to help your body feel calm and ready?
My Calm Plan
When I need a break, I can ___________.
Coping Strategy:
Fidget Squeeze + 10-Second Pause
(Squeeze your fidget tightly for 10 seconds, then release and take a deep breath.)
Calm Crew Check-In!
Quick Check-In
You're feeling overwhelmed because there are too many people talking at once. Which tool would be a good choice to help you focus?
A Fidget Tool
B Break Card
C Headphones
Break Tools & Fidgets Script Instructional Script
Break Tools & Fidgets: Your Calm Crew
Teacher Resource
Tier 3 Individual Support
Introduction (Slide 1)
Teacher: "Hi [Student's Name]! Today, we're going to learn about some really cool tools that can help us when we feel big emotions, like being super frustrated or super energetic, or when we just need to focus a little better."
"These tools are like your personal calm crew! They are here to help you feel good and learn your best. Ready to explore them?"
Warm-Up: Meet Your Calm Crew! (Slide 2)
Teacher: "Let's meet our calm crew! First up, we have fidget tools."
Action: Hold up a physical fidget tool.
"What do you notice about this? Fidgets are things we can gently squeeze, squish, or play with in our hands. They can help our bodies feel calm when we have lots of energy or are feeling a little wiggly. Have you ever used one of these before? What did it feel like?"
Teacher: "Next, we have a break card."
Action: Hold up an example break card.
"This is a special card you can use to ask for a short break. Sometimes, when things get too much, our brains need a little pause. Using a break card lets me know you need a moment to yourself. When do you think a break card might be helpful?"
Teacher: "And finally, we have headphones."
Action: Hold up headphones.
"What do you think these are for? That's right! Headphones can help us when it's too loud, and we need to quiet the noise to focus. Sometimes the classroom can get a bit noisy, and these can be super helpful. When might you want to put on headphones?"
Activity 1: Tool Choice Challenge! (Slides 3-5)
Teacher: "Alright, [Student's Name]! It's time for a challenge! We're going to read some stories, and your job is to pick the best tool to help in that situation."
Tip: Encourage the student to think about how they would feel in the story. Provide positive reinforcement regardless of the answer, then guide toward the "best" fit.
Read scenarios from slides 3, 4, and 5. For each one, ask: "What do you think? Fidget, break card, or headphones? Why?"
Activity 2: Fidget Fun Time! (Slide 6)
Teacher: "Now for some fidget fun! I have a whole basket of different fidget tools here. Your mission is to explore them! Try holding them, squeezing them, feeling them. See which ones make your hands feel calm and happy."
Action: Allow student to explore for a few minutes.
Teacher: "Can you pick your top two fidgets that make you feel the most calm and focused? Tell me why you chose those two."
My Calm Plan & Strategy (Slide 7)
Tool Choice Scenarios Activity Tool Choice Challenge
Pick the best tool for each story!
Name:
Date:
Read each story. Circle or point to the tool you think would help the most. Then, tell why you chose it!
Scenario 1
Noisy Room
You are trying to read your favorite book, but the kids at the next table are talking very loudly. You can't hear your own thoughts!
Fidget Tool
Break Card
Headphones
I chose this because:
Scenario 2
Falling Blocks
You are building a tall tower with blocks, but it keeps falling down! You feel super frustrated and want to stomp your feet.
Fidget Tool
Break Card
Headphones
I chose this because:
Scenario 3
Wiggly Body
It's math time, and you have lots of energy! Your legs want to wiggle and your hands want to tap, but you need to stay in your seat.
Fidget Tool
Break Card
Headphones
I chose this because:
Scenario 4
Concentration
You are drawing a picture, but the bright lights in the room are bothering your eyes and making it hard to concentrate.
Fidget Tool
Break Card
Sunglasses
I chose this because:
Warm Up Tool Review Warm Up Guide
Meet Your Calm Crew!
Opening Dialogue
"Let's meet our calm crew! I have a few tools here that can help us. Can you tell me what you know about them?"
1. Fidget Tools Physical Action
Teacher: "What do you notice about this? How might it help someone?"
2. Break Card Visual Tool
Teacher: "What do you think this card is for? When might someone use it?"
3. Headphones Sensory Shield
Teacher: "What are these for? When do you think these would be most helpful?"
"Great job! These are all tools that can help us feel calm and focused."
Fidget Exploration Game Fidget Exploration Game
Find Your Calmers!
Goal
Discover favorite fidget tools that help the student feel calm and focused.
Materials
A basket of various fidgets (stress balls, pop-its, tangle toys, sensory rings, etc.)
How to Play
1
Mystery Grab Bag!
Reach into the basket without looking and pick out one fidget tool.
Explore for 1 minute: How does it feel? Does it make noise?
"What do you like about this fidget? Does it help your body feel calm or focused?"
2
Trade & Explore!
Put that fidget back and pick out a different one. Repeat exploration.
"How is this one different from the last? Which one do you like better so far?"
3
Find Your Top Two!
Choose the top two favorite tools from the collection.
"Out of all the fidgets you tried, which two help you feel the most calm and ready to learn? Why do those two feel best for you?"
Pro Tip
Encourage the student to describe the sensory input (e.g., "It feels squishy"). This helps them connect the tool to its calming effect.
Coping Strategy Discussion Coping Strategy Discussion
Fidget Squeeze + 10-Second Pause
Step 1
Introducing the Strategy
"Sometimes, when we feel really big feelings like frustration or anger, or even super anxious, our bodies need a way to release some of that energy and then calm down."
"We can use a fidget squeeze + 10-second pause! Grab your favorite fidget tool."
Step 2
Demonstration & Practice
The Squeeze
"Squeeze your fidget tightly, like you're trying to squish it! Count slowly to 10: 1... 2... 3... up to 10."
The Pause
"After 10 seconds, slowly let go. Take a big, deep breath in through your nose and let it out slowly through your mouth."
Teacher Action: Guide the student through 2-3 repetitions.
Step 3
Reflection & Application
"How did that feel in your body when you squeezed and then let go?"
"Do you think this strategy could help you when you feel those big feelings in class or at home? When might you use it?"
"Remember, this fidget squeeze and pause is a powerful way to give your body a little break and help your brain reset, so you can think clearly again!"
Cool Down Tool Selection Check Cool Down Check
Tool Selection Assessment
Student:
Date:
Scenario
"Imagine you are working on a drawing, but the lights in the classroom feel too bright and make it hard to focus. Your eyes feel tired, and you're starting to get frustrated."
Which tool would be the BEST choice to help you feel more comfortable?
A
Use a fidget tool (like a stress ball)
B
Ask for a break card (to leave the table)
C
Ask to dim the lights or move to a spot with less bright lights
Student Reasoning
Teacher Data Point
Correct Selection (C)
Inaccurate Selection
Observations (note accuracy and depth of reasoning):
