Breathing Calm Lesson PlanBreathing Calm Tier 3 Social-Emotional Learning • 2nd Grade Time 30 Min Objective The student will identify emotions related to family changes and practice specific breathing techniques to manage anxiety and build emotional resilience. Why This Matters "This lesson helps a 2nd-grade student learn coping skills for family changes and manage anxiety through discussion and activities. It provides practical tools to help the student navigate emotional challenges." Materials Needed Calm Clouds Worksheet Family Shifts Story Heart to Heart Discussion Card Breathing Calm Slides Fun Timer or App Instructional Path 1 Warm Greeting & Intro 5 MINS Greet the student warmly. Briefly introduce the theme: "Today we're talking about how our homes can change sometimes and how we can keep our hearts feeling calm and strong." 2 Heart to Heart Discussion 10 MINS Use the Heart to Heart Discussion Guide. Focus on identifying feelings like worry or confusion. Validate every emotion. "It's okay to feel that way; many kids feel that way when things change." 3 Family Shifts Story & Worksheet 5 MINS Read the Family Shifts Story together. Transition immediately to the Calm Clouds Worksheet to begin practicing the "Belly Breath" technique. 4 Mindfulness Visualization 5 MINS Guide the student through a peaceful place visualization (e.g., a quiet garden). Ask: "How does your body feel when you imagine that place?" 5 The Breathing Game 5 MINS Play a game where you inhale for 4 seconds (growing like a tree) and exhale for 6 seconds (falling like a leaf). Use a timer or the visual cues in the slide deck. ADHD Support Strategies Movement Breaks: If focus wavers, do 10 seconds of "shaking out the wiggles" before starting the breathing game. Visual Cues: Use the slide deck or a physical timer to show how much time is left in each segment.
Heart to Heart Discussion GuideHeart to Heart Discussion Guide Student Name "Talking about changes can be hard, but it's like opening a window—it lets the fresh air in." 1 How do you feel when things change at home? Teacher Prompt: Encourage the student to share specific feelings and experiences. Use feeling words like worried, confused, or surprised. 2 What are some ways you can calm down when you feel worried? Teacher Prompt: Guide the student to think of personal strategies like playing with a toy, hugging a pet, or listening to music. 3 Can you think of a time when you felt worried? What helped you then? Teacher Prompt: Help the student identify past successes in coping. Focus on building confidence in their own resilience. Teacher Tip: If the student struggles to speak, offer to let them draw their answer.
Calm Clouds WorksheetCalm Clouds Belly Breathing Practice Name: Date: Follow the steps to practice your Belly Breath. Draw or write what you feel in the clouds! 1. Place your hands on your belly. Breathe in slowly through your nose. How does it feel? 2. Breathe out slowly through your mouth. What do you notice? 3. Repeat the breathing steps. How do you feel now?
Family Shifts StoryFamily Shifts A story about change and calm Sometimes, families change. Just like the seasons change from summer to fall, things at home can shift too. This might happen because of new people, like a parent's new friend, or maybe someone moves to a different house. When things change, your heart might feel many different things at once. You might feel a little worried, or maybe surprised, or even confused. That is completely okay. Every emotion you feel is important. Remember, talking to someone you trust—like a teacher, a parent, or a friend—can help make those big feelings feel a bit smaller. "When things shift around you, you can stay calm inside. A slow, deep breath is like an anchor for your heart." Small Thought Can you think of one thing that stayed the same even when other things changed?
Breathing Calm SlidesBreathing Calm Staying strong through big changes The Heart Check-In How is your heart feeling right now? Happy Worried Tired Calm Let's talk about it! The Belly Breath 1 Hands on Belly Feel your belly like a soft balloon. 2 In Through Nose Fill the balloon up slowly with air. 3 Out Through Mouth Let the air out quietly like a sigh. Your Peaceful Place "Close your eyes. Imagine a place where you feel safe and happy. Is it a quiet forest? A sunny beach? Or your cozy bed?" Keep Breathing Slowly The Breathing Game IN 4 SECONDS Grow like a tree! OUT 6 SECONDS Float like a leaf! You Are A Breathing Pro! Safe Inside Breathing helps when things change. Strong Words Share your feelings with someone you trust. Great Work Today!
