Big Feelings Facilitator GuideBig Feelings Facilitator Guide Calm Crew: Lesson 1 30 MIN The "Why" Helping students identify and regulate anxiety early builds emotional awareness, boosts self-confidence, and supports a positive learning environment both in class and beyond. Audience & Approach Level: 2nd Grade Format: Discussion, modeling, & guided practice Preparation Print and cut out the Feeling Finder Poster. Print and laminate the Deep Breath Deck and Power Up Cards. Review each calming strategy to model them confidently. Materials List Feeling Finder Poster Deep Breath Deck Power Up Cards Calm Crew Slides Learning Objective Students will learn to recognize signs of anxiety and practice two simple calming strategies—deep breathing and positive self-talk—to better manage big feelings at school and at home. Instructional Sequence 1 Warm-Up & Introduction (5 min) Gather students in a circle and display the Feeling Finder Poster. Ask: "What feelings have you felt today?" and have volunteers point to the chart. Introduce the word “anxiety” as a big feeling that can make our bodies feel tight or warm. 2 Discuss Anxiety Signs (5 min) Explain common signs of anxiety: racing heart, sweaty hands, butterflies in the stomach. Ask students to share (voluntarily) a time they felt nervous or worried. Emphasize that everyone feels anxiety sometimes and that’s okay. 3 Teach Deep Breathing (7 min) Show a Deep Breath Deck card. Model the strategy: inhale slowly for 4 counts, hold for 2, exhale for 4. Lead the class in three practice breaths together, counting out loud. 4 Teach Positive Self-Talk (7 min) Show a Power Up Card. Discuss examples: "I can do this," "I am calm and ready." In pairs, have students pick a prompt card and practice saying it with confidence. 5 Wrap-Up & Reflection (6 min) Invite students to share which strategy they liked best and how they feel now. Reinforce that these tools are available anytime they notice big feelings. Encourage students to use the strategies at home and in future classes.
Big Feelings SlidesCalm Crew Big Feelings Lesson 1: Mastering Anxiety Today's Mission 1 Learn what anxiety is 2 Spot our body's anxiety signs 3 Practice two calming strategies! What Is Anxiety? Anxiety is a big feeling that makes our bodies feel tight, warm, or jumpy. "It's okay—everyone feels it sometimes!" Body Signals Racing Heart Sweaty Hands Butterflies Feeling Shaky Feeling Finder Use our Feeling Finder Chart to name how you feel. When you see anxious, you can try our calming tools! Deep Breathing 1 Breathe In (4 counts) 2 Hold It (2 counts) 3 Breathe Out (4 counts) Let's Try It! Inhale 2...3...4 Hold 2 Exhale 2...3...4 Repeat 3 Times Power Up! "I can do this!" "I am calm and ready." "I am strong and brave." Cool Down Which strategy did you like best? How do you feel now? Remember: You are in control!
Feeling Finder ChartFeeling Finder How are you feeling right now? 😊 Happy 😢 Sad 😠 Angry 😨 Scared 😟 Anxious 😃 Excited 😌 Calm 😤 Frustrated Notice a big feeling? Try deep breathing or your Power Up words to help you feel calm!
Deep Breathing Strategy CardsDeep Breath Deck Use these cards to guide your breathing. Instructions: Cut along the dashed lines. Carry these cards with you or keep them at your desk for when you need a calm moment. Step 1 🌸 Breathe In Inhale slowly for 4 counts. Pretend to smell a beautiful flower. Step 2 ⏳ Hold Still Gently hold for 2 counts. Feel the calm growing inside you. Step 3 🌬️ Breathe Out Exhale slowly for 4 counts. Softly blow out birthday candles. Keep Going 🔄 Repeat 3x Go through cards 1–3 again. Your body is feeling calm and ready! Calm Crew • Big Feelings • Lesson 1 Activity
Positive Self-Talk Prompt CardsPower Up Cards Use these cards to boost your confidence and calm your mind. Instructions: Cut along the dashed lines and read these aloud whenever you feel a big feeling! 💪 "I can do this!" Say it with strength! You are capable of anything. 🧘 "I am calm and ready." Take a deep breath. You are ready to learn. 🦁 "I am strong and brave." Stand tall! You have courage inside. 🌟 "I believe in myself." Hand on heart. Trust yourself and your skills. Practice Makes Progress Try picking one card each morning. Read it aloud with a big, strong voice. Notice how your body and mind feel afterward!
Reflection Cool Down WorksheetName: Date: Cool Down Reflection Activity Great job today, Calm Crew! Which strategy helps you feel most calm? 1 Which strategy do you like best? 🌬️ Deep Breathing ⚡ Power Up Words 2 Why do you like this strategy? 3 When might you use this tool again? You have the power to stay calm!
