Calm Storms Teacher Guide
Mini-Lesson Guide (15 Mins)
Calm Storms
Physical Relaxation, Belly Breathing, & Sensory Regulation
Target: K–5
Skill: Self-Regulation
Lesson Objectives
- Identify physical signs of stormy emotions in the body.
- Perform deep belly breathing via the Belly Balloon.
- Use physical tension release & tracing to lower heart rate.
Materials
- • Belly Breathe Poster
- • Designated quiet corner
- • Optional: Soft pinwheels
1. Weathering the Storm (Connect)
3 Mins
Gather students. Prompt them to connect emotions directly to physical bodily sensations.
💬 "Our bodies feel like a stormy day when angry. Our hearts beat fast, our shoulders go up tight. Where do you feel the storm inside?"
2. Meet the Belly Balloon (Teach & Model)
5 Mins
Introduce deep diaphragmatic breathing using the poster. Let students watch your hands move.
💬 "Put your hands on your tummy. Pretend it's a big balloon. Breathe in, watch your hands move out. Slowly blow out, letting it shrink."
3. Muscle Melt & Trace (Practice)
5 Mins
Teach "Lemon Squeezes" (muscle relaxation). Then, trace the calm path on the poster.
💬 "Squeeze your hands tight like sour lemons! Hold for 3, 2, 1... melt them soft like warm noodles. Now, let's trace the calm wave."
4. Lock It In (Reflection)
2 Mins
Assess how they feel. Remind them they can use this tool anytime.
💬 "Notice your body now. Is the weather calmer? This balloon is always inside, ready when you feel the storm return."
Hard to slow down?
If kids struggle, count the exhales aloud: "Breathe in 1, 2... Blow out slow 1, 2, 3, 4." Focus on making exhales longer than inhales.
Classroom Integration
Hang the Belly Breathe Poster in your Calming Corner. Allow dysregulated students to trace the path to reset their breathing independently.
Belly Breathe Poster
My Calming Toolbox
Belly Balloon Breathe
When a storm of big feelings rolls in, you can blow it away!
Step 1
Inhale Slow
Smell the sweet flower. Breathe in deep and watch your belly expand like a balloon.
Step 2
Hold & Still
Hold your breath gently. Keep your shoulders soft. Feel the calm resting inside you.
Step 3
Exhale Gentle
Blow out the birthday candle. Slowly let the balloon shrink flat and empty.
The Calm Wave Tracing Path
Trace your finger along the wave as you regulate your breathing.
START
INHALING... Follow the path up
HOLD & STILL Pause for 3 seconds
EXHALING... Blow out gently
CALM REPEAT
Quick Sensory Mind Lock
3 Things you can see around you.
2 Things your body is touching.
1 Thing you can hear in this room.
The Lemon Muscle Melt
Squeeze your hands tight like you are squeezing giant, sour lemons.
Hold the squeeze as tight as you can, counting: 3... 2... 1...
Let go! Feel your hands drop and melt soft, cozy, and warm.