Cool Down Control Teacher Guide Cool Down Control
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Duration
45 Minutes
Objective
Students will identify personal triggers and select 3 go-to calming strategies.
Grade Level
Elementary / Middle
1. The Internal Dashboard (10 mins)
Explain that everyone has an "Internal Dashboard" that tells them how they are feeling. Sometimes our "engine" gets too hot (anger/frustration) or too shaky (anxiety/peer pressure).
"Class, just like a car has lights on the dashboard to tell the driver if they need gas or oil, our bodies give us signals when we need to cool down or focus. Today, we're building our own 'Cool Down Control' kit."
2. Strategy Showcase (15 mins)
Introduce the three categories of strategies using the Calm Card Deck :
The Fire Extinguishers: For high-heat moments (anger/frustration). Focus on heavy work or deep breathing.The Shield: For social conflict or peer pressure. Focus on "I" statements and physical boundaries.The Lens: For focus and self-regulation. Focus on grounding techniques (5-4-3-2-1).
3. Roleplay Scenarios (10 mins)
Scenario A: You lose a game during recess and feel your face getting hot. Which card do you pull?
Scenario B: A friend is pressuring you to do something you know is against the rules. How do you use the 'Shield'?
Scenario C: The classroom is loud and you can't finish your math. What's your 'Lens' strategy?
4. Personal Dashboard (10 mins)
Distribute the My Calm Dashboard Worksheet . Students will personalize their own plan for when things get "overheated."
Calm Dashboard Worksheet My Calm Dashboard
Monitoring and regulating my internal engine
NAME:
DATE:
01. Engine Check
How do you know when your engine is starting to overheat or get shaky? (Face feels hot, hands shake, can't stop thinking about it...)
The Fire Extinguisher
When I feel Anger or Frustration , I will try:
The Social Shield
When I deal with Peer Pressure or Conflict , I will use:
The Focus Lens
When I need to Improve Focus , I will practice:
I am in control of my dashboard.
Calm Card Deck Flashcards Calm Card Deck
Cut along the dotted lines • Carry your toolkit with you
Square Breath
Inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. Repeat until you feel the "heat" drop.
Fire Extinguisher
Wall Push
Push against a solid wall as hard as you can for 10 seconds. Release and shake out your hands.
Fire Extinguisher
"I" Statement
Say: "I feel [feeling] when you [action]. I need [what you need]."
Social Shield
The Pivot
If you feel pressured, take 5 steps away immediately. Calm down before you respond.
Social Shield
5-4-3-2-1
Find 5 things you see, 4 you feel, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, and 1 you taste.
Focus Lens
The Reach
Reach for the ceiling for 5 seconds. Touch your toes for 5 seconds. Reboot your brain.
Focus Lens
Cool Down
Take 3 slow sips of cold water. Feel the water moving down and cooling your core.
Fire Extinguisher
Calm Corner
If conflict is too loud, ask your teacher to go to the "Calm Corner" for 5 minutes.
Social Shield
