Cool Down Story Booklet
Assembly Guide Cut along dashed borders. Stack in order (1-8). Staple left edge or hole-punch circle for a key ring!
Pages 1 - 4
Card 1 ⢠Cover
My Personal Pocket Story
When I Feel Angry
A quick-flip guide to help me notice big feelings, calm my body, and stay in control.
This booklet belongs to:
Student Name
"I have the power to stop, breathe, and choose safe actions every day."
Card 2 ⢠Feelings
Anger Is Normal
Everyone feels angry, mad, or frustrated sometimes. It is a real feeling that visits my brain and body.
⨠It is always OK to feel angry.
It is NOT OK to hurt people, myself, or property.
Anger comes in different sizes:
Small Annoyed or grumpy
Medium Frustrated or upset
Big Furious or raging
Catching anger when it is small makes it easiest to cool down!
Card 3 ⢠Body Signals
My Body Alarms
Before I blow up like a volcano, my body sends me early warning signs.
Check what happens to you:
Hot face, red cheeks, or sweating
Fast heartbeat (thumping chest)
Tight fists or clenched jaw teeth
Loud voice or heavy fast breathing
When I notice an alarm:
STOP ⢠FREEZE ⢠FLIP TO NEXT CARD!
Card 4 ⢠Strategy 1
5-Finger Calming Breath
Trace your hand on this card. Breathe deeply to send cool oxygen to your brain!
Go Up: Inhale Go Down: Exhale
Trace each finger slowly. Count 1 to 5.
š Blow birthday candles
šø Smell the sweet flower
Slow belly breaths tell my brain: "I am safe right now."
Assembly Guide Pages 5 to 8 complete your booklet! Keep this pocket guide inside your desk or pocket.
Pages 5 - 8
Card 5 ⢠Safe Choices
Safe Hands & Words
I am in charge of my behavior, even when I am really angry.
Safe Choices I Can Make:
- Hands in pockets or squeeze a fidget
- Calm quiet words or taking silent time
- Feet on the floor or take slow steps
Unsafe (Never Allowed):
No hitting, kicking, throwing items, breaking things, or yelling mean words.
"I keep my hands to myself. My safety and others' safety comes first."
Card 6 ⢠Calming Tools
My Cool-Down Menu
Pick 1 or 2 tools to help the angry energy leave your body.
Wall Pushes Push hands flat against wall for 10 sec
Cold Water Take 3 slow sips to cool my body down
Count Backwards Count in my head: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6... 1
Tight Bear Hug Wrap arms around chest and squeeze gently
Which tool works best for me? Try one right now!
Card 7 ⢠Asking Help
I Can Ask for Help
I don't have to fix big feelings all alone. Trusted adults are here to help me.
Words I can say or point to:
"I need a 2-minute quiet break."
Sit in the calm corner or put head down
"I am feeling upset and need help."
Tell teacher, counselor, or aide
Silent Break Signal
Show this card to teacher
Break Please
Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness!
Card 8 ⢠Back to Calm
Cool, Calm & Ready
How I know my body is back in the Calm Green Zone:
My muscles feel relaxed and loose
My breathing is slow and steady
I can speak in a normal, calm voice
I am ready to solve problems safely
Proud of Myself!
I handled a big feeling with safe choices. I can do it again next time!
My trusted adult: ____________ ā Calm Hero
Cool Down Desk Mat
Personal Regulation Station
My Cool Down Desk Mat
Student Name
Safe Spot My Desk
Check-In: Touch the Zone You Feel In
"All feelings are okay to feel"
āļø
Blue Zone Sad ⢠Tired ⢠Moving Slow
šæ
Green Zone Calm ⢠Ready ⢠Focused
ā”
Yellow Zone Frustrated ⢠Anxious ⢠Wiggly
š„
Red Zone Angry ⢠Mad ⢠Out of Control
Tactile Reset: Trace the Infinity Breathing Loop
Trace 3 Times
START HERE ā¬
ļø BREATHE IN (4s) BREATHE OUT (4s) ā”ļø
Put your finger on the black dot. Trace left as you breathe in deeply, cross through the middle, and trace right as you breathe out slowly.
Quick Desk Strategies: Try 1 or 2 Right Now
Ground Feet Push feet flat on floor for 10 seconds
Squeeze & Let Go Tight fists for 5 sec, then relax hands
Cold Water Take 3 cool sips to lower body heat
Count to 10 Silently in your head or whisper slow
My Safe Body Rules
- Safe Hands: Resting on desk or lap
- Safe Words: Quiet tone or silence
- Safe Space: Keep materials gentle
Tap to Tell My Teacher
Point Here š
"I need a 2-minute break"
"I need help right now"
"I am calm and ready"
"Feelings come and feelings go. I am always in control of my choices."
Laminate & Tape to Desk