Channel Changer Slides
Self-Regulation Strategy
Change the Channel on Feelings
When tough feelings get loud, you have the power to switch the show.
Sensory Reset
Calm your body
Shift Attention
Pick a favorite thing
Ask for Support
Tell or show someone
Feelings Can Get Stuck
Notice the Signal
Frustration
Work is hard, things break, or plans change suddenly.
Feeling tense
Too Loud
The room is noisy, bright, or too crowded for you.
Sensory overload
Disappointment
You heard "no" or had to wait when you wanted "yes."
Feeling let down
It is okay to feel this way. But you do not have to stay stuck.
You Hold the Remote
Switch Channels
Brain Remote
1 Sensory Reset
2 Shift Attention
3 Ask for Support
1. Stop & Notice
"This feeling is loud. My channel is stuck."
2. Pick a New Channel
Choose a safe action that helps you feel calmer.
3. Reset Your Brain
Give yourself a few minutes to feel steady again.
Let’s explore the 3 channels you can choose!
1
Channel 1: Sensory Reset
Calm Your Body
Headphones
Block out loud sounds and listen to quiet or calming music.
Quiet the noise
Quiet Space
Sit in a calm corner, chill area, or low-light spot for 3 minutes.
Take space
Gentle Movement
Take a short walk, stretch your arms, or do heavy wall pushes.
Move your muscles
Try it: Does your body feel tight or noisy? Pick Channel 1.
2
Channel 2: Shift Attention
Redirect Your Mind
Favorite Book
Look through pictures, a magazine, or a book about your top interest.
Visual focus
Draw or Fidget
Squeeze a stress ball, pop bubbles, or sketch lines on paper.
Hands busy
Special Topic
Think about cars, animals, music, sports, or games you love.
Happy thoughts
Try it: Stuck on disappointment? Give your brain a fun new task.
3
Channel 3: Ask for Support
You Are Not Alone
Tap AAC / Talker
Press "Help," "Break," or "I feel upset" on your communication device.
Device speech
Show a Card
Hand a Break card or point to the remote card on your desk.
Visual pass
Gesture or Words
Raise your hand, sign "break," or say "Help please" to staff.
Ask a person
Remember: Asking for help is strong and smart.
Your Channel Menu
Point or Say
Channel 1
Quiet & Headphones
Rest your ears and body
Channel 2
Movement Break
Walk, stretch, or wall push
Channel 3
Favorite Activity
Book, fidget, drawing, or topic
Channel 4
Ask for Help
AAC talker, break card, or staff
Which channel helps you best today? Point to your card!
Practice: Check Your Channel
Check-In Now
How does your body and brain feel right now?
I Feel Good
Ready to work & learn
A Little Tough
Might need to change soon
Stuck & Loud
Change the channel now!
You have the remote control.
Use your choice card anytime you need to switch.
Great Job!
Channel Changer Choice Cards
My Feelings Remote
Change the Channel Communication Board
Name:
Date:
How to use: Point, tap, or place your marker on the channel you need right now.
Desk Mat
Brain Remote Control
Select 1 Strategy
Sensory Reset
Headphones
Quiet sounds / music
Sensory Reset
Quiet Space
Calm corner / chill area
Sensory Reset
Movement Break
Walk or wall push
Shift Attention
Look at Book
Pictures or magazine
Shift Attention
Draw or Fidget
Stress ball or doodle
Shift Attention
Special Topic
Think of favorite things
Ask for Support
Use AAC Talker
Tap help or feeling
Ask for Support
I Need a Break
Tell or show an adult
Cut here for portable desk / pocket strips below
Quick Choice Strip Lanyard / Pocket
Quiet
Move
Activity
Help
Feelings Gauge Self-Check Strip
I'm Good
Feeling Tough
Change Now
Printable Strategy Ring Cards
Change the Channel • Keyring, Lanyard, or Velcro Schedule
6 Cards to Cut
Sensory Reset
Headphones
Block out loud sounds
"I need quiet"
Sensory Reset
Quiet Space
Sit in chill area for 3 min
"I need space"
Sensory Reset
Movement Break
Short walk or wall push
"I need to move"
Shift Attention
Draw or Fidget
Squeeze ball or doodle lines
"I need my hands busy"
Shift Attention
Special Interest
Cars, animals, music, games
"Look at favorite thing"
Ask for Support
Help or Break
Tap AAC talker or hand card
"Help please"
Educator & Paraprofessional Tip: Print on heavy cardstock (65-110 lb) and laminate for durability. Punch holes at the top circles to create a student lanyard or clip-ring. Pair these cards directly with the student's AAC device vocabulary page or place hook-and-loop velcro on student desks.
