Cooling Lab Guide
Cooling Lab Guide
Managing Frustration & Early Warning Signs
Duration: 25 Minutes
Focus: Self-Regulation
Learning Objectives
- Identify physical "warning signs" of frustration.
- Apply cooling strategies at low frustration levels.
- Use sentence starters to communicate needs.
Materials Needed
Workbook, Progress Tracker, Poster, Pencil, and optional timer.
1
Warm-Up: The Frustration Thermometer (5 mins)
Facilitator Script
"Welcome to the Cooling Lab! Today we're becoming Frustration Fighters. Imagine your feelings are like a thermometer. Sometimes we're cool and calm (Level 1), sometimes we're getting warm (Level 2-3), and sometimes we're boiling over (Level 5). Let's look at our first workbook page and mark where we usually feel when something goes wrong."
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Have students look at the Frustration Thermometer in their workbooks.
- Define levels: 1-2 (Chill), 3-4 (Annoyed), 5 (Exploding/Out of Control).
- Guided Question: "What does it feel like in your body when you move from Level 1 to Level 3? Is it a big jump or a slow climb?"
2
Activity 1: Warning Sign Detectives (7 mins)
Facilitator Script
"Before a volcano erupts, it shakes and smokes. Our bodies do the same thing! These are our Warning Signs. If we catch them at Level 2 or 3, we can stop the 'eruption.' What does your voice do? What do your hands do? Are your hands tight like a ball? Is your heart beating like a drum? Let's check off our personal signs in the workbook."
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Guide students to the My Body & Voice section of the workbook.
- Model a warning sign (e.g., clenching fists) and ask students to copy it.
- Encourage students to draw or write one unique sign they have that isn't on the list.
3
Activity 2: The Cooling Strategy Practice (8 mins)
Facilitator Script
"Now, we practice our 'Cooling Tools.' We're going to try Deep Belly Breathing. Imagine your belly is a balloon. Fill it up slow... let it out slow. We're also going to practice the 'Quiet Break.' Sometimes we just need to say, 'I need a minute.' Let's try saying our sentence starters together so we know exactly what to say when we feel that heat rising."
Practice Drill:
- The Scenario: Present a mild trigger (e.g., "A peer takes the last blue crayon").
- The Check-In: Ask: "Where are you on the thermometer? 2 or 3?"
- The Tool: Perform 3 cycles of belly breathing together.
- The Sentence: Have students fill in and say aloud: "I feel frustrated because someone took the crayon, so I am taking a breath."
4
Wrap-Up & Data Collection (5 mins)
Show the Calm Progress Tracker. Explain that for the next week, you (or their teacher) will be looking for "Frustration Fighter Moments." These are moments where they catch their warning signs and use a tool before reaching Level 5.
Incentive Suggestion: Consider a small sticker or "Cooling Credit" for the student's tracker every time they independently use a strategy at Level 1-3.
Frustration Fighters Workbook
Frustration Fighters Workbook
Name: ____________________
Date: ____________________
The Frustration Thermometer
Color in the thermometer and describe how you feel at each level.
1
2
3
4
5
LEVEL 5: EXPLODING
LEVEL 4: VERY FRUSTRATED
LEVEL 3: ANNOYED / UPSET
LEVEL 2: GETTING BOTHERED
LEVEL 1: COOL & CHILL
Warning Sign Detectives
What happens to your body and voice at Level 2 or 3? Circle your warning signs!
In My Body
Clenched Fists
Tight Jaw
Fast Heartbeat
Sweaty Hands
Stomping Feet
In My Voice
Getting Louder
Mean Words
Going Silent / Not Speaking
Whining Sound
Fast Talking
My Unique Warning Sign
Is there something else your body does when you start to feel frustrated? Draw it or write it here!
Draw your face here
My Cooling Tools
Practice these tools at Level 1 or 2 to stay in control!
1. Deep Belly Breathing
-
1
Put your hand on your belly.
-
2
Breathe in deep through your nose (count 1, 2, 3).
-
3
Breathe out slow through your mouth (count 1, 2, 3).
2. The Quiet Break
Sometimes we just need a minute to reset. Try this:
-
Step away from the problem.
-
Close your eyes or look at something calm.
-
Wait for 30 seconds before going back.
Sentence Starter Practice
I feel frustrated when ,
so I .
Try another one!
I feel frustrated when ,
so I .
Calm Progress Tracker
Calm Progress Tracker
Frustration Management & Independent Coping Data
Student:
Dates:
Target Skill
Student will independently identify a "Warning Sign" (Frustration Level 1-3) and initiate a cooling strategy (Deep Belly Breathing or Quiet Break) without adult prompting.
Weekly Summary
___ / 5
Independent Coping Opportunities
Success Rate: ____%
| Date/Time | The Trigger (Event) | Warning Level (1-4) | Strategy Used | Independent? |
|---|
| | | | |
| 1 2 3 4 | | | | |
| |
Yes
No
|
| | |
1 2 3 4
| |
|
| | |
1 2 3 4
| |
|
| | |
1 2 3 4
| |
|
| | |
1 2 3 4
| |
|
Observations & Anecdotal Notes
Cooling Lab Poster
STAY COOL
THE COOLING LAB
1 CHECK YOUR LEVEL
5
Exploding
Out of Control
4
Very Frustrated
Heat is rising
3
Annoyed
Warning signs appearing
2
Bothered
Catch it early!
1
Cool & Calm
Ready to learn
2 USE YOUR TOOLS
Belly Breathing
Slow breath in for 3...
Slow breath out for 3...
The Quiet Break
Step away for 30 seconds.
Reset your brain.
Use Your Words
"I feel frustrated, so I am taking a break."
Be a Frustration Fighter • Control the Heat • Stay Cool
