Inner Weather Circle Script
Inner Weather Circle Script
Self-Care and Emotion Regulation during Conflict
15 Minutes Grade 3 Tier 1
Materials Needed
- A talking piece (e.g., a soft toy, a smooth stone)
- "Inner Weather" Slide Deck (or whiteboard drawing)
- A chime or bell
- Comfortable seating in a circle
Big Idea
Conflict creates "stormy" weather inside us. Regulation helps us find the "sunny" center so we can solve problems safely.
1
Opening: Breathing Clouds (2 min)
"Welcome to our circle. Today we're learning how to be the 'boss' of our feelings, even when we're upset with a friend."
Instruction: Invite students to close their eyes or look at the floor.
Script: "Imagine a big, fluffy white cloud in your chest. As you breathe in through your nose, watch the cloud grow bigger. As you breathe out through your mouth, watch it slowly drift away. Let's do three cloud breaths together." (Ring chime).
2
Check-in: Weather Report (4 min)
Goal: Self-awareness of current emotional state.
Script: "If your mood right now was the weather, what would it be? Is it sunny and calm? A bit cloudy? Maybe a little rainy? I'll start." (Pass the talking piece).
Teacher Example:
"My weather is sunny with a few clouds because I'm excited to talk with you, but I'm thinking about my long to-do list."
3
The Conflict Storm (3 min)
Script: "When we have a conflict—like someone taking our seat or a friend saying something mean—a storm rolls in. Our hearts might beat fast (thunder), or we might feel hot (lightning). This is called a Big Feeling. When the storm is too loud, we can't make good choices. We have to 'regulate' to bring back the sun."
4
Regulation: My Calm-Down Tool (4 min)
Script: "What is one thing you can do to help your 'inner storm' pass so you can talk calmly? It could be taking a breath, counting to ten, or asking for a break. Pass the talking piece and share one tool."
Deep Breaths
"I need space"
Count to 10
Positive Self-Talk
5
Closing: Sun Shower (2 min)
Script: "Conflict is hard, but you are all great at weather-watching! Before we go, we'll do a 'Sun Shower.' Think of one kind thing about the person to your left. We'll pass the talking piece one last time to share that sunshine."
Ring the chime to end the circle.
Inner Weather Slides
Inner Weather
Taking Care of Our Feelings during Conflict
Grade 3 Circle Time
Current Weather Report
If your mood right now was the weather, what would it be?
Sunny
I feel happy and calm.
Rainy
I feel sad or tired.
Stormy
I feel angry or frustrated.
The Conflict Storm
Conflict (fights or disagreements) can make our "Inner Weather" change FAST.
Big feelings can feel like lightning!
Anger can feel like a strong wind.
How to Calm the Storm
When we are upset, we can use Regulation Tools to help the sun come back out:
Cloud Breaths
Breathe in slow, blow the cloud away.
Ask for Space
"I need 5 minutes to cool down."
Count Down
Count 10... 9... 8... in your head.
Helpful Adult
Talk to a teacher or family member.
Safe & Calm
When we regulate our weather, we can solve problems without hurting feelings or bodies.
Calm Kit Worksheet
My Calm Kit
Inner Weather Toolkit • Grade 3
Name:
Date:
When a conflict storm rolls in, it's hard to think clearly. Use this sheet to plan your Calm Kit so you know exactly what to do!
My Conflict Weather
Draw what your "Inner Weather" looks like when you are upset or in a conflict:
Draw your storm (rain, lightning, wind) here
My Favorite Tools
Check 2-3 tools you like to use to help your weather get calm:
Cloud Breaths
Counting to 10
Asking for Space
Positive Words
Ask for Help
Squeeze something
My Plan
Next time I feel a conflict storm, I will try to:
This will help me because:
"You are the boss of your own inner weather!"
