Listening Ears Lesson Plan Listening Ears and Calm Bodies
Lesson Plan • 2nd Grade • Social-Emotional Learning
Time
30 Minutes
Audience
2nd Grade Students
Approach
Interactive & Practice
Why This Lesson?
Learning to self-regulate helps students stay focused, understand lessons better, and create a calm learning environment for everyone. These skills are essential for academic success and social-emotional well-being.
Learning Objective
Students will be able to identify and practice at least two self-regulation strategies to improve their listening and attention in the classroom.
Teacher Preparation
Time Required: 15 Minutes
• Review the Listening Ears and Calm Bodies Slide Deck content and teacher notes.
• Print copies of the Calm Body Checklist Worksheet for each student.
• Cut out the cards for the Regulation Relay Game .
• Ensure projector/Smartboard is set up for slides.
Materials Needed
Smartboard or Projector
Markers or Crayons
Slide Deck
Student Worksheet
Regulation Relay Cards
Instructional Steps
1 Introduction: What are Listening Ears and Calm Bodies?
5 Minutes
Display: Slide 2: "What Do Listening Ears and Calm Bodies Look Like?"
Ask students what they think "listening ears" and "calm bodies" mean in the classroom.
Facilitate a brief discussion, drawing out examples of both.
Introduce the concept of self-regulation as a way to help achieve these states.
2 Learning Self-Regulation Strategies
10 Minutes
Display: Slide 3: "Super Self-Regulation Strategies!"
Introduce and briefly explain each strategy: Deep Breaths, Tense and Relax, Body Scan, Mindful Moment .
For each strategy, do a quick, simple demonstration and have students try it with you (e.g., 3 deep breaths, a quick body scan).
Display: Slide 4: "My Calm Body Checklist" and distribute the worksheet.
3 Regulation Relay Game!
10 Minutes
Display: Slide 5: "Regulation Relay!"
Divide students into small groups.
Explain the rules: Students pick a card, read the scenario, and choose the best self-regulation strategy.
Monitor groups and offer support as needed.
4 Wrap-Up & Reflection
5 Minutes
Display: Slide 6: "Putting It All Together!"
Ask students to share one strategy they learned today that they might use.
Emphasize that practicing these strategies helps them learn and makes the classroom a better place for everyone.
Collect checklists if desired for progress monitoring.
Body Boss Slides Listening Ears &
Calm Bodies!
How can we be our best learners?
Welcome students and introduce the topic.
What does it look like?
Listening Ears
● We pay attention to the speaker.
● We understand what's being said.
Calm Bodies
● We are still and ready to learn.
● We can think clearly.
It's all about Self-Regulation!
Being the boss of your own body and brain.
Self-Regulation Superpowers!
1. Deep Breaths
Smell the flower (inhale slowly)
2. Tense and Relax
Squeeze your fists tight, then let go!
3. Body Scan
Notice if you feel wiggly or tense.
4. Mindful Moment
Focus your senses!
My Calm Body Checklist
We have lots of ways to keep our bodies calm and ready to learn!
Deep Breaths Tense & Relax Body Scan Mindful Moment
Let's try these out!
Regulation Relay!
Time to practice being a 'Body Boss' and 'Brain Boss'
1
Work with your group
2
Pick a card and read it
3
Choose a strategy to help!
Team Discussion:
"Why is that the best strategy for that moment?"
You are Amazing!
What is one new strategy you might try?
How can these help you in class?
Self-Regulation Superstars! Body Boss Checklist Worksheet My Calm Body Checklist
Self-Regulation Superpowers
Name:
Date:
Sometimes our bodies and brains get wiggly or distracted. It's okay! We have superpowers to help ourselves focus.
Read each strategy below. Put a check () next to the ones you tried today. Circle the one you think will help you the most!
1. Deep Breaths
Did you try taking 3 slow, deep breaths to feel calm?
2. Tense and Relax
Did you try squeezing your hands tight, then relaxing?
3. Body Scan
Did you check if your body felt wiggly, then remind it to be calm?
4. Mindful Moment
Did you notice what you could hear or see to bring focus back?
My Favorite Strategy Is:
I will try to use this strategy when I feel:
Regulation Relay Game Cards Regulation Relay!
Game Cards for Small Groups
How to Play
Form a Team: Work in groups of 3-4 students.Pick a Card: One student picks a card and reads the scenario out loud.Brainstorm: Talk about which Self-Regulation Superpower would work best!
Deep Breaths
Tense and Relax
Body Scan
Mindful Moment
Explain: Tell the group why that strategy helps in that moment.
Print this page and cut the cards on the following pages along the dotted lines.
1
Scenario:
"Your teacher is giving important instructions, but your friend next to you keeps tapping their pencil loudly. You feel annoyed and can't focus."
What strategy would you use?
2
Scenario:
"You're sitting on the carpet, and you feel super wiggly and squirmy. It's hard to keep your body still, and you want to jump up."
What strategy would you use?
3
Scenario:
"You are working on a tricky math problem, and you feel frustrated. Your brain feels foggy, and you want to give up."
What strategy would you use?
4
Scenario:
"The classroom is a bit noisy, and it's hard to hear the teacher. You notice other kids are starting to get distracted too."
What strategy would you use?
5
Scenario:
"It's almost time for recess, and you are so excited! You feel bouncy and find it hard to sit still for the last few minutes."
What strategy would you use?
6
Scenario:
"You made a small mistake on your drawing, and you feel a little upset. You want to crumple up your paper."
What strategy would you use?
