Calm and Collected Facilitation Guide
Calm and Collected
Managing Anxiety • Facilitation Guide
Tier 3 Individual Lesson
30 Minutes
Lesson Objective
The student will learn to recognize physical sensations of anxiety and practice a structured 4-6 breathing technique to regulate their nervous system and improve emotional well-being.
Student Profile
- Grade: 7th Grade
- Diagnosis: Selective Mutism, Autism, ADHD
- Need: Practical, low-pressure coping strategies with visual support.
Materials Checklist
Breathe and Bloom Visual Guide (Student Handout)
Anxiety Detective Journal (Worksheet)
Writing tools and colored pencils/markers
Quiet, comfortable seating area
Instructional Flow
5m
Introduction & Emotional Check-in
Create a safe, warm environment. Use a neutral, soft tone.
- Greet the student warmly (non-verbal greetings are fine).
- Explain: "Today, we're going to learn a superpower for our bodies: how to help ourselves feel calm when we start to feel worried or anxious."
- Briefly touch upon physical signs of anxiety (tight chest, fast heart, wiggly hands).
10m
Breathe and Bloom Practice
Guided practice using the visual handout.
- Hand out the Breathe and Bloom Visual Guide.
- Guide the student through the 4-6 breath. Inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 6.
- Modification: If holding the breath is stressful, focus only on making the exhale longer than the inhale.
- Perform the cycle together 5 times. Notice the sensation of the air.
10m
Anxiety Detective Discovery
Low-pressure discussion/reflection.
- Use the Anxiety Detective Journal. Since the student has selective mutism, focus on drawing, circling, or writing responses.
- Identify specific triggers (e.g., loud hallways, starting a new task).
- Brainstorm "Power Moments" where the breathing exercise can be used secretly.
5m
Closure & Success
Validation and forward-looking.
- Summarize: "Breathing tells your body that you are safe."
- Encourage the student to keep the visual guide in a folder or desk.
- Give a specific compliment about their effort or focus.
Facilitation Tips for Selective Mutism
Wait Time
Give at least 10-15 seconds for a response (verbal or non-verbal). Avoid "filling the silence."
Forced Choice
Instead of "How do you feel?", try "Do you feel 40% calm or 80% calm right now?"
Non-Verbal Praise
Use thumbs up, stickers, or small nods to validate engagement without demanding speech.
Joint Attention
Look at the worksheet together rather than making direct, intense eye contact.
Breathe and Bloom Visual Guide
Breathe and Bloom
Your personal guide to feeling calm and centered.
1
Get Ready
Find a comfortable way to sit or lie down. Relax your shoulders and gently close your eyes.
2
Inhale (In)
Breathe in slowly through your nose. Count silently: 1... 2... 3... 4.
3
Pause
Hold your breath gently. Count silently: 1... 2... 3... 4.
4
Exhale (Out)
Breathe out slowly through your mouth. Count silently: 1... 2... 3... 4... 5... 6.
Repeat & Bloom
Do this for 3 to 5 minutes. Every breath helps your inner garden grow calm and quiet.
Kind to Mind
Rooted in Calm
Gentle as Rain
Anxiety Detective Journal Worksheet
Anxiety Detective
Case File #001
Being a detective means noticing small clues. Let's look for clues about how your body feels and how you can use your Breathe and Bloom superpower.
What situations make you feel anxious or worried?
Clues: School, home, loud places, meeting new people, starting big projects...
Loud Noises
New Places
Talking to Others
Tests or Homework
Write or draw other clues here:
How did the "Breathe and Bloom" exercise make you feel?
Calmer
The Same
Not Sure
Any other feelings? (e.g. sleepy, floaty, quiet)
When is a good time to use your breathing superpower?
A
Before something scary starts
B
When my body feels "too fast" or wiggly
C
When I need a quiet moment in class
Case Closed!
Great job investigating. You now have a tool to help your body feel safe.