A preschool social-emotional learning lesson introducing self-control through the three-step routine: Stop, Breathe, and Choose. Children practice sensory breathing techniques, body awareness, and peaceful decision-making during group time and play.
Movement Game: "Traffic Light Freeze & Breathe" (8 min)
GREEN LIGHT Walk, march, or tip-toe slowly in circle space.
YELLOW LIGHT Slow motion! Deep breath in, slow breath out.
RED LIGHT FREEZE like a statue! Hand on belly, eyes soft.
Debrief Prompt:"How did it feel when the light turned red? Did your body want to keep moving? That warm feeling inside when you stopped yourself is your self-control muscle growing stronger!"
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Small Group & Center Practice (10 min)
Center 1: Finger-Trace Breathing
Children use the Freeze Breathe Activity Sheet to trace the rainbow and flower trails with their index finger, synchronizing breath with touch.
Center 2: Sharing Scenarios
Puppet play / mini-roleplay: Bear wants Rabbit's block. Rabbit presses the Pause Button, takes a deep breath, and says: "You can have it in 2 minutes!"
Differentiation & Accessibility Strategies
High Energy / Sensory
Provide a tactile squeeze ball or sensory fidget during the freeze phase. Allow standing pause instead of sitting.
Dual Language Learners
Pair words with clear universal gestures (stop palm, smelling flower motion, thumbs up for choose). Repeat in home language.
Struggling Regulators
Co-regulate: Place teacher's hand gently over child's hand on their belly so they feel the rhythmic rise and fall of breath.
Observational Assessment Checkpoints
Skill
Emerging (With Prompt)
Mastered (Independent)
Inhibition (Stop)
Stops movement after 1-2 teacher reminders.
Freezes body promptly upon hearing/seeing cue.
Calming (Breathe)
Imitates nose/mouth breathing with adult model.
Takes 3 intentional slow breaths self-directed.
Problem Solving
Names a choice when given two options.
Verbally suggests or uses safe, gentle words in play.
Family Connection Prompt for Newsletter
Send home the "Pause Power Badge": Encourage families to ask: "Can you show me how you smell the flower and blow out the candle when feelings get big at bedtime or clean-up?"
Pause Power Lesson Plan • Games, Accommodations & Assessment Page 2 of 2
