Recess Reset Facilitator Guide Tier 2 SEL Intervention • 1st Grade
Recess Reset Facilitator Guide
Individual & Small Group Coaching: Managing Anger & Peer Conflict on the Playground
Pacing: 25–30 Mins
Setting: Quiet 1-on-1 / Calm Corner
Coaching Objectives
Identify physical bodily warning cues of anger before behavior escalates.
Master the "Flower & Pinwheel" 3-count reset breath.
Select an empowered response when peers say no, exclude, or tease.
Toolkit Needed
Recess Reset Slides
Pocket Toolkit printout
Playground pass / card
Step 1: The Body Radar (5 Mins) Build Awareness
First graders often experience anger as an immediate physical eruption before cognitive processing kicks in. Help the student recognize pre-eruption body alarms:
Teacher Script: "Recess is supposed to be fun, but when someone says 'you can't play' or takes a ball, it can feel like a hot volcano bubbling up inside. Where do you feel it first? Do your hands squeeze into tight balls? Does your face feel hot? Does your chest beat fast like a drum? That is your body's alarm bell warning us."
Fists Clenched
Hot Cheeks
Fast Heartbeat
Tight Jaw / Teeth
Step 2: Somatic Calming Routine (8 Mins) Core Regulation
Practice this physical 3-step action sequence repeatedly until it becomes automatic muscle memory:
1. Stop & Pocket Hands
Put both hands inside pockets or cross arms in a gentle self-hug. Keeps hands safe from pushing or grabbing.
2. Flower & Pinwheel
Inhale deep through nose (smell the sweet flower for 3s), exhale slow through mouth (spin the pinwheel for 4s).
3. Grounding Mantram
Whisper 3 times: "I am safe. I can choose my next fun game." Drops adrenaline levels quickly.
Recess Reset Power • Teacher Facilitation Guide Page 1 of 2
Recess Response Options & Field Role-Plays
Teaching the "3 Big Choices" when peers are unkind or exclusive
Action Practice
Step 3: The "Big Three" Empowered Playground Choices (7 Mins)
Teach that other kids' unkind words do not control her recess fun. She gets to pick one of three smart moves:
Option A: Voice Power
Stand tall, palms down, calm strong voice: "I don't like being pushed. That is unkind. Stop."
Say it once, then move.
Option B: Switch Zones
Turn your back calmly and walk directly to another station (Swings, Hopscotch, Chalk, Buddy Bench).
"I protect my recess fun!"
Option C: Adult Anchor
Walk with steady feet directly to the Recess Duty / Teacher. Use the code word: "I need a recess check-in."
Safety & support first.
Step 4: Active Role-Play Simulations (8 Mins)
Guide the student through both scenarios. Have her physically enact putting hands in pockets, taking the 3-second breath, and speaking or walking:
Scenario 1: "You Can't Play With Us!" Exclusion
Coach Prompt: "Pretend I say: 'Go away, only our group is playing jump rope.' What does your body want to do? What does your smart brain do instead?"
✓ Target Action: Take 1 Flower Breath → say: "Okay, I'll go make a cool chalk game!" → march over to the blacktop.
Scenario 2: The Line Cutter at the Slide Unfairness
Coach Prompt: "A classmate runs right past you and jumps on the ladder ahead of you. Volcano sparks flare up. Show me your Reset!"
✓ Target Action: Hands in pockets → firm voice: "I was next. We wait in line." If peer ignores → signal the duty monitor.
Playground Staff Alignment & Transfer Plan
1. Pre-Recess High-Five Teacher checks in for 15 seconds: "Remember your pocket breath power today!"
2. Visual Anchor Cue Duty monitor gives subtle thumbs-up or gentle hand-on-heart reminder if tension builds.
3. Post-Recess Star Student reports back: "I walked away when Sarah was mean." Immediate praise & tracker sticker.
Recess Reset Power • Teacher Facilitation Guide Page 2 of 2
Recess Reset Slides Recess Superpower
1st Grade SEL
The Recess Reset!
What to do when feelings get big and classmates are unkind.
Calm Body
Smart Choices
Safe Playground
Ready to unlock your calm superpower? Slide 1 of 6
Body Radar
How Does Anger Feel in Your Body?
Your body gives you warning alarms before a volcano erupts!
Hot Cheeks
Face feels red, warm, or prickly hot.
Tight Fists
Hands squeeze into tight, hard rocks.
Fast Heart
Thump! Thump! Beating like a fast race car.
Tight Tummy
Tummy knots up like tangled yarn.
When you notice these clues: Freeze! It is time for your Recess Reset!
Calming Action
The 3-Step Body Reset
Do these three steps right away to cool down your volcano.
1
Hands in Pockets
Tuck both hands safely in pockets or give yourself a gentle heart hug.
2
Smell & Blow
Smell the sweet flower (in 1-2-3)... Blow the pinwheel smooth and slow!
3
Whisper Power
Whisper in your mind: "I am calm. I can make a smart choice."
Let’s practice together: Hands in pockets... Smell the flower... Blow the pinwheel!
Playground Choices
What Can You Do If Peers Are Unkind?
Other kids cannot ruin your fun. You have 3 power moves:
Choice 1
Strong Voice
"Please stop. That hurts my feelings."
Stand tall, say it once calmly, then walk away.
Choice 2
Switch Games
"I will play something awesome!"
Head to the swings, chalk zone, or find kind friends.
Choice 3
Find a Helper
"I need recess support."
Walk directly to the teacher on recess duty.
You get to choose the move that keeps you feeling safe and proud!
Practice Round
What Would You Do?
Let’s test your Recess Reset superpower with this story:
Playground Story:
You walk over to the four-square game with a ball. A student looks at you and says: "No! You can’t play with us today!"
✕
Volcano Reaction
Scream, throw the ball down, or kick the blacktop.
✓
Recess Pocket Toolkit Student Activity Sheet
My Recess Reset Power Plan
I know my body clues and I choose calm playground moves!
Name:
Date:
Part 1: Circle Your Anger Warning Clues
Circle all that happen to you!
When someone is mean or excludes me, where does my body feel hot or tense?
😡 Hot Cheeks Face gets red & warm
✊ Tight Fists Hands squeeze tight
💓 Fast Heart Beating like a drum
🌀 Tummy Knot Butterflies or twists
Part 2: My 3 Reset Steps (Trace and Practice)
1
Hands in Pockets
I freeze my feet and keep my hands safe inside my pockets.
2
Smell & Blow
Smell the flower (1-2-3)... Blow the pinwheel slow and soft.
3
Power Words
"I don't like that. I am going to play somewhere fun."
Part 3: My Backup Fun Zone (Draw & Check)
If a friend is unkind or says no, what happy activity can you walk over to instead?
Swings Chalk Art Slide Buddy Bench
Draw yourself doing your favorite calm recess activity:
Recess Reset Power • Student Activity Plan Page 1 of 2
Pocket Calming Cards & Decision Path
Cut out these cards to keep in your pocket, lanyard, or lunchbox!
Cut & Keep
✂ Cut along the dashed lines 4 Recess Reminder Badges
Card 1: Freeze
🛑
Hands in Pockets!
Keep my body calm & safe.
"My body stays peaceful."
Card 2: Breathe
🌸 💨
Flower & Pinwheel
Smell 1-2-3... Blow 1-2-3-4.
"Cool down my volcano."
Card 3: Voice
🗣️
Strong Words
"Please stop. That is unkind."
"Say it once, then walk away."
Card 4: Helper
🏫
Find Duty Teacher
"I need a recess check-in."
"Grown-ups are here to help."
Playground Choice Practice: Draw a Line to Match!
Match the recess problem on the left with the super calm power move on the right:
1 A student takes the kickball you were holding.
A Put hands in pockets, tell duty teacher: "He grabbed my ball."
2 Classmates say: "You can't jump rope with us."
B Take a pinwheel breath and go play hopscotch or chalk.
My Recess Signature: I have calm superpower! ⭐
Recess Win Tracker Sheet Daily Celebration Chart
My Recess Champion Tracker
Color a star each day you use your calm reset power!
Name:
Week of:
My Weekly Goal:
When someone is unkind, I put my hands in my pockets and take 1 deep breath.
Reward: Playground Choice Pass
Monday Day 1
Used Reset Breath
⭐
Calm Hands & Body
⭐
Found Fun Activity
⭐
Teacher Stamp
Tuesday Day 2
Used Reset Breath
⭐
Calm Hands & Body
⭐
Found Fun Activity
⭐
Teacher Stamp
Wednesday Day 3
Used Reset Breath
⭐
Calm Hands & Body
⭐
Found Fun Activity
⭐
Teacher Stamp
Thursday Day 4
Used Reset Breath
⭐
Calm Hands & Body
⭐
Found Fun Activity
⭐
Teacher Stamp
Friday Day 5
Used Reset Breath
⭐
Calm Hands & Body
⭐
Found Fun Activity
⭐
Teacher Stamp
End of Week Superstar Reflection
Write or draw one super proud moment you had on the playground this week:
Recess Reset Power • Weekly Tracker Sheet Page 1 of 1
