Calm Body Slides
Calm Body Club
Keeping ourselves safe when we feel big feelings
What is Frustration?
Frustration is a BIG feeling we get when something is hard or doesn't go our way.
It can feel like:
- A lightning bolt in your tummy
- Hot ears or a red face
- Tight hands or feet
My Safe Body
Even when I'm frustrated, I can keep my body safe!
Hands Down
I keep my hands to myself or in my lap.
Feet on Floor
I keep my feet on the ground, nice and still.
Kind Words
I use my indoor voice to say how I feel.
Strategy #1: The Pause
When you feel a "lightning bolt" of frustration, just STOP.
Try it now:
Hands in your lap... Close your eyes... Wait for 3 seconds.
Strategy #2: Balloon Breathing
In Like a Flower
Smell the pretty flower... 1, 2, 3...
Out Like a Balloon
Blow the balloon away... 1, 2, 3...
Soft Pillow
Quiet Book
Fidget Toy
Soft Music
Strategy #3: The Cozy Corner
Sometimes, our body needs a Safe Space to rest.
Find a quiet spot where you can be alone and calm down before you come back to the group.
Let's Practice!
What would you do?
"Your tower of blocks falls down! You feel very frustrated."
Kick the blocks?
Take a big breath?
You are a Calm Body Champion!
I can keep my body safe. I can use my calm tools.
Safe Space Activity
My Calm Corner
I can keep my body safe and calm!
Name:
Date:
When I feel frustrated...
Circle the things that happen to your body:
Hot Face
Tight Hands
Fast Heart
My Cozy Corner
Draw 3 things you want to have in your safe, cozy corner:
Draw Here
My Safe Body Promise
"I will keep my hands and feet safe, even when I'm frustrated!"
Signature (or thumbprint!)
Frustration Fighters Teacher Guide
Teacher Resource
Calm Body Club
Safety & Frustration Management for Kindergarten
Lesson Duration
30-45 Mins
Objectives
- Identify physical signs of frustration.
- Define a "Safe Body" (hands/feet to self).
- Practice 3 regulation strategies.
Materials
- Calm Body Slides
- Safe Space Activity
- Crayons / Markers
Key Terms
Frustration Safe Body Pause Cozy Corner
Instructional Script & Flow
HOOK
(5 MIN)
Start with a block tower. "Accidentally" knock it over.
Prompt: "Oh no! My tower fell! I feel my face getting hot. My hands are starting to squeeze tight. What am I feeling?" (Introduce Frustration).
DIRECT
(10 MIN)
Navigate through the Calm Body Slides.
- Slide 3: Have students practice the "Safe Body" posture (hands on laps, feet flat).
- Slide 5: Explicitly model the "Balloon Breathing" with exaggerated movements.
- Slide 6: Explain where the physical "Cozy Corner" is in your specific classroom.
ACTIVITY
(15 MIN)
Distribute the Safe Space Activity.
Circulate and ask students what they are drawing. "Why would a pillow help you feel safe?" or "What kind of book would you read to calm your body?"
Teacher Tips & Differentiation
Support Strategies
For students with limited verbal skills, use a "Calm Card" (a small picture of a cloud or stop sign) that they can point to when they need to go to the Cozy Corner without needing to find words.
Handling Outbursts
If a student is already in a high-frustration state, wait for the de-escalation before teaching. This lesson is best delivered during "Green Zone" (calm) times so they can build the muscle memory for later.
Discussion Prompts
-
Self-Awareness
"Think of a time you were frustrated. Where in your body did you feel it? Did your hands feel squishy or hard like a rock?"
-
Empathy
"If you see a friend looking frustrated, what's a kind thing you could say to help them keep a safe body?"
-
Application
"Can we use our Calm Body tools at home? When might you need them in the kitchen or the park?"
Optional Video Integration
If you have a favorite breathing video (like "Sesame Street: Belly Breathe" or "GoNoodle Flow"), you can insert it after Slide 5 in the presentation for an active practice break.