Stay in Class Stay Calm Lesson Plan
Stay in Class, Stay Calm!
Tier 3 Intervention: Individual Lesson Plan
Duration 30 min
THE WHY
Learning to identify and manage feelings of dysregulation is a vital skill. This lesson will empower the student with strategies to stay present and engaged in the classroom, fostering a sense of control and reducing disruptive behaviors.
OBJECTIVE
The student will remain in the classroom by using an appropriate replacement behavior (requesting self-reg break or utilizing virtual refueling room) in 4/5 opportunities.
PREPARATION & MATERIALS
Materials Needed
- Self-Regulation Superpowers Slide Deck
- My Calm Corner Plan Worksheet
- Break/Signal cards (if used)
Teacher Prep (10 min)
- Review the slide deck flow and practice talking points.
- Prepare any physical materials needed for role-playing (e.g., visual break cards).
- Ensure the "Virtual Refueling Room" link is accessible and working.
Instructional Roadmap
5 Minutes
Introduction & Check-In
- Check in with the student; create a safe, supportive space.
- Define "self-regulation" as being a feelings detective.
- Set the mission: learn tools to stay in class when feelings get big.
7 Minutes
Mind & Body Detectives
- Discuss what dysregulation feels like physically (Slide 3).
- Normalize big feelings; validate the urge to leave/hide (Slide 4).
- Emphasize that we want safe ways to handle big feelings.
8 Minutes
Replacement Behaviors
- Teach Superpower 1: Requesting a break (Slide 5).
- Teach Superpower 2: Virtual Refueling Room (Slide 6).
- Explain exactly how to request: signal cards, verbal request, etc.
7 Minutes
Superpower Rehearsal
- Role-play: Identify a "tight tummy" and ask for a break card.
- Complete the My Calm Corner Plan worksheet together.
- Provide high-fives and positive reinforcement for practicing.
3 Minutes
Mission Debrief
- Student shares one strategy they will try next.
- End with encouragement and a positive outlook.
Self Regulation Superpowers Slides
Self-Regulation Superpowers!
Welcome! Today, we're going to discover your inner superheroes and learn how to keep them strong.
Teacher Notes
Welcome the student and create a comfortable atmosphere. Start with a warm greeting. Ask them how they're feeling today.
What's Self-Regulation?
It's like being a detective for your own feelings!
Knowing what you feel
Happy, sad, mad, or frustrated?
Knowing what your body tells you
Tummy ache, fast heart, or tight fists?
Choosing how to respond
What can you do to feel better?
Teacher Notes
Explain self-regulation using analogies like being a 'feelings detective' or a 'captain of your own ship.' Emphasize understanding big feelings.
When Feelings Get BIG
Sometimes, our feelings get really big and strong. This is called dysregulation.
Think like a detective:
- What does it feel like?
- Where do you feel it in your body?
It's okay to have big feelings!
Teacher Notes
Help the student connect with what dysregulation feels like for THEM. Ask open-ended questions and validate their feelings.
Why Do We Want to Leave?
When feelings get too big, sometimes our brains tell us to:
BUT WAIT!
This is a natural reaction, but we have better ways to stay safe and calm!
Teacher Notes
Discuss the urge to escape without judgment. Link this to eloping. Explain that we're looking for safer ways to cope.
Superpower #1
Break Time!
How to ask:
Use your break card or say, "I need a break."
What you do:
Go to your special agreed-upon calm spot.
Why it helps:
Calm your body and mind so you're ready to learn!
Teacher Notes
Introduce the break strategy. Show a physical break card if available. Role-play the specific words the student will use.
Superpower #2
Refuel Room!
Imagine a special place where you can recharge! That's your Virtual Refueling Room.
Calming Videos
Breathing Tools
Just ask your teacher to access it!
Teacher Notes
Introduce the virtual refueling room concept. Discuss how it's a tool to re-center without physically leaving the environment.
My Calm Corner Plan Worksheet
My Calm Corner Plan
Name:
Date:
Feelings Detective Mission
Being a feelings detective helps me understand my body and my emotions! This plan helps me remember my superpowers to stay calm and stay in class.
1 My Feelings Meter
How do I know when my feelings are getting big? Draw or write what it feels like in your body when you feel mad, frustrated, or overwhelmed.
My Body Feels...
My Mind Thinks...
2 My Self-Regulation Superpowers
When my feelings get big, I use these powers to stay in class:
Request a
Self-Reg Break
Virtual
Refueling Room
My Break Plan
How will I ask for a break? (e.g., show a card, say a "code word")
Where is my calm spot in the classroom?
My Refueling Plan
When I am in the Virtual Refueling Room, I like to:
Watch a video
Do a breathing exercise
Listen to music
Other refueling ideas:
I have the power to stay calm and stay in class!
