Storm Tracker Desk Mat MY STORM TRACKER
Use your finger to track, breathe, and signal how to stay safe.
NAME: ___________________
1. MY WEATHER STATION: How does my inside body feel right now?
Level 1
Clear Skies
Calm & ready
Level 2
Soft Breeze
A bit restless
Level 3
Gray Clouds
Frustrated/Tense
Level 4
Heavy Rain
Very angry/loud
Level 5
Hurricane
Out of control
2. THE ANCHOR BREATH: Trace the line with your finger to calm the storm
Start at the bottom-left star. Slow down, breathe deep, and follow the waves.
START HERE
REPEAT 3X
INHALEDEEP HOLD SLOW EXHALE PAUSE INHALEDEEP HOLD EXHALE PAUSE INHALEDEEP HOLD EXHALE PAUSE FEEL CALMER
3. MY SOS SIGNALS: Point to this box if speaking feels too hard
Take a Break
I need a minute
Water Break
Cool down inside
Squeeze Fidget
Keep hands busy
Quiet Time
Please don't talk
YOU ARE SAFE HERE THE STORM WILL PASS WE ARE A TEAM
Calm Quest Board MY CALM QUEST BOARD
When my body feels a storm coming, I can choose a safe way to let it out.
NAME: ___________________
It is OK to feel angry or frustrated!
But it is not safe to throw, break, or yell. Choose one or two tools below to help your body feel cool and safe again.
Heavy Work
Squeeze My Hands
Press hands together flat, or squeeze a stress ball as hard as you can for 10 seconds.
Cool Down
Take a Cool Drink
Sip cold water slowly. Focus on the cold water cooling down your throat and chest.
Safe Release
Tear Scrap Paper
Take a piece of recycling paper and rip it into tiny pieces. Put them in the bin.
Heavy Work
Push the Wall
Stand up, place hands flat on the wall, and push as if you are moving the building!
Sensory Break
Go to My Quiet Spot
Sit in the classroom's quiet corner, close your eyes, and listen to the quiet.
Grounding
The 3-2-1 Grounding
Look around. Quietly name 3 things you see, 2 things you can touch, and 1 sound you hear.
My Safe Plan
FIRST I WILL...
________________________
Write or point to your 1st choice
THEN I WILL...
________________________
Write or point to your 2nd choice
ANGER IS A MOMENT, NOT A WHOLE DAY I CAN MAKE A GOOD CHOICE
Storm Rider Story Booklet
How to Be a Storm Rider
PAGE 1 of 2
PART 1: The Storm Inside
What happens when I get super frustrated?
☁️
1. Sometimes, dark clouds roll in.
Everything is fine, and then—*BAM!* Something goes wrong, or someone says "no." In an instant, I feel a storm brewing inside my body. My chest feels tight, my hands squeeze into fists, and my face feels red hot.
⚡
2. The storm wants to burst out.
When the storm gets huge, it tells me to do wild things. It tells me to **yell, throw things, slam desks, or cry.** That is my inside storm trying to find a way out! It feels so big, and my brain has a hard time thinking clearly.
🛡️
3. It is OK to feel the storm.
Here is a secret: **Everyone gets storms!** Teachers, parents, and friends get frustrated too. Feeling angry is NOT bad or wrong. But my hands and my mouth must stay safe. I can let the storm pass without breaking things or hurting feelings.
Storm Rider Log: My Warning Signs
Which warning signs tell you that a storm is starting? (Circle or highlight)
💓 Fast Heartbeat
✊ Tight Fists
😡 Red, Hot Face
🤐 Hard to Speak
Storm Riders Series Turn to Page 2 to learn how to ride the storm!
Booklet
How to Be a Storm Rider
PAGE 2 of 2
PART 2: Riding the Waves
What can I do to bring back the sun?
⚓
4. I can drop my anchor.
When my storm is at Level 3 or 4, I drop my emotional anchor. I don't yell or throw. Instead, I trace the **Anchor Breath** on my desk mat. Inhale deep... hold... slow exhale... pause. Each wave of breath calms the wind inside me.
🧭
5. I use my Storm Breaker tools.
I can point to my **SOS Signals** on my desk mat if speaking is too hard. I can grab my **Calm Quest Board** and choose a tool. Ripping paper, pushing the wall, or taking slow sips of cold water are my super powers!
☀️
6. Clear skies always return.
No storm lasts forever. If I keep my body safe and use my tools, the heavy rain will slow down. The storm will end. I will feel calm, proud, and ready to learn again. I did it. I am a true **Storm Rider**!
My Storm Rider Promise
Fill in the blanks with your guide or teacher:
My absolute favorite tool is:
________________________
Where is my quiet space?
________________________
Storm Riders Series I am ready to ride the storm!
Storm Breakers Teacher Guide STORM BREAKERS TEACHER GUIDE
De-escalation & self-regulation protocol for classroom educators.
Educator Resource
Philosophy: Self-regulation cannot be taught in crisis. The Storm Breakers toolkit builds a language of calm *before* the storm, provides non-verbal paths of communication *during* the storm, and guides reflective repair *after* the storm.
Phase 1: Proactive
Teach during "Clear Skies"
Introduce materials when the student is completely calm, receptive, and regulated (Level 1).
Read the Storm Rider Story together.
Practice tracing the Anchor Breath together.
Pre-select 2 tools on the Choice Board .
Goal: Build familiarity and motor memory.
Phase 2: Escalation
Prompt during "Clouds"
Catch warning signs early (tapping, tensing fists, sighing, pushing chair back).
Tap the Storm Tracker Weather Scale .
Ask: "Where is your weather inside?"
Encourage them to choose a Storm Breaker .
Goal: De-escalate before crisis occurs.
Phase 3: Crisis
Support during "Rain/Hurricane"
During outbursts or physical agitation, prioritize physical safety and de-escalation.
Drop academic demands immediately.Reduce verbal language (use 1-3 words).Point to the Quiet Spot or SOS card .
Goal: Keep environment and body safe.
Phase 4: Recovery
Repair and Reconnect
Once breathing is normal and behavior is Level 1-2 (minimum 20-30 mins post-crisis).
Do not punish or shame. Celebrate the return of clear skies.
Fill out the Storm Rider Promise together.
Validate effort: "You kept your body safe."
Goal: Restore relationship and security.
Suggested Teaching Script (Proactive Phase)
"Hey buddy, sometimes our bodies feel super frustrated, like a storm is rolling in with heavy rain and wind. When that storm gets big, it can make us want to throw, slam, or scream. That can feel scary! We are going to be Storm Riders."
"See this desk mat? This is your Storm Tracker. If you start to feel like a storm is coming, you can trace this Anchor Breath with your finger. Inhale... hold... exhale... trace it with me! And if you don't feel like talking, you can point to these SOS pictures to let me know what you need. We are a team."
