Super Power Pause Social Story
My Calm Body Book
Super Power
Pause
My Special Book for Calm Bodies and Happy Minds
This book belongs to:
Page 1
My Super Power Story Part 1
Big Feelings Happen
At school, I do so many amazing things! I love to learn, play with my friends, and explore new activities.
Sometimes, my teacher tells me "no" to something I want, or tells me I have to wait my turn.
When this happens, a giant wave of energy might rush into my body.
My body might want to:
Run away, throw things, kick, or tip over furniture.
But I can choose to:
Keep my body safe, stay in my spot, and use my super power!
Page 2
My Super Power Story Part 2
Using My Super Power Pause
I have an amazing secret power. It is called the Super Power Pause! When I feel that big wave of energy, I can stop and activate it immediately.
1
STOP
I freeze my feet on the floor. I put my hands on my knees or in my lap.
2
BREATHE
Take three deep belly breaths:
Smell the flower (In)
Blow the candle (Out)
3
CHOOSE A TOOL
I look at my desk visual-cue cards to help my body stay calm.
Page 3
My Super Power Story Part 3
My Three Calm Tools
My teacher and I have put special reminder cards right on my desk. I can point to them or look at them to make a smart choice:
1. Waiting Timer
Watch the digital or sand timer move. My turn is coming!
2. Safe Body
Keep hands & feet to myself. Furniture stays on the ground.
3. Take a Break
Touch my "Break Card" to go to my quiet, safe spot.
"I can stay in my spot. I can keep my body safe. I can take deep breaths. I am proud of me!"
Page 4
My Super Power Story Success!
I Stay, I Work, I Shine!
When I use my Super Power Pause, amazing things happen in my classroom!
I Stay in Class
I stay in my warm, safe classroom where my friends learn. My teacher knows exactly where I am, and we are all safe.
I Do My School Work
I sit at my desk, focus on my work, and complete my tasks. My brain grows bigger and stronger every single day!
Everyone is Proud of Me!
My teacher is smiling, my parents are happy, and my classmates love working with me. I feel so proud of myself, too!
Classroom Superhero
"I can stay in my room. I can do my work. I am strong, calm, and ready to learn!"
Page 5
Super Power Pause Desk Cards
Super Power Pause Desk Cards
Desk Reminders
Teacher Guide: Print, cut along the dashed lines, and laminate. Tape the long Desk Strip to the student's desk where they can see it easily. Keep the four Cue Cards nearby (on a metal ring, or taped to their desk) for prompt visual redirection during transitions, waits, or when they hear "no".
Cut out this long Desk Strip:
Super Power Pause
1
STOP Hands & feet safe.
2
BREATHE 3 belly breaths.
3
CHOOSE TOOL Use visual cards.
Cut out these four individual desk cue cards:
Wait Power
I Can Wait!
I can watch my timer move. My turn is coming very soon.
My body stays safe & ready
Safe Choice
I Need a Break
I can touch this card. I can walk safely to my quiet corner.
Ask nicely with my words
My Shield
Safe Body Card
My feet stay on the floor. My hands stay on my lap. Classroom stays safe.
I can be safe and in control
Breathe
Stop & Breathe
I can pause. I smell the sweet flower. I blow the birthday candle.
3 deep breaths reset my brain
Super Power Pause Teacher Guide
Super Power Pause
Teacher Implementation & Redirection Guide
Educator Resource
1. Proactive Daily Practice Routine
Do not wait for escalation to use these tools. Read the Super Power Pause Social Story with the student 3 times daily during calm transition moments (e.g., arrival, post-recess, pre-lunch).
1. Morning Arrival Build mindset. Walk through breathing practice once.
2. Mid-Day Reset Pre-lunch review. Check in on desk cards.
3. Before Transitions Read before high-wait periods or structured tasks.
2. Real-Time Redirection Protocol
When telling the student "no" or asking them to wait, immediately couple the verbal boundary with visual and structured cues. Use low-arousal, neutral tone of voice.
| Context Trigger | Instant Cueing Action | Script (Keep it Short) |
|---|
| Student must wait for transition/item | Place the Waiting Timer on their desk. Point directly to the timer. | "Let's look at your timer. When it's empty, it's your turn." |
| Told "no" or denied request | Point to the Desk Strip Step 1 & 2 (Stop & Breathe). | "No right now. Let's do a Super Power Pause. Breathe." |
| Early motor agitation (fidgeting) | Present the Break Card or the Safe Body Card. | "You can use your Break Card to go to your quiet spot." |
3. De-escalation & Safety Response
Yellow Zone (Anxious/Agitated)
- Decrease verbal demands; use short, 1-3 word instructions.
- Gently block early reaching/throwing behaviors without talking.
- Reinforce safe postures: "Thank you for keeping feet flat."
Red Zone (Tipping/Throwing/Elopement)
- Safety first: Clear surrounding students immediately.
- Do not lecture or argue. Keep eye contact neutral and brief.
- Elopement: Escort safely from distance, direct to quiet spot.
Positive Reinforcement Framework
The goal is to reinforce the effort of stopping and breathing. Provide immediate high-value praise and a token/star when the student pauses or uses a desk card successfully.
Prompt Verbal Praise: "I noticed you wanted to run, but you looked at your desk strip and took a breath. That was incredible waiting!"
