Activating Your Personal Reset Lesson Plan
Activating Your Personal Reset
Teacher Facilitation Guide
30
Minutes
Why This Matters
Learning a personal "reset button" routine is crucial for adults with special needs to manage dysregulation independently, fostering self-advocacy and a greater sense of control in their daily lives.
Audience & Approach
Audience: Adults with Special Needs
Approach: Interactive discussion and guided activity to build a personalized calming routine.
Preparation (15 mins)
- Review the Lesson Plan, Slide Deck, and Worksheet.
- Gather a visual timer, whiteboard or large paper, and markers.
- Ensure a quiet and comfortable space, minimizing distractions.
- Consider individual sensory preferences or communication needs.
Materials Needed
Visual Timer
Whiteboard
Slide Deck
Worksheets
Learning Objective
Participants will identify early signs of overwhelm and create a personalized "reset button" routine to regain composure and re-engage in tasks.
5m
Introduction: Understanding Overwhelm
- Begin by asking participants how they feel when things get difficult or there is "too much" going on.
- Explain that everyone feels this way sometimes, and it's okay.
- Introduce the concept of a "Reset Button"—a quick way to help our brains feel better.
8m
Step 1: Identify Early Warning Signs
- Use the Quick Calm Reset Slide Deck to discuss common physical and emotional signs of feeling overwhelmed.
- Ask: "What are some ways your body or mind tells you that you're starting to feel overwhelmed?"
- Guide them to think about subtle cues rather than full-blown meltdowns. Jot responses on the whiteboard.
8m
Step 2: Brainstorm Calming Strategies
- Ask: "When you start to feel overwhelmed, what are some things that help you feel better or more relaxed?"
- Encourage variety: deep breaths, counting, music, stretches, or looking at a favorite picture.
- Emphasize short, quick activities. Refer to the Slide Deck for examples.
- Write down all suggestions on the whiteboard.
7m
Step 3: Create 'My Reset Button'
- Introduce the My Reset Button Steps Worksheet.
- Guide each participant to choose 1-3 strategies that resonate with them.
- Help them sequence their steps. Example: 1. Deep breaths, 2. Count to 5, 3. Look out the window.
2m
Conclusion & Practice
- Invite participants to share their routines if comfortable.
- Emphasize that practicing when not overwhelmed makes it easier to use when they are.
- Reiterate the importance of having personal tools to feel calm and in control.
Quick Calm Reset Slides
Your Personal
Reset Button
Feeling overwhelmed? Need a quick way to calm down and focus? Let's find your personal "reset button"!
Slide 1: Welcome & Introduction
What Does Overwhelm Feel Like?
Body
- • Tense muscles
- • Fast heart rate
- • Fidgeting
Mind
- • Racing thoughts
- • Feeling stuck
- • Frustrated
Feelings
- • Irritation
- • Anxiety
- • Sadness
Slide 2: Identifying "Body Clues" and "Mind Clues"
Quick Calm Ideas
Deep Breaths
"Smell the flower, blow out the candle"
Count to 5 or 10
Slowly and quietly
Calming Object
Look at a favorite picture or item
Gentle Stretch
Reach high for the sky
Slide 3: Brainstorming simple, fast strategies
Your Turn
Building Your Reset Button
Your Reset Button is 1-3 simple steps you can do quickly to feel calm.
Think about what works best for you!
We'll use a worksheet to help you create yours!
Ready to Reset!
Having your own button helps you:
- Feel more in control
- Handle tricky feelings
- Get back to your tasks
Practice
makes it
Easier!
Slide 5: Conclusion & The Power of Practice
My Reset Button Steps Worksheet
My Reset Button Steps
A quick way to help our brains feel calm again.
Name
Date
Part 1: My Early Warning Signs
What are some ways your body or mind tells you that you are starting to feel overwhelmed? (The first signs, before you get very upset.)
My body tells me:
My mind tells me:
Part 2: My Quick Calm Ideas
Choose 1-3 things you can do quickly to feel calmer (less than a minute).
01
02
03
My Personal Reset Button Is:
1
2
3
When will you try your Reset Button today?
