Body Brakes Activity Kit
Preschool Social-Emotional Skills
Body Brakes Activity Kit
Ages 3–5 • 15–20 Mins
Small Group / Circle Time
1. Notice & Name
Engine speed feelings check (Red, Yellow, Blue, Green).
2. Impulse Control
Stop & freeze signals, slow-motion motor brakes.
3. Calm Down Reset
Balloon breaths, sensory presses, safe quiet space.
4-Step Group Facilitation Flow
1
The Engine Check (Feelings Identification)
3 Mins
Display the Engine Feelings Mat (Page 2). Have each child place their hands on their chest and check their "motor speed." Ask: "Is your engine Red (mad/super loud), Yellow (wiggly/bouncy), Blue (tired/sad), or Green (ready to cruise)?"
2
The Traffic Stop Game (Impulse & Body Control)
6 Mins
Children steer imaginary wheels in place or in circle space. Hold up the Floor Badges (Page 4): Green: March briskly. Yellow: Super slow-motion tip-toe. Red: Instant statue freeze with hands on hips!
3
Pit Stop Reset (Calming Tools in Action)
5 Mins
Call out: "Pit Stop Alert! Yellow and Red engines need cooling oil!" Pull out one Calm Strategy Card (Page 3). Practice the sensory action together (e.g., 3 big Balloon Breaths or Turtle Shell tuck) until heartbeats slow.
4
Green Zone Re-check & Transition
2 Mins
Revisit the Engine Mat. Children give a gentle thumbs up or whisper: "My brakes work, my body is safe, my engine is ready!" Smoothly transition to classroom play or table time.
Circle Chants & Guiding Words
Stopping Cue Chant:
"Red light flashes, screech the wheels! Show me how a statue feels!"
Calm Breathing Cue:
"Smell the sweet flower (in)... blow out the birthday candle (out)!"
Teacher Tips: For wiggly learners, allow sitting statue freezes; for non-verbal children, let them tap the engine color cards.
Page 1 of 4
Visual Discussion Mat
How Is Your Engine Running?
Circle Time Check-in
Too Fast!
🚗💨
RED ENGINE
Mad • Overwhelmed • Yelling
What your body feels:
- • Heart beating super fast like a drum
- • Tight fists, scrunched eyebrows
- • Wanting to kick, shout, or push
Brake Tool:
3 Lion Yawns + Ice Melt Freeze
Speeding Up!
🏎️💨
YELLOW ENGINE
Super Wiggly • Silly • Can't Stop
What your body feels:
- • Bouncy legs that can't sit still
- • Wild giggles, interrupting friends
- • Fast hands touching everything
Brake Tool:
Butterfly Palm Press + Turtle Tuck
Too Slow!
🚙💤
BLUE ENGINE
Sad • Tired • Low Battery
What your body feels:
- • Heavy head, droopy eyes or yawning
- • Quiet voice or tears behind eyes
- • Wanting to hide or lie down
Brake Tool:
Gentle Hug + Quiet Cozy Corner
Just Right!
🚘✨
GREEN ENGINE
Calm • Focused • Ready to Play
What your body feels:
- • Listening ears turned ON
- • Body feels relaxed, gentle hands
- • Excited and ready to share & learn
Brake Tool:
Thumbs Up + High Five a Friend
👉
Circle Task: Point your finger to the engine color your body feels right now!
Page 2 of 4
Visual Calming Tools
Pit Stop Reset Cards
Display or Cut Apart
Breathing Card 1
The Balloon Breath
Fills tummy • Calms fast hearts
1. Inhale: Put hands on belly. Breathe in through your nose to make the balloon big!
2. Hold: Pause for 1... 2... keep the balloon round!
3. Exhale: Let the air leak out with a slow whisper sound: "Pssssssss..."
🎈 Repeat 3 times to cool the engine!
Sensory Press Card 2
Butterfly Palm Press
Deep pressure • Safe hands
1. Match Palms: Put your two hands flat together right in front of your chest.
2. Squeeze: Push hands together firmly while counting: "1, 2, 3, 4, 5!"
3. Melt: Shake fingers like falling leaves and drop shoulders down.
👐 Gives strong muscles gentle proprioceptive input!
Safe Body Space Card 3
Turtle Shell Freeze
Impulse control • Quiet bubble
1. Pull In: Sit criss-cross, hug your knees close to your body.
2. Tuck Chin: Lower your head into your cozy shell. Close your eyes softly.
3. Safe Wait: Count 3 slow breaths inside your quiet turtle house before popping out.
🐢 Blocks visual overload and protects personal space!
Movement Reset Card 4
Lion Yawn & Stretch
Tension release • Wake up focused
1. Reach High: Stretch both paws up to touch the clouds above your head.
2. Open Jaw: Make a big, round lion yawn: "Ahhhhh..." release the jaw.
3. Soft Land: Swoosh paws gently down to rest flat in your lap.
🦁 Relieves facial tightness, clenched teeth, & tight shoulders!
Teacher Script: "Whenever our car needs a repair, we pull into the Pit Stop and pick a card!" Page 3 of 4
Group Game Signals
Floor Badges & Game Cues
Impulse Control Visuals
Cut & Hold Up
RED LIGHT
Freeze Statue!
Hands to your sides or on hips. Feet glued to the floor. Zero movement!
Brain Skill: Response Inhibition
Cut & Hold Up
GREEN LIGHT
Drive & March!
Steer your wheel, keep a safe body bubble, march in your spot or circle!
Brain Skill: Motor Coordination
Cut & Hold Up
YELLOW LIGHT
Slow-Motion Turtle!
Super slow steps on tiptoes. Whisper-quiet breathing. Control the brakes!
Brain Skill: Pacing & Effort Control
Cut & Hold Up
PIT STOP
Sit & Reset!
Sit criss-cross in the circle, take 2 deep belly breaths, and wait for green!
Brain Skill: Self-Soothing & Waiting
3 Safe-Body Golden Rules for Group Play:
1. Keep hands to yourself • 2. Eyes on the leader • 3. Freeze immediately on RED!
Page 4 of 4