Calm Crew Slides
Social Work Group
Safe Circle
Calm Crew
Discovering our feelings, listening to our bodies, and unlocking calming superpowers together.
1
Notice
2
Name
3
Navigate
Our Group Circle
Safe Space Agreements
Vault Rule
What we share in Calm Crew stays right here in our circle.
Listen with Care
One voice at a time. We give our full attention and kind eyes.
Pass with Respect
You can always say "pass" if you need extra time to think.
All Feelings Welcome
There are no bad feelings. All emotions tell us important clues.
Thumbs up if you agree to protect our circle today!
Ready Together
Warm-Up Activity
What's Your Weather Report?
Check inside right now. Which forecast matches your mood?
Sunny
Warm, upbeat, excited, or cheerful
Rainy
Tired, low energy, lonely, or sad
Breezy
Calm, steady, relaxed, and thoughtful
Stormy
Frustrated, buzzing, nervous, or angry
Turn to a shoulder buddy and share your weather word today.
Emotional Awareness
The Four Emotion Zones
Every zone is normal. Noticing your zone gives you choices!
Blue Zone
Low Energy
Green Zone
Ready to Learn
Yellow Zone
Elevated Energy
- Nervous
- Frustrated
- Silly/Hyper
Red Zone
Intense Explosion
- Angry/Mad
- Panicked
- Overwhelmed
Goal: We don't avoid feelings—we notice them so we can take care of ourselves!
Self-Awareness
Body Clues Detective
Your body sends signals before your brain even knows the emotion!
Racing Heart
Pounding chest, shallow breathing, feeling warm or sweaty.
Clue for: Nervous or Angry
Tense Muscles
Clenched fists, tight jaw, hunched shoulders, locked knees.
Clue for: Frustrated or Scared
Tummy Flutter
Butterflies, heavy stomach drop, or feeling sluggish and tired.
Clue for: Worried or Sad
Detective question: Where do you feel strong feelings first? Point to your clue spot!
Calm Tool 1
Belly Balloon Breathing
Slow breaths send a direct safety message to your brain.
1
Breathe In
Breathe slowly through your nose for 4 seconds. Fill your belly like a balloon!
Count: 1... 2... 3... 4
2
Hold Steady
Pause gently at the top for 2 seconds. Keep your shoulders down and soft.
Pause: 1... 2
3
Slow Release
Blow out gently through your mouth like blowing out a birthday candle.
Out: 1... 2... 3... 4... 5
Group Practice
Let's do 3 deep balloon breaths together as a crew!
Calm Tool 2
5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Anchor
When big emotions spin your thoughts, use your 5 senses to drop anchor.
5
Things You SEE
Look for colors, shapes, or quiet details around the room.
4
Things You TOUCH
Your chair, smooth shoes, desk edge, or your sweater sleeve.
3
Things You HEAR
Clock ticking, clock fan hum, voices, or birds outside.
2
Things You SMELL
Fresh paper, your soap, hand sanitizer, or clean air.
1
Thing You LIKE
A kind thought, a pet, or one thing you're proud of.
Anchoring brings you right back into the present moment.
Ground Your Mind
Calm Tool 3
Squeeze & Release (Spaghetti)
Turn stiff, uncooked spaghetti into soft, warm cooked noodles!
1. Lemon Squeeze
Squeeze two imaginary lemons in your fists. Squeeze tight for 5 whole seconds!
Tight... tight... squeeze!
2. Turtle Shoulders
Pull your shoulders all the way up to your ears like a turtle hiding in its shell.
Hold in your shell... hold!
3. Cooked Noodle Drop
Let go completely! Drop hands into your lap and feel all tension melt away.
Aaahhh... soft and calm.
Notice how relaxed your arms and neck feel when you let go. Instant reset!
Crew Challenge
Be the Calm Coach
Pick a situation and recommend the best calming tool to try!
A
The Game Loss
Your team lost at four-square during recess. Your fists are tight and your face feels fiery hot.
What can you try? Belly balloon breathing + squeeze & release hands.
B
The Test Jitters
The teacher hands out a big math worksheet. Your stomach feels dizzy and thoughts are buzzing fast.
What can you try? 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding anchor + slow exhale.
Which strategy would you pick for Situation A or B?
Share Your Idea
Session Wrap-Up
My Calm Crew Power Tool
Balloon Breath
When I need to slow down my engine and think clearly.
5-4-3-2-1 Senses
When my thoughts feel scattered or worried about what's next.
Squeeze & Release
When my muscles feel clenched like tight, hard noodles.
Pledge: "I am in charge of my breath, my body, and my choices!"
Calm Crew Strong!
