Pause And Pivot Storybook
Social Story Grade 2 • Calming & Transitions
Name:
Date:
My Calming Social Story
Pause and Pivot
How I handle big feelings and switch activities like a champion!
I Can Reset!
1
My School Day Has Many Switches
In second grade, I switch activities often. I move from the rug to my desk. I line up when recess ends. I put away fun art when math begins.
Stopping fun things can feel hard. When my teacher says, "Time to clean up and switch," my body might feel a sudden surge of frustration.
Traffic Light
● ● ●
Red: Stop!
Yellow: Breathe
Green: Switch!
Pictures of How My Body Warns Me
Tight Hands
My fingers clench into fists and my shoulders feel stiff.
Fast Engine
My heart thumps fast and my face feels warm.
Mad Thoughts
My brain yells: "No! I don't want to stop this right now!"
What I Can Remember: Big feelings are okay. Feelings come and go like clouds. I am the boss of my body, and I can pause!
Pause and Pivot Storybook Page 1
Chapter 2 • Step-by-Step Calming My Calming Routine
My 3-Step Reset Plan
When the clean-up bell rings, I don't yell or throw things. I follow my 3 calm steps:
Step 1
Stop and Freeze My Hands
Count 1, 2, 3
I place my hands flat on my desk. I keep my body still for three slow seconds. I say in my mind: "I can pause."
2
5-Finger Star Breathing
Trace My Hand
1 2 3 4 5 Inhale ↑ Exhale ↓
Hold up one hand like an open star. Take your other pointer finger and trace your hand:
Trace UP finger: Breathe in through nose
Trace DOWN finger: Blow breath out gently
5 slow breaths fill my brain with calm oxygen.
3
Use Calm Words
Ask Politely
When my body is calm, I can use my words to ask for help:
"May I have 1 minute to save my spot?"
"Where can I put my work safe for later?"
"I feel upset. May I drink some water?"
Teacher & Peer Teamwork: When I speak with calm words, my teacher knows how to help me fast!
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Chapter 3 • Real Practice Classroom Adventures
Practice with Real Classroom Changes
See the difference when I choose my calm steps during real school switches:
1
Recess Ends: Whistle Blows
Recess to Class
Tough Choice: Yell at friends, stay on the swings, or refuse to line up.
Calm Choice: High-five my friend ("Good game!"), take 1 slow breath, and line up.
2
Switching from Art to Math
Art to Math
Tough Choice: Crumple drawing, throw markers, or slam math book down.
Calm Choice: Put art safely in my folder. It will wait for me until later!
3
A Surprise Change on the Board
New Schedule
Tough Choice: Put head down on desk, cry, or refuse to do the new task.
Calm Choice: Trace 5 fingers. I think: "Changes happen. I am safe and ready."
Every Practice Counts
Every time I pause and breathe, my brain gets stronger at transitions!
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Part 4 • My Plan
My Calm Action Plan
2nd Grade Goal
A
Story Check: Circle the Calm Choice
1. When it is time to switch and I feel mad, what should I do first?
Choice A Freeze hands and take a slow breath
Choice B Yell across the room
Choice C Throw pencil on the floor
2. What can I say politely if I need help stopping?
Choice A "I am never going to stop!"
Choice B "May I have 1 minute to save my spot?"
Choice C Say nothing and hide under coat
B
My Calming Menu: Check 3 tools that help YOU:
5-Finger Breathing
Drink cool water
Check schedule
Quick desk stretch
Count 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Squeeze & relax hands
C
Draw yourself taking a calm breath and switching activities:
Picture Time 🎨
Draw your calm choice here!
My Calming Promise
"When routines change, I can pause, breathe, and use calm words!"
My Signature:
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