Steady Anchors Handout
Preschool Professional Series
Steady Anchors
A Guide to Co-Regulation, Transition Resets, and Calming Spaces
Teacher: ____________________
Date: ____________________
In a preschool classroom, you are the external nervous system for your students. When a child is dysregulated, they rely on your calm to find theirs. This guide provides actionable strategies to model stability and proactively reset your group's energy.
Adult Modeling & Co-Regulation
Your Physiological Presence
Children read safety through your nervous system. Before responding to dysregulation, perform a 3-second self-check:
- Get Low: Bring your eye level at or below theirs to reduce perceived threat.
- Open Hands: Keep palms visible and relaxed; avoid folded arms or hands in pockets.
- Vocal Shift: Drop your pitch and volume. Speak at 50% speed.
Verbal De-escalation Scripts
In moments of high distress, minimize words. Use short, predictable scripts that affirm safety and presence:
"I am right here. You are safe. I will help you keep your body safe."
"That was really hard. Let's take a slow breath together when you are ready."
Routine Resets & Transitions
Transition times are prime zones for dysregulation. Use these somatic, group-based sensory resets to guide energy levels down or up as children transition between activities:
SOMATIC RESET
The Balloon Breather
Have children interlace fingers on top of their head. Inhale slowly to "blow up the balloon" (raising hands up), then make a soft "shhhhh" sound as they wiggle their fingers down to deflate.
Target: Calming, slowing down
PROPRIOCEPTIVE RESET
The Giant Turtle
Instruct children to pull their shoulders tightly up to their ears, curl into a ball ("hiding in our turtle shell"), squeeze their muscles for 3 seconds, and then completely release with a happy sigh.
Target: Releasing physical tension
SENSORY RESET
Laser Listening
Ring a chime or gentle bell. Ask children to cup their hands behind their ears and close their eyes, holding a finger in the air until they can absolutely no longer hear the sound of the chime.
Target: Quiet focus, shifting focus
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Interactive Workspace
My Calm Corner
Strategic planning and layout for your safe sensory classroom space
Teacher: ____________________
Date: ____________________
1. Assessing the Environment
Observe your current classroom environment. Where do dysregulation "hot spots" typically happen, and how can a designated calming space mitigate this stress?
When and where do our students struggle most with regulation?
What sensory features (soft light, physical boundaries) are missing?
2. Calm Corner Spatial Blueprint
Sketch or note the physical layout of your Calm Corner. Aim for low traffic, natural light if possible, soft dividers (like bookshelves or curtains), and a clean, clutter-free feel.
Visual Space Layout Blueprint Scale: 1 square = 1 foot
Essential Elements
Check elements to introduce:
Soft Seating (Floor cushions, beanbag)
Sensory Tools (Squishies, pop-its)
Emotion Charts / Feeling Faces
Visual Calming / Breathing Cards
Keep corner completely device-free!
3. Action Plan & Rollout
How will you proactively teach your classroom how to use this space? Calm Corners are most effective when children are taught to use them before they are dysregulated.
Step 1: Introduction Plan (Circle Time) How will you model using the space when happy or calm?
Step 2: Interactive Roleplay Script What script will you use to invite a struggling child to the space?
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