Body Fizzies Guide Session 1 • 12–15 Minutes Early Childhood SEL
The Body Fizzies: Facilitator Guide
Focus Somatic Clues
🎯 Learning Goal
Identify 3 body clues when feeling frustrated (tight hands, warm cheeks, tummy bubbles).
🧸 Materials Needed
Body Signals Mat, 3 washable dot markers or stickers, 1 small squishy ball.
⚡ Sensory Cue
"Spaghetti Body" (stiff raw pasta vs. soft warm cooked noodle).
1
Sensory Warm-Up: Spaghetti Stiff & Silly (2–3 Mins)
Sensory Reset
Invite the learner to stand on the sensory mat or soft rug. Practice tightening muscles like uncooked crunchy pasta, then releasing into soft cooked spaghetti.
Facilitator Script: "Show me uncooked spaghetti! Freeze super stiff, squeeze your fists tight, and scrunch your face! Now... water is boiling! Turn into soft, wiggly warm spaghetti. Melt down to the carpet, shake out your fingers!"
2
Concept: Meeting the "Body Fizzies" (4–5 Mins)
Direct Modeling
Explain frustration not as "bad," but as an internal warning bell called the "Fizzies" (like bubbles shaking in a soda bottle). Introduce the 3 body zones.
1. Squeezy Hands Fingers ball into fists or claws.
2. Hot Sun Cheeks Face feels warm, eyebrows push down.
3. Bubbly Tummy Stomach flutters like fizzy soda pop.
3
Tactile Activity: Body Signals Mat (4 Mins)
Guided Practice
Place the student Body Signals Mat on the table or floor. Give the child stickers or dot markers to place on the caterpillar friend where they feel their own "fizzies."
Facilitator Script: "When a tall block tower falls down, where do you feel the bubbles first? Put a fuzzy sticker right on your caterpillar buddy's hands or tummy!"
4
Sensory Cool Down & Stamp (2–3 Mins)
Closure
Squeeze the squishy ball together 3 times to pop the "fizzies." Give high-five and stamp Session 1 on the caterpillar tracker.
Educator Coaching Tips for 3–4 Year Olds
Preschoolers often cannot articulate emotional states verbally under stress. By naming physical clues ("Your hands look tight like little lemons!"), you give her an objective, non-shaming handle on frustration before a meltdown occurs.
Body Signals Mat Pip's Clubhouse Session 1 Activity
My Body Fizzies Mat
Name:
Date:
🐛
"When things feel tricky, my body gives me special clues! Place a sticker or color the circles where you feel your fizzies!"
Pip the Calm Caterpillar
1
1
2
2
3
4
4
Touch Pip's circles or paste your sticker!
1
Hot Sun Cheeks ☀️ Does your face feel warm or red?
2
Squeezy Hands ✊ Are your fingers making tight fists?
3
Fizzy Tummy 🫧 Do bubbles wiggle in your belly?
4
Stompy Feet 👟 Do your toes want to kick or stomp?
Sensory Game: The Spaghetti Shake-Out
🥢
1. Crunchy Stick Squeeze tight like hard pasta (3 secs)!
🍜
2. Wiggly Noodle Melt into soft warm spaghetti! Ahhh!
★
Session 1 Star Finisher! I learned to spot my body fizzies!
STAMP
Balloon Breaths Guide Session 2 • 12–15 Minutes Early Childhood SEL
Belly Balloon Breaths: Facilitator Guide
Focus Breath & Reset
🎯 Learning Goal
Use 3 deep balloon breaths with hands on belly to slow down when frustration sparks.
🧸 Materials Needed
Calm Breathing Board, 1 silk scarf or feather, 1 pinwheel or pretend candle.
⚡ Sensory Cue
"Flower & Candle" (Smell the garden flower, blow out the birthday candle).
1
Sensory Warm-Up: Turtle Tuck & Peak (2–3 Mins)
Proprioceptive
Curl up into a tiny turtle shell on the floor (tuck knees, curl head in), hold gentle squeeze, then slowly peak head and arms out with a big sigh. Repeat 2 times.
Facilitator Script: "Tuck into your cozy turtle shell! Squeeze tight... 1, 2, 3... now slowly peek your head out into the sunny day and let out a gentle: *Hhhhooo!*"
2
Concept: The Belly Balloon (4–5 Mins)
Active Modeling
Have the learner place both hands flat over her belly button. Teach her that her belly is a gentle party balloon that grows round on the inhale and shrinks soft on the exhale.
Inhale: Smell the Rose 🌸 Breathe in through nose, belly puffs out big.
Exhale: Blow the Dandelion 🌬️ Gentle whisper exhale through soft lips.
3
Tactile Activity: Calm Breathing Board (4 Mins)
Finger Tracing
Use the student Calm Breathing Board. Child traces Pip the Caterpillar up the hill while breathing in, pauses at the cloud, and traces down while breathing out.
Facilitator Script: "Put your pointer finger right on Pip! Slide up the rainbow... breathe in through your nose! Pause at the fluffy cloud. Slide down... gentle puff out!"
4
Feather/Scarf Float & Session 2 Stamp (2–3 Mins)
Closure
Let the child blow a silk scarf or feather gently across the table using her soft balloon breath. Add Session 2 sticker or stamp to her board.
Educator Coaching Tips for 3–4 Year Olds
Avoid telling a distressed child to "just calm down." Instead, provide concrete sensory feedback: place a small stuffed animal on her tummy while lying down so she can physically see it bobbing up and down with each breath.
Calm Breathing Board Pip's Clubhouse Session 2 Activity
Calm Breathing Board
Name:
Date:
🎈
"When frustration bubbles pop up, my balloon breath helps me feel cool and calm! Put your finger on the star and trace the path!"
🌈 Rainbow Mountain Finger Trace Follow the arrows with your finger
1. Smell Flower Breathe IN (Nose)
☁️ PAUSE
Hold soft 1-2
2. Blow Candle Breathe OUT (Lips)
Track 3 Balloon Breaths:
1
Breath 1
2
Breath 2
3
Breath 3
🎡
Pinwheel Puff
Make an "O" with your lips. Blow slow and steady so the paper spins!
🎈
Two Hands on Tummy
Feel your tummy grow big like a warm balloon, then gently sink back down.
★
Session 2 Star Finisher! I can take 3 big belly balloon breaths!
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Try Again Guide Session 3 • 12–15 Minutes Early Childhood SEL
Try Again Train: Facilitator Guide
Focus Frustration Tolerance
🎯 Learning Goal
Use the 3-step formula (Stop hands, Say 'YET', Try 1 new way) when feeling stuck.
🧸 Materials Needed
Try Again Track mat, 4-6 stacking blocks or tricky puzzle pieces, 3 tokens/stickers.
⚡ Sensory Cue
"Train Chugga & Steam" (Roll arms like train wheels, puff out steam: "Choo-choo!").
1
Sensory Warm-Up: The Chugga Steam Engine (2–3 Mins)
Gross Motor
Stand and rotate bent arms like train wheels, marching knees high: "Chugga-chugga-chugga-chugga!" When the train hits a bumpy track, stop, pull the whistle cord, and let out a big steam puff.
Facilitator Script: "The train is climbing a big steep hill! It feels hard! Chugga-chugga... Pull the whistle: *CHOO-CHOO!* Blow out all that heavy steam! Ahhh, nice and light!"
2
Concept: The Magic Word "YET" (4 Mins)
Cognitive Reframing
Teach that when something is tricky (like shoes, snaps, or tall towers), our brain is just practicing. Introduce the 3-step Try Again formula.
Step 1: Park Hands ✋ Rest hands in lap so they don't throw or smash.
Step 2: Say "YET" ⭐ "I cannot do this YET, but I am learning!"
Step 3: Turn the Piece 🔄 Rotate or try one small different angle.
3
Guided Challenge: Low-Stakes Practice (4–5 Mins)
Scaffolded Play
Give the learner a moderately challenging task (stacking 5 irregular blocks or inserting a tricky shape). When she shows initial frustration, prompt the 3 steps using the Try Again Track.
Facilitator Script: "Oops! The block slid off! Park hands in lap. Take one balloon breath. Say our magic word: 'Not yet!' Now let's turn the block sideways and try again!"
4
High-Five & Session 3 Stamp (2 Mins)
Celebration
Praise her hard work: "You kept your hands calm and tried a new way!" Stamp the Try Again Track station.
Educator Coaching Tips for 3–4 Year Olds
Praise persistence ("You worked so hard trying two different sides!") rather than effortless speed or perfection. If frustration escalates toward crying, pause immediately, return to balloon breaths, and co-regulate.
Try Again Track Pip's Clubhouse Session 3 Activity
Try Again Track
Name:
Date:
🚂
"When blocks tumble down or a puzzle feels sticky, don't worry! Hop on the Try Again Train and chug through the 3 stations!"
STOP 1
Station 1: Park My Hands
Body Brake
Rest hands flat in my lap. My hands do not throw, push, or smash. They take a safe rest!
TOUCH
STOP 2
Station 2: Say the Magic Word: "YET!"
Brain Spark
Take one big balloon breath and whisper: "I can't do this YET, but my brain is growing!"
TOUCH
STOP 3
Station 3: Turn & Try 1 New Way
Action
Turn the piece around, use a slower touch, or try building from the bottom again!
TOUCH
My 3 "Try Again" Trophies
Put a sticker when you try again!
🧱
Try 1 I stopped hands!
🧩
Try 2 I said "YET"!
⭐
Try 3 I turned the piece!
★
Session 3 Star Finisher! I rode the Try Again Train and kept trying!
STAMP
Helper Hand Guide Session 4 • 12–15 Minutes Early Childhood SEL
Helper Hand Hero: Facilitator Guide
Focus Asking for Help
🎯 Learning Goal
Use the "Helper Hand" visual gesture or 2-3 word phrase before reaching screaming/tears.
🧸 Materials Needed
Helper Voice Cards mat, 1 tight jar/lid or tricky ziploc bag, 1 soft weighted object.
⚡ Sensory Cue
"Palm Press & Pop" (Gentle flat-palm high-five press for deep pressure).
1
Sensory Warm-Up: Palm Press Butterfly (2–3 Mins)
Deep Touch Pressure
Sit knee-to-knee. Child presses palms flat against teacher's palms. Push with gentle steady pressure for 5 seconds, release into butterfly flutter fingers.
Facilitator Script: "Press your strong palms against mine! Feel that steady push... 1, 2, 3, 4, 5... now flutter your butterfly fingers up into the air! Soft and easy!"
2
Concept: The Helper Hand Signal (4 Mins)
Communication Skill
Explain that when words feel stuck inside a tight throat, she can raise her open "Helper Hand" like a beacon. Practice both verbal and non-verbal modes.
Phrase A: "Help please!" Quick 2-word rescue cue.
Phrase B: "Do together?" Invites shared hands-on help.
Signal: Open High Hand ✋ Silent gesture if voice is stuck.
3
Roleplay Game: The Sticky Jar Mystery (4–5 Mins)
Scenario Practice
Give the child a container with a snug lid (or a tricky zipper). Prompt her to try once, notice her body fizzies, then flash the Helper Hand.
Facilitator Script: "This lid is so tight! Try turning it. Are your cheeks getting warm? Flash your Helper Hand! Yes! 'Help please!' You got help right away!"
4
Two-Person Teamwork Lift & Stamp (2 Mins)
Closure
Carry a toy basket together using two hands each: "Teamwork makes it light!" Add Session 4 stamp.
Educator Coaching Tips for 3–4 Year Olds
Immediate reinforcement is essential. The first 10 times the child raises her hand or says "Help please," respond within 3–5 seconds so she learns that asking for help is faster and more powerful than throwing or screaming.
Helper Voice Cards Pip's Clubhouse Session 4 Activity
Helper Voice Cards
Name:
Date:
✋
"When things get too tricky or heavy, asking for help is my superpower! Put your hand right here to practice your helper signal!"
My Helper Hand
Place Your Hand Here! Raise it high to signal help!
✨ Silent Signal: Just raise your hand!
🥫
When it's stuck: "Help, please!" Tightly closed jars, snacks, shoes
✓
🧱
When it's too big: "Do together?" Big block castles, cleanup time
✓
🧩
When I don't know: "Show me, please!" Tricky shapes, jacket zippers
✓
My Super Helper Practice Rounds
Round 1 Raised hand high!
Round 2 Used kind words!
Round 3 Solved it together!
★
Session 4 Star Finisher! I used my helper voice and hand signal!
STAMP
Cool Down Guide Session 5 • 12–15 Minutes Early Childhood SEL
Cool Down Corner: Facilitator Guide
Focus Calm Toolkit
🎯 Learning Goal
Select 3 personalized sensory calm choices and celebrate completing the 5-part curriculum.
🧸 Materials Needed
Calm Caterpillar Badge mat, dot stickers/crayons, cozy pillow or sensory fidget.
⚡ Sensory Cue
"Butterfly Bloom" (Curl tight in cocoon, then slowly spread beautiful calm wings).
1
Sensory Warm-Up: Cocoon to Butterfly (2–3 Mins)
Sensory Stretch
Child crouches into a sleepy cocoon on the carpet. On cue, slowly unfurl arms and legs into giant, graceful butterfly wings while taking a deep, calm breath.
Facilitator Script: "Pip the Caterpillar is ready for a big change! Snuggle tight in your cocoon... now slowly, slowly stretch out your gorgeous calm wings! Flutter softly like a butterfly!"
2
Concept: My Personal Calm Menu (4 Mins)
Autonomous Choice
Review all 4 skills learned (Body Fizzies, Balloon Breaths, Try Again Train, Helper Hand). Let her choose her top 3 favorites for her personalized menu.
🧸 Teddy Hug Deep pressure
🎈 3 Breaths Nervous reset
🚂 Say "YET" Try again train
✋ Helper Hand Ask for help
3
Calm Corner Walk-Through (3–4 Mins)
Environment Setup
Designate a physical cozy corner in the room (with a soft cushion, her visual menu, and a sensory squeeze toy). Practice walking over when feeling "fizzies."
Facilitator Script: "This is our cozy calm spot! It is never a time-out; it is your recharge station. When you feel fizzy, come sit right here and choose 1 calm trick!"
4
Graduation Celebration & Badge Award (2–3 Mins)
Graduation
Fill out and present the Calm Caterpillar Champion Badge certificate. Give her a big cheer and sensory high-ten!
Ongoing Practice & Maintenance
Keep her Calm Badge posted at child eye-level near her play area. Normalize frustration as a natural human experience: "It's okay to feel frustrated, and you have the power to help your body calm down!"
Calm Caterpillar Badge Pip's Clubhouse Session 5 Finale
Calm Caterpillar Champion
Name:
Date:
🦋
"Pip the Caterpillar has grown calm wings! Circle your favorite calm-down tricks for your cozy corner!"
My Calm-Down Power Menu
Circle your 2 favorite tricks
🎈
Balloon Breath 3 slow deep puffs
🧸
Cozy Squeeze Hug soft bear or pillow
🚂
Say "YET" Try Again Train
✋
Helper Hand "Help please!"
👑 Official Certificate 👑
Calm Caterpillar Champion Award
This certifies that our brave preschool star has mastered her body fizzies, balloon breaths, try-again train, and helper voice!
🦋 I CAN CALM MYSELF
★ 1. Fizzies
★ 2. Breaths
★ 3. Try Again
★ 4. Helper Hand
★ 5. Calm Corner
Teacher / Guide Signature
Superstar Learner Stamp
★
Curriculum Complete! Hang this badge in your room or calm corner!
SEAL
