Body Radar Slides Lesson 1 of 3 30-Minute Focus Session
Calm Compass Series
Body Detective Training
Activate Your Body Radar
Your body sends you secret signals before big feelings take over. Learn how to tune in and catch dysregulation early!
Detect Heartbeat & Breath
Spot Muscle Tension
Stay in the Ready Zone
What Is Dysregulation?
Science of the Brain
Regulated Body
Your thinking brain is in charge. You can focus, listen, make choices, and solve problems smoothly.
Heart: Beating steady and calm
Muscles: Loose and comfortable
Mind: Curious and flexible
Dysregulated Body
Your brain alarm is sounding! Big energy or strong feelings make it hard to focus, speak calmly, or sit still.
Heart: Pumping fast like a drum
Muscles: Tight fists or locked jaw
Mind: Flooded, worried, or fiery
Remember: Dysregulation is not being "bad"—it is your nervous system asking for a reset!
Body Clues: Head-to-Toe Scan
Spot the Warning Signs
Head & Face
Warm red cheeks, furrowed eyebrows, or locked jaw teeth.
Heart & Chest
Fast pounding pulse and quick, shallow panting breaths.
Stomach
Fluttery butterflies, a tight knot, or feeling sour.
Hands & Feet
Clenched tight fists, shaky fingers, or jittery bouncing legs.
Detective Question: Which part of your body sends clues first?
The 3 Radar Levels
Catching the Shift
Level 1
Steady & Ready
Feelings: Calm, focused, happy, neutral.
Body: Breathing easy, muscles relaxed.
Action: Ready to learn and play!
Green Light
Level 2
The Spark Zone
Feelings: Annoyed, wiggly, nervous, rushed.
Body: Fast pulse, tight neck, stomach flutter.
Action: Best time to use a calming tool!
Yellow Light (Pause!)
Level 3
Red Alert Storm
Feelings: Furious, panicked, overwhelmed.
Body: Heart racing, clenched fists, tears.
Action: Stop everything and take a safe pause.
Red Light (Reset Now)
Target Goal: Catch yourself at Level 2 before you reach Level 3!
Try It Now: 30-Second Radar Scan
Practice Round
Step 1
Plant Your Feet
Feel both shoes flat on the floor.
5 Seconds
Step 2
Notice Breath
Is your breath fast, shallow, or steady?
10 Seconds
Step 3
Scan Muscles
Check shoulders, jaw, and hands.
10 Seconds
Step 4
Name Level
Are you at Level 1, 2, or 3 right now?
Ready to Work!
Next step: Open your Body Radar Detective Log in your workbook packet.
Investigation Ready
Body Radar Workbook Calm Compass Series • Lesson 1 Student Packet
Body Radar Detective Log
Part 1: Body Clues
Name:
Date:
Detective ID:
Detective Mission: Before you feel super mad, nervous, or wild, your body sends secret warning clues. Become a detective and spot where dysregulation shows up in your body!
Activity 1: Map Your Personal Body Clues
Write 1 or 2 physical clues your body gives you in each zone when you start feeling dysregulated:
1. Head & Face (e.g., hot cheeks, tight teeth)
2. Heart & Chest (e.g., thumping fast, short breaths)
3. Stomach (e.g., butterflies, tight knot, sour feel)
4. Hands & Muscles (e.g., tight fists, stiff shoulders)
Activity 2: Clue Decoder Match-Up
Read each school situation below. Which body signal would most likely happen? Write the letter in the blank box:
1. The teacher announces a surprise timed math worksheet.
Answer:
2. Someone accidentally knocks over your tall block tower.
Answer:
3. You have to stand up in front of the whole class to read aloud.
Answer:
A. Racing pulse & hot ears
B. Clenched fists & locked jaw
C. Butterflies & shaky knees
Calm Compass • Body Radar Student Packet Page 1 of 2 • Continue to Page 2
Calm Compass • Lesson 1 Practice
The 3 Radar Levels & Detective Case
Part 2: Levels & Action
Activity 3: My 3-Zone Body Meter
Fill in what each level feels like in your own body so you can catch the shift early:
Level 1: Steady & Ready (Green) How my body feels when I am calm:
Level 2: The Spark Zone (Yellow - Warning!) My first early clue that big energy is rising:
Level 3: Red Alert Storm (Red - Stop & Reset) What happens when dysregulation takes over:
Activity 4: Detective Case File Investigation
Case Report: Leo was playing four-square at recess. A player called Leo "out," but Leo thought the ball bounced twice. Leo felt his face burn hot, his fingers rolled into tight fists, and his breath became quick and loud.
1. What two body clues did Leo have?
2. What radar level was Leo entering?
3. If Leo caught his Level 2 clues right away, what should he do next?
I can name at least 2 body clues that tell me I am dysregulated.
Goal Met:
Calm Compass • Lesson 1 Student Detective Packet Page 2 of 2 • Ready for Lesson 2 Tools!
Calm Compass Facilitator Guide Calm Compass Series • Teacher & Counselor Guide
30-Minute Implementation Guide
Educator Resource
Purpose & Design: Built specifically for 3rd graders (ages 8–9) who experience nervous system dysregulation during academic demands or social transitions. Designed for independent student completion with brief co-regulation check-ins or 1-on-1 counselor/interventionist delivery.
Standard 30-Minute Session Pacing Architecture
Min 0–5: Hook
Slide check-in; quick pulse/breath scan; establish emotionally safe, non-judgmental space.
Min 5–15: Direct Instruction
Interactive slide exploration; facilitator or student models physical sensations and strategy trials.
Min 15–26: Workbook
Student completes personal workbook packet (self-mapping, strategy trials, action scenario).
Min 26–30: Debrief
3-minute reflection; student names their top take-away and stamps their self-check goal box.
Three-Lesson Sequence Pathway
Lesson Core Objective Student Materials Success Criterion 1. Body Radar Identify physical dysregulation signals Slides + 2-pg Detective Log Names 2+ personal body warning clues 2. Calm Toolkit Practice 4 proactive calming strategies Slides + 2-pg Strategy Lab Guide Tests and rates 4 regulation tools 3. Reset Blueprint Synthesize clues & tools into an action plan Slides + 2-pg Blueprint Action Plan Constructs personalized pocket card
Facilitator Co-Regulation Scripts (Trauma-Informed)
When Dysregulation Sparks:
"I see your shoulders tightening and your breath getting fast. Your body radar is working! Let's take 10 seconds together."
Validating All Emotional States:
"Feeling frustrated or overwhelmed is totally normal. Our goal isn't to never feel mad—it's having cool tools when we do."
Formative Observation & IEP / SEL Goal Rubric
1. Awareness of Signals
Proficient: Identifies early bodily cues (clenched hands, breath) before escalating to Level 3.
2. Strategy Application
Proficient: Autonomously selects or initiates a calming tool (box breath, squeeze) during a prompt.
3. Self-Advocacy
Proficient: Communicates need for a 2-minute reset using the script or pocket cue card.
Calm Toolkit Slides Lesson 2 of 3 30-Minute Focus Session
Calm Compass Series
Regulation Power Tools
Master Your Calm Toolkit
When your body radar alerts you that dysregulation is rising, these four powerful tools help you steer back to calm!
1. Square Breath
2. 5-4-3-2-1 Senses
3. Squeeze & Melt
4. Power Self-Talk
Tool 1: Square Breathing
Slow Down Your Heart
Inhale through nose 4 Sec
Hold breath
4x4
Hold empty
Exhale through mouth 4 Sec
Why It Works:
Slow, equal breaths send an instant signal to your brain stem: "We are safe." Your heart rate slows and your jaw loosens.
Practice Tip for 3rd Graders:
Trace a square in the air with your pointer finger as you count: 1-2-3-4! Repeat 3 times.
Superpower: You can do square breathing completely silently right at your desk!
Tool 2: The 5-4-3-2-1 Sensory Anchor
Wake Up Your Senses
5
See
5 things around you with your eyes
4
Touch
4 textures (desk, shirt, pencil, hair)
3
Hear
3 sounds (clock, air, footsteps)
2
Smell
2 scents (paper, fresh air, soap)
1
Taste
1 taste (sip of cold water, mint)
Brain Hack: Senses pull your attention out of spinning worries and put you back into the present moment!
Tool 3: Squeeze & Melt (Muscle Reset)
Release Trapped Energy
A
The Lemon Squeeze
Imagine holding a sour, juicy lemon in both hands. Squeeze as hard as you can for 5 seconds to get every drop of juice out!
Now DROP the lemons. Feel the warm, loose sensation spread across your fingers.
B
The Turtle Tuck
Pull your shoulders all the way up to your ears like a turtle hiding in its hard shell. Squeeze tight and hold for 5 seconds!
Now MELT out of the shell. Let your shoulders slide all the way down and relax.
When your muscles melt, your brain receives the message that it can turn off the alarm.
Tool 4: Power Self-Talk
Coach Your Inner Voice
Storm Thoughts (Panic)
"I can't do this, it's too hard!"
Calm Toolkit Lab Guide Calm Compass Series • Lesson 2 Student Packet
Calm Toolkit Lab Guide
Part 1: Strategy Lab
Name:
Date:
Lab Station:
Lab Mission: Every person's brain and body responds differently to tools. Test all 4 power strategies below, notice how your muscles and breathing change, and give each tool a star rating!
Tool 1: Square Breath (In 4, Hold 4, Out 4, Hold 4)
Trace a square on your desk 3 times while breathing slowly.
How did my breathing feel after?
My Tool Rating:
Tool 2: 5-4-3-2-1 Sensory Reset
Look around: notice 3 things you see, 2 you touch, 1 you hear.
What one texture did you touch with your fingers?
My Tool Rating:
Tool 3: Lemon Squeeze & Melt
Squeeze both hands into super tight lemons for 5 sec, then DROP!
How did your hands and fingers feel when you dropped them?
My Tool Rating:
Tool 4: Power Self-Talk Phrase
Say a calming anchor phrase in your head 3 times.
Write your favorite power phrase to tell yourself:
My Tool Rating:
Calm Compass • Calm Toolkit Lab Guide Page 1 of 2 • Continue to Page 2
Calm Compass • Lesson 2 Practice
Tool Sorting & Real Scenarios
Part 2: Application
Activity 2: Where Can You Use Each Tool?
Some tools are silent and invisible for your desk; others need space. Sort each tool by writing its letter in the correct box:
A. Square breathing silently at your seat
B. Wall push-ups in the hallway
C. Secret lemon squeeze with hands in lap
D. Getting a cold drink of water from fountain
E. Repeating "I am safe and can handle this"
F. Jumping jacks in the calm corner
Silent Desk Tools (No one notices)
Movement & Break Tools (Needs space)
Activity 3: Select Your Tool Under Pressure
Scenario 1: You are working quietly during reading tests, and your pencil lead snaps. Your chest gets tight and you feel like crying.
Which tool would you pick?
Why would this tool help?
Scenario 2: The hallway is super loud and crowded before lunch. Your ears feel hot and your body feels bouncy and irritable.
Which tool would you pick?
Why would this tool help?
I know at least 2 calming tools I like to use when dysregulated.
Goal Met:
Calm Compass • Lesson 2 Student Lab Guide Page 2 of 2 • Ready for Lesson 3 Blueprint!
Reset Blueprint Slides Lesson 3 of 3 30-Minute Focus Session
Calm Compass Series
Capstoning Your Skills
Build Your Reset Blueprint
You know your body clues and you know your tools. Now let's connect them into your personal, automatic game plan!
1. Spot the Spark
2. Pick Your Go-To Tool
3. Ask for Help with Words
The 3-Step Reset Loop
Your Action Cycle
Step 1
Spot the Clue
Listen to your body radar. Did your jaw tighten? Is your heart beating fast?
"My body feels warm!"
Step 2
Name the Level
Check your meter. Are you at Level 2 (Spark) or Level 3 (Storm)?
"I am at Level 2 right now."
Step 3
Use Your Tool
Immediately launch 1 chosen strategy: 3 box breaths or lemon squeeze.
"Taking 3 square breaths."
Catching dysregulation early in Step 1 takes only 5 seconds, but it saves your whole afternoon!
Simulation: The Blueprint in Action
James's Science Lab
Situation: James is working on a science poster with a partner who accidentally scribbles across James's neat drawing.
1. James's Radar Pings:
Cheeks blaze hot. Hands clench into tight balls under the table.
2. James Pauses:
He tells himself: "Level 2 Spark. I need my desk tool before I speak."
3. James Uses Tool:
He does 2 lemon squeezes in his lap and takes a 4-second exhale.
Outcome: James didn't yell or rip the poster. He calmly said: "Hey, let's fix that section with a clean paper patch."
His blueprint turned a big storm into a smooth problem-solve!
How to Ask for a Reset
Speaking Up Calmly
Saying It Out Loud
When desk tools aren't enough, use these respectful power phrases with your teacher:
"My body is feeling at Level 2. May I take a 2-minute reset break?"
"May I get a cold drink of water from the fountain?"
Silent Pocket Card
Sometimes words feel stuck in your throat when dysregulated. That's completely okay!
The Desk Cue Card:
Show your teacher your pocket card, or give a discreet two-finger signal to request your reset space.
Asking for help to regulate is a sign of intelligence and strength!
Regulation Champion Mission
Reset Blueprint Action Plan Calm Compass Series • Lesson 3 Student Packet
Reset Blueprint Action Plan
Part 1: My Plan
Name:
Date:
Compass Code:
Final Mission: Fill out your customized action plan below so you always know what to do the exact second you spot a dysregulation clue!
1 My Trigger & Early Body Clues
A situation that often sparks big feelings for me (e.g., losing a game, tricky math, noisy room):
First body clue I notice:
Second body clue I notice:
2 My Two Go-To Regulation Tools
Tool A: Quiet Desk Tool (Invisible)
What silent tool will you do right at your seat?
Tool B: Reset Break Tool (Active)
What movement or sensory tool will you use?
3 My Reset Words & Safe People
When I need a reset, the words I will say are:
A safe adult at school I can talk to is:
Calm Compass • Reset Blueprint Action Plan Page 1 of 2 • Turn for Pocket Card & Habit Tracker
Calm Compass • Pocket Guide & Progress
Desk Cue Card & 5-Day Tracker
Part 2: Independence
Activity 4: Foldable Desk / Pocket Cue Card
Cut along dotted line or tape to desk
MY CALM COMPASS DESK CARD
Pilot:
My #1 Body Warning:
My Best Go-To Tool:
My Reset Words:
Activity 5: 5-Day Body Radar & Reset Tracker
Put a checkmark or star each day when you notice a body signal or use a calming tool:
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Noticed clue?
Used tool:
Noticed clue?
Used tool:
Noticed clue?
Used tool:
Noticed clue?
Used tool:
Noticed clue?
Used tool:
Official Regulation Pilot
Has completed Calm Compass 3-part training & is certified to pilot their own regulation plan!
Pilot Signature:
Coach Signature:
Calm Compass • Lesson 3 Student Action Plan Course Complete • Regulation Ready!
