Anchor Lesson Slides Finding Your Anchor
Navigating Calm Through Co-Regulation
The Sideline Calm
Teacher: Insert Video of Coach Calming Player Here
Watch For:
Calm Voice
Deep Breaths Together
"Anchoring" Hand on Shoulder
The Result:
The player's body relaxes because they are "borrowing" the coach's calm brain.
What is Co-Regulation?
Co-Regulation is when one person who is calm helps another person who is upset find their way back to calm.
Person A
Person B
It's like sharing a battery when yours is low.
Anchor vs. Hover
The Anchor
"I'm here for you when you're ready."
Gives you physical space
Uses very few words
Stays calm and steady
The Hover
"Why are you crying? Stop that!"
Stands too close
Asks too many questions
Gets upset or loud themselves
Your Support Squad
Who are the "Safe Adults" in your world that can be an anchor for you?
At School
At Home
In the Community
Safe Adult Map Worksheet Safe Adult Map
Co-Regulation Navigators: Lesson 1
Name:
Date:
Quick Reminder
A Safe Adult is someone who can be an "anchor" for you. They stay calm when you are upset, give you space, and help you find your way back to feeling okay.
Part 1: Identifying My Anchors
Who are the adults in your life that you feel safe talking to when you are frustrated or overwhelmed?
At School
Name / Role
Name / Role
Outside School (Home/Community)
Name / Role
Name / Role
Part 2: What "Anchoring" Looks Like to Me
Different people need different things. Circle the actions that help you feel calmer when you are dysregulated.
Sitting quietly near me
Giving me 5 minutes of space
Taking deep breaths with me
Reminding me of my plan
Checking on me with a thumb up
Handing me a sensory tool
Is there anything else that helps?
Part 3: Avoiding the "Hover"
What are things adults do that don't help when you're upset? (Example: Asking too many questions)
Silent Signal Slides Silent Signals
Communicating when words feel heavy
The Brain Traffic Jam
When your brain is in "Survival Mode" (Fight, Flight, or Freeze), the part of your brain that handles speech often goes offline.
"It's like trying to talk through a mouthful of cotton or a wall of static."
Enter: Silent Signals
Hand Signals
Fast, always with you, and subtle. Good for immediate needs.
Peace Sign Closed Fist
Signal Cards
Color-coded or icon cards you can place on your desk or hand to an adult.
Silent Charades
Can you communicate these needs WITHOUT using any words?
"I need a drink of water."
"It's too loud in here."
"I need to step outside."
"I'm feeling overwhelmed."
Time to Design!
You are going to create your own "Silent Signal" cards. What colors and symbols will you use to tell us what you need?
Signal Card Kit Signal Card Kit
Co-Regulation Navigators: Lesson 2
Name: __________________________
Date: ___________________________
Instructions: Use the templates below to design your own "Silent Signals." Choose colors that make sense to you (like Red for "Urgent" or Yellow for "Slow Down"). Draw a simple icon in the center that communicates your need quickly!
Front of Card
This signal means:
Front of Card
This signal means:
Front of Card
This signal means:
Front of Card
This signal means:
Design Tips for Clarity
Use high-contrast colors (like bright yellow or deep blue).
Keep symbols simple (a cloud, a stop sign, a battery).
Label the back of the card so you don't forget!
Consider laminating your cards for durability.
Advocacy Script Slides Voice of Advocacy
Asking for what you need, before you need it
The Power of the Pre-Request
It's much easier to talk when you are at a Level 2 (starting to feel itchy or annoyed) than when you are at a Level 5 (meltdown).
Advocacy is:
Using your voice to tell someone exactly what your brain or body needs to stay regulated.
5
4
3
2
1
Speak Here!
The Advocacy Recipe
1. Describe It
"It's too loud for me right now..."
2. Ask for It
"...can I step out for 5 minutes?"
3. Propose It
"...and then come back to work?"
"The best scripts are Short, Polite, and Specific."
Good Scripts to Use
"I'm starting to feel overwhelmed. Can I go to my safe spot?"
"Can I use my noise-canceling headphones for this activity?"
"I'm having a hard time focusing here. May I move to the back?"
"I need a two-minute brain break. Can I stand up and stretch?"
Simulation Time
We are going to practice with a partner. One person is the Student, the other is the Anchor (Teacher). Use your scripts to ask for what you need!
Low Pressure
Kind Words
Big Results
Advocacy Script Builder Worksheet Advocacy Script Builder
Co-Regulation Navigators: Lesson 3
Name: __________________________
Date: ___________________________
The Advocacy Recipe:
1. DESCRIBE IT
What is happening?
2. ASK FOR IT
What do you need?
3. PROPOSE IT
What is the next step?
1
Scenario: Sensory Overload (Too Loud/Bright)
"It is ________________________________________________________________ right now..." "Could I _________________________________________________________________________ ?" "I will __________________________________________________________________________."
2
Scenario: Focus/Energy Break
"I'm feeling ___________________________________________________________________..." "May I __________________________________________________________________________ ?" "I'll be ready to work in ____________________ minutes."
3
Scenario: My Custom Script
Write your most important script here:
Peer Practice Check
Practice your custom script with a partner. Have them check off the boxes below!
Polite Tone
Clear Need
Specific Plan
Re-Entry Slides The Smooth Return
How to rejoin the group with confidence
The "Awkward" Factor
Coming back to class after a break can feel weird. You might think:
"What did I miss?"
"Is everyone looking at me?"
"What if they ask where I was?"
Truth Bomb:
Most people are so busy with their own work, they barely noticed you were gone! But having a Plan makes it easier.
The 3-Step Return
1
Pause & Observe
Take 10 seconds at the door to see what the class is doing. Are they in groups? Writing? Listening?
2
The "Anchor" Tap
Catch your Safe Adult's eye or give a small nod to let them know you're back and ready.
3
Silent Slide-In
Move quietly to your spot. If you need to know what to do, ask one neighbor a "whisper question."
The "Where Were You?" Talk
If a peer asks where you were, you don't owe them a long story. Try one of these Short & Sweet scripts:
"Just taking care of some stuff. What page are we on?"
"I needed a quick break. What did I miss?"
"Just had to step out for a bit. Back now!"
"Don't worry about it! Ready to work?"
Fishbowl Time
Watch as a few students model a "Smooth Return" and a "Clunky Return." What's the difference? Look for body language, volume, and timing!
Re-Entry Practice Worksheet Re-Entry Practice
Co-Regulation Navigators: Lesson 4
Name: __________________________
Date: ___________________________
STEP 1
Pause & Observe
STEP 2
Anchor Tap/Nod
STEP 3
Silent Slide-In
Scenario: The Group Project
You were in the sensory room for 10 minutes. You walk back into class and see your group is sitting in a circle on the floor, looking at a poster they just started.
My Plan:
Example: I will stand at the door for 5 seconds, nod to the teacher, and then sit quietly next to my group.
My "Whisper Question" to a neighbor:
Scenario: Independent Reading
You return from a quick walk. The room is completely silent and everyone is reading at their desks. You need to know which book you should have out.
How will I enter without making noise?
If a peer asks "Where were you?" I will say:
Confidence Check
How do you feel about re-entering the room after a break? Circle one:
A Bit Nervous
Okay
Ready to Try
Plan for Peace Slides Plan for Peace
Making your co-regulation official
The Full Picture
We have learned all the pieces. Now we put them into one official document to share with your Safe Adults.
Safe Adults
Who helps me?
Silent Signals
How do I show it?
Advocacy Scripts
What do I say?
Re-Entry Plan
How do I return?
The "Agreement" Meeting
The best time to talk about your plan is before you need it.
How to start:
"I've been working on a plan to stay calm in class. Can I show you how you can help me?"
Set a Time!
The Agreement Details
Student Agrees To:
Use signals/scripts early
Follow the re-entry steps
Adult Agrees To:
Be a steady "Anchor"
Respect the silent signals
Plan Launched!
You are now a Co-Regulation Navigator . You have the tools to stay safe, stay calm, and ask for help!
Plan for Peace Agreement Navigator Plan for Peace
A Co-Regulation Agreement between Student and Support Team
Student Navigator:
Safe Adult "Anchor":
1. My Silent Signals
When I can't find my words, I will use these signals or cards to show I need help:
Signal 1: __________________________________
Signal 2: __________________________________
2. My Advocacy Script
If I am able to speak, this is the short phrase I will use to ask for an accommodation:
"__________________________________________________________________________________________________"
3. My Anchor's Support Roles
To help me co-regulate, I would like my Anchor to do the following (check all that apply):
Give me 5 minutes of quiet space
Sit quietly near me without talking
Hand me a sensory tool/fidget
Help me take 3 deep breaths
4. My Smooth Return
When I am ready to rejoin the class, I will:
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
We agree to work together to keep our classroom a peaceful and safe place.
Student Signature
Anchor Signature
