Grades 2–5
Gratitude Alphabet
Find something you are thankful for for every letter from A to Z, from apples to zoos: a calm way to notice the good things.
SEL worksheet · Mindfulness and calming
Calm-Down Strategy Cards
Nine cut-apart cards with a calm-down strategy on each, like squeeze, push and hum, for a calm-down corner or a pocket.
- Grade level
- Grades K–3
- Time
- About 15 minutes
- Answer key
- Not needed: answers vary
- Kids practice
- Calming strategies, Breathing, Noticing and focus, Self-regulation
What kids do
Printed on the sheet:
- Squeeze your fists tight, then let go.
- Count slowly to 10 and back down.
- Drink a cool glass of water.
- Push your hands hard against a wall.
- Give yourself a big, tight hug.
- Shake out your arms and legs.
- Hum your favorite song softly.
- Draw how you feel, then color it.
Words on this sheet
SqueezeCountSipPushHugShakeHumDrawAsk
Teacher tip
Put a set on a ring in your calm-down corner.
How to use it
- Do the calming practice yourself with the class. Kids follow your pace.
- Dim the lights or play soft music while kids work.
- Let kids choose to share or keep their answers private. Both are fine.
Watch for
Some kids don’t like closing their eyes. Let them look at the floor instead.
Talk about it
- How did your body feel before and after?
- Have you ever been in a moment like this? What happened?
Take it further
Set up a calm-down corner with the strategy cards and a timer.
US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.
More mindfulness and calming worksheets
Grades K–5
Mindful Coloring Flower
Color a flower pattern of petals, hearts and dots slowly, one ring at a time, breathing in and out with each petal.
Grades 3–5
Worry Thought or Helpful Thought?
Circle worry or helpful for ten thoughts, then answer a worry thought of your own with a helpful one.
Grades K–3
Animal Stretch Cards
Four animal stretch cards, cat, snake, frog and turtle, to calm and wake up your body slowly between lessons.
Free for teachers
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