Grades K–5
How Do I Feel? Check-In
A picture check-in: circle a feeling face, then circle what would help, like a break, water, help or a hug.
Special education printable · Calm-down and sensory supports
Square and Star Breathing
Two breathing shapes to trace with a finger: square breathing (in, hold, out, hold) and star breathing, then a feelings check.
- Grade level
- Grades K–5
- Time
- About 5 minutes
- Answer key
- Not needed: answers vary
- Kids practice
- Self-regulation, Naming feelings, Using calming strategies, Asking for a break
What kids do
“Trace the shape with your finger. Breathe in and out as the words say.”
Printed on the sheet:
- Breathe in 1, 2, 3, 4 in out
- Hold 1, 2, 3, 4
- Breathe out 1, 2, 3, 4
- After my breathing, I feel...
- Go slowly. Count to 4 on each side of the square. On the star, breathe in going up and out going down.
Words on this sheet
Square breathingStar breathingoutinhappyokaysadmadworried
Teacher tip
Post a copy in the calm corner and trace it together every day after recess. A strategy practiced when calm is one a student can find when upset.
How to use it
- Teach and practice the strategy when the student is calm, so it is ready when they are not.
- Keep the page in a calm corner with a timer and a few sensory tools.
- Model the page yourself first, then do it together, then let the student try with less and less help.
Watch for
Breaks that turn into escape from every hard task. Use a timer and come back to the work.
Talk about it
- What can you try next time?
- Show me what you want.
Take it further
Make a small ring of the student’s three best strategies to keep in a pocket or on a lanyard.
US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.
More calm-down and sensory supports
Grades K–5
Break Cards
Eight big cut-apart break cards: I need a break, get a drink, take a walk, quiet corner and more.
Grades K–5
My Calm-Down Menu
Twelve calm-down choices with pictures to circle, plus a box to draw your favorite way to calm down.
Grades 1–5
My Sensory Helpers
A sensory plan: sounds, lights, touch, moving and smells, what bothers me or what I like, and what helps.
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