Lesson Plan

Self-Soothing Skills

Learn and practice simple self-soothing techniques to manage stress and emotions.

Teaching self-soothing techniques helps 4th graders handle stress, improving their emotional well-being and focus.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Review Materials and Prepare Classroom

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to Self-Soothing

5 minutes

Step 2

Presentation on Calming Techniques

10 minutes

Step 3

Guided Practice

15 minutes

Step 4

Assessment and Reflection

10 minutes

Step 5

Closing Discussion

5 minutes

Slide Deck

Feeling Worried or Upset?

Introduce the topic by explaining that everyone feels worried or upset sometimes, and that's okay. Emphasize that there are fun ways to feel better when this happens.

What is Self-Soothing?

Explain that self-soothing means doing things that help us feel calm and happy. These are like little tricks we can use anytime we need them.

Trick 1: Deep Breathing

Introduce deep breathing as a simple way to feel calm. Demonstrate how to do it and have the students practice with you.

Trick 2: Muscle Relaxation

Explain how tensing and relaxing muscles can help us feel less tense. Guide them through a quick exercise, starting with their toes and moving up to their heads.

Trick 3: Happy Place

Describe visualization as imagining a happy place. Ask them to close their eyes and picture a place they love, like the beach or a park.

Trick 4: Music Magic

Talk about how listening to music can change our mood. Suggest they think about their favorite song that makes them feel good.

Trick 5: Mindfulness

Introduce mindfulness as paying attention to what's happening right now. Encourage them to notice things around them, like sounds or colors.

Try These Tricks!

Encourage students to try these tricks and see which ones they like best. Remind them they can use these anytime they feel upset.