Lesson 10: Calming Down

Why This Lesson Matters

Using strategies to calm down helps students behave prosocially instead of acting impulsively on their feelings. Deep breathing using the diaphragm delivers more oxygen to the bloodstream while helping students slow and pace their breathing. Both effects slow the heart rate and work physiologically to calm students down when they are upset. This is a versatile technique that can be used in many situations.

Positive self-talk can effectively engage the thinking part of the brain in emotional situations; however, negative self-talk can escalate emotions and lead to aggression. Students should identify and practice words and phrases that work for them so that positive self-talk comes easily when needed.

Counting is a simple way to engage the language centers of the brain, take a student’s attention off a stressor, and create some time between provocation and reaction.

Contrary to popular belief, punching pillows and other aggressive activities that intended to “vent” anger may actually escalate anger and get in the way of calming down.

Objectives

Students will be able to:

• Identify situations in which they might need to calm down

• Learn the technique for deep, centered breathing

• Identify and demonstrate other Ways to Calm Down (using positive self-talk, counting, taking a break)

Lesson Concepts

Calming down emotions that are getting out of control helps you think clearly so you can avoid negative consequences.