Toolbox

Each classroom has a toolbox that contains fidget tools. The Toolbox is located in the "Safe Zone". We stress that these are TOOLS and not TOYS. The purpose is to get your brain thinking about something else so you can get back to learning at your best. Some people may need to squeeze a stress ball, some need to fidget with a marble in a tube, and some just need to take some deep breaths. We talk about how taking deep breaths will help in any situation. We practice many different types of breathing exercises so they can hopefully find one that works best for them.

These 5th grade girls helped me out by modeling how to use some of the tools in the toolbox

Breathing exercises are a part of most lessons. I try to find a variety of different themes and books to help everyone find that one that works best for them.

I always tell students that the best tool they have is their own body. Taking deep breaths is the best way to reset and help get yourself back to the Green Zone. This is our favorite song for remembering how to take belly breaths: