Emotional Regulation

Color Switch Panel

Steps:

Use the construction paper to cut out three large circles, slightly smaller than the paper plate.
Assign each colored circle a feeling (e.g., Red = mad; Yellow = focused; Blue = calm).
Draw or write 2-3 body signals on each color zone (e.g., Red: “fast heart,” Blue: “slow breath”).
Glue the colored circles around the paper plate rim. This is your three-zone control panel.
Draw a large arrow on the index card. Use a small dab of glue to attach the arrow to the plate center so it spins.
Practice identifying feelings. When a strong emotion appears, point the arrow to the matching zone. Discuss tools to move from Red to Blue.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the child is supervised while using scissors or glue. When discussing emotions, maintain a safe, non-judgmental space for them to share their feelings.

Quiet Scoop Game

Steps:

Place the bowl full of dry beans on one side of the table and the empty container on the other side.
Explain the rule: The child uses the spoon to scoop one bean and tries to carry it over to the container.
The child must listen for the ‘Stop Sound’ (the adult rolling the dice nearby). If they hear the dice clatter while moving, they must immediately freeze the spoon in the air.
The child must hold the spoon perfectly still until the adult says ‘Go.’ This teaches impulse control and sustained focus.
If they spill the bean during the freeze, they must return the bean to the starting bowl and begin the scoop again.
Once the container is full, count how many trips were successfully completed before the next round.

Safety Tip:
Due to the use of small beans, constant adult supervision is required throughout the activity. Ensure all beans are collected and stored safely after play to prevent choking hazards.

Rhythm Sequence Match

Steps:

Set up the game by placing the container and a piece of construction paper on a table. The container will be your drum and the paper is your “target zone.”
Roll the dice. The number rolled determines the length of the rhythm sequence you must create (e.g., 4 means 4 total taps).
The adult claps or uses a craft stick to tap a rhythm on the container. Use varying forces, such as loud, soft, soft, then loud.
The child must carefully listen and then replicate the exact sequence of taps (both the timing and the force) using their own craft sticks on the paper target.
After each sequence, discuss: “Did that feel too loud or just right?” This helps connect the level of force to the resulting sound and internal feeling.

Safety Tip:
Ensure the playing surface is stable so that the child can focus on the control of their fine motor movements and not worry about items slipping.

Pipe Cleaner Towers

Steps:

Fold and cut the index cards into various shapes like squares, rectangles, and triangles. These are your building blocks.
Using the scissors, carefully snip small, narrow slits (like buttonholes) along the edges of the index cards. These are the connection points.
Encourage the child to first sketch out their tower design, deciding which shapes go where (the planning phase).
Use the pipe cleaners to thread through the slits, connecting the index card pieces to build the tallest, most stable structure possible.
If the tower collapses, encourage the child to examine the weakest point and try a new design, practicing persistence and frustration tolerance.

Safety Tip:
Always ensure the child uses age-appropriate scissors safely and receives supervision during the cutting steps.