Calming Down Choice Board

Managing frustrating emotions independently is pivotal for student wellbeing, but challenging for children who struggle articulating needs. This customizable choice board resource empowers students (especially those with special needs) to select tailored calming strategies fitting their individual preferences and ability levels.

The foundation consists of a blank choice board grid displaying 8 picture box spaces per page. The accompanying word/image deck contains 12 illustrated calming technique cards to fill designated boxes, including: exercise, squeeze stress ball, count back from 10, take deep breaths, draw or color, listen to music, go to calm area, have a hug, write down your feelings, talk it through with an adult, play wioth sensory toys or have a drink of water.

Teachers and students collaboratively select which personalized options suit that child’s needs and sensory-input levels to feature, rotating items over time. To use teachers can laminate and put velcro on the back of the cards so they can be easily moveable and reusable. This scaffolds self-regulation skills for students who struggle communicating verbally while upset.

Having tailored calming choices pre-identified prevents overstimulation or power struggles requiring disciplinary response. It also builds students’ awareness of techniques that actually soothe them individually long-term. Portable for various settings and customizable, these printable choice cards nurture emotional competence with student autonomy!

This resource includes 2 PDF printable pages

The wonderful and eye catching clipart images are courtesy of Kari Bolt Clip Art