Calm Down Picture Cards for Elementary: 36 Coping Skills Cards and Sort, Grades K to 5

A kid with a list of 40 calm down ideas uses none of them. A kid with three they picked, practiced, and believe in uses those three. Every one of these cards has a picture, so kindergartners and kids who are not reading yet can choose for themselves.

What's included:

• 36 picture cards in six groups: move it, breathe it, squeeze it, think it, make it, and connect

• A teaching plan: teach on a calm day, sort, pick three, practice for a week, prompt with the card

• A sort mat with picture headings: This helps me, Maybe, Not for me

• A "my calm choices" strip for each child to draw or write their top three

• A one week practice log

How I'd use it:

Sort the cards on a calm day and let kids be honest about the ones they think are silly. Then practice the top three for thirty seconds after recess, every day for a week. When you see an early sign, hold up one of their cards instead of giving a speech. Put a set on a ring at the calm spot and send a strip home for the fridge.

The cards use simple pictures and short lines like "Push the wall like you are moving it." Little kids go straight for move it and squeeze it. Older elementary kids often pick think it and connect. Keep a blank sort mat so kids can redo it later in the year. What works in October is often different by March.

Who it's for: Teachers, counselors, families, and students. Grades K 5.

What you download: one printable PDF, 6 pages, US Letter.

Made by Jeremy D. Gooch, special education teacher and transition coordinator. Drafting and layout had AI assistance; every page was checked by me.