Checklist for children to look at and think about which calming strategies work best for them when in a heightened emotional state. Why do you need this? Children dealing with heightened emotional states, especially those struggling with anger issues often need guidance and support to navigate their emotions efficiently. This checklist is a good tool to help teachers to be proactive in helping children manage their stress, it aims to involve children actively in self-regulating their emotions. How and when might you use this? This might be used in a variety of ways: · During PSHE lessons focused on emotional regulation and coping strategies, helping children identify which work best for them. · Following a conflict or behavioural incident a tool for self-reflection to think about their reaction to anger and what strategies they may use instead in the future. · As 1:1 support for a child struggling with anger management. · During counselling sessions to support students in exploring their anger triggers and developing personalised coping strategies. · As a whole class activity to promote a classroom culture of emotional awareness and self-regulation. What’s included? One PDF worksheet showing a checklist of calming strategies that children might use when angry. Children can go down the list and check either ‘this helps’, ‘this sometimes helps’, ‘this does not help’

Social story to prepare young people for puberty and the changes their bodies will go through. 2 different versions - ones for a boy and one for a girl. The point of a social story is to use a patient and reassuring tone to teach children about social situations in a way that can be easily understood. Social stories can be useful for any child who is struggling to understand a situation or concept or needs help to understand a social skill or social cue, expectations, perspectives, common responses or is troubled about an upcoming event but social stories are particularly useful for children on the autistic spectrum for whom social cues can be challenging and who often suffer anxiety if they do not know what to expect from a situation. These books should be used over and over to reinforce the point so I would suggest either putting the pages into a display book or laminating and binding them. Clipart images courtesy of Kari Bolt Clip Art, Little Red and Rossy’s Jungle

A social story to explain what to expect when having a blood test and try to ease the child’s nerves. The point of a social story is to use a patient and reassuring tone to teach children about social situations in a way that can be easily understood. Social stories can be useful for any child who is struggling to understand a situation or concept or needs help to understand a social skill or social cue, expectations, perspectives, common responses or is troubled about an upcoming event but social stories are particularly useful for children on the autistic spectrum for whom social cues can be challenging and who often suffer anxiety if they do not know what to expect from a situation. These books should be used over and over to reinforce the point so I would suggest either putting the pages into a display book or laminating and binding them. Clipart images courtesy of Kari Bolt Clip Art

This social story is designed to help explain a little about what is like to have Cerebral Palsy. The point of a social story is to use a patient and reassuring tone to teach children about social situations in a way that can be easily understood. Social stories can be useful for any child who is struggling to understand a situation or concept or needs help to understand a social skill or social cue, expectations, perspectives, common responses or is troubled about an upcoming event but social stories are particularly useful for children on the autistic spectrum for whom social cues can be challenging and who often suffer anxiety if they do not know what to expect from a situation. These books should be used over and over to reinforce the point so I would suggest either putting the pages into a display book or laminating and binding them. Clipart images courtesy of Kari Bolt Clip Art

Social story for children who have difficulty accepting compliments. This story explains what a compliment is, when someone might give one and how a compliment may make you feel. It also gives some ways to deal with getting a compliment. The point of a social story is to use a patient and reassuring tone to teach children about social situations in a way that can be easily understood. Social stories can be useful for any child who is struggling to understand a situation or concept or needs help to understand a social skill or social cue, expectations, perspectives, common responses or is troubled about an upcoming event but social stories are particularly useful for children on the autistic spectrum for whom social cues can be challenging and who often suffer anxiety if they do not know what to expect from a situation. These books should be used over and over to reinforce the point so I would suggest either putting the pages into a display book or laminating and binding them. Clipart images courtesy of Kari Bolt Clip Art

Social story to explain about the choices we make with our behavior and the importance of taking responsibility for our actions when we make the wrong choices. The point of a social story is to use a patient and reassuring tone to teach children about social situations in a way that can be easily understood. Social stories can be useful for any child who is struggling to understand a situation or concept or needs help to understand a social skill or social cue, expectations, perspectives, common responses or is troubled about an upcoming event but social stories are particularly useful for children on the autistic spectrum for whom social cues can be challenging and who often suffer anxiety if they do not know what to expect from a situation. These books should be used over and over to reinforce the point so I would suggest either putting the pages into a display book or laminating and binding them. Clipart images courtesy of Kari Bolt Clip Art

Social story to explain to children that families do not all look the same. This covers families with a mum and dad, one mum, one dad, two mums, two dads and families of different skin colours. This encourages children to understand that within a family love is the most important thing. The point of a social story is to use a patient and reassuring tone to teach children about social situations in a way that can be easily understood. Social stories can be useful for any child who is struggling to understand a situation or concept or needs help to understand a social skill or social cue, expectations, perspectives, common responses or is troubled about an upcoming event but social stories are particularly useful for children on the autistic spectrum for whom social cues can be challenging and who often suffer anxiety if they do not know what to expect from a situation. These books should be used over and over to reinforce the point so I would suggest either putting the pages into a display book or laminating and binding them. Clipart images courtesy of Kari Bolt Clip Art

Worksheet in which children should look at pictures and decide whether it shows a good or bad behaviour choice and they should then circle a thumb up or thumb down accordingly. Why do you need this? This worksheet helps reinforce social skills by prompting children to distinguish between positive and negative behaviours. By engaging in this activity, students learn to recognise appropriate behaviour and understand its importance in different contexts. Teachers can use this worksheet as a springboard for classroom discussions about behaviour expectations and consequences. By discussing their choices and reasoning behind them, students deepen their understanding of appropriate behaviour and develop empathy for others. How and when might you use this? This worksheet could be used in a variety of ways: · At the beginning of the school year to introduce and discuss classroom rules. · As a review activity to reinforce classroom expectations. · In partner and small group work, children can collaborate together discussing their reasoning and justifying their decisions to one another. · As a reflection tool following a behaviour incident to allow children to identify and evaluate their actions. · As part of PSHE lessons focused on managing emotions and behaviours.

Social story to support teenage girls just beginning to need to wear a bra. The point of a social story is to use a patient and reassuring tone to teach children about social situations in a way that can be easily understood. Social stories can be useful for any child who is struggling to understand a situation or concept or needs help to understand a social skill or social cue, expectations, perspectives, common responses or is troubled about an upcoming event but social stories are particularly useful for children on the autistic spectrum for whom social cues can be challenging and who often suffer anxiety if they do not know what to expect from a situation. These books should be used over and over to reinforce the point so I would suggest either putting the pages into a display book or laminating and binding them. Clipart images courtesy of Kari Bolt Clip Art

This social story is designed to help explain a little about what bullying is, what to do if you are being bullied and that if you are being bullied it is not your fault. It also covers the fact that good friends do not bully and that it is not kind to bully. The point of a social story is to use a patient and reassuring tone to teach children about social situations in a way that can be easily understood. Social stories can be useful for any child who is struggling to understand a situation or concept or needs help to understand a social skill or social cue, expectations, perspectives, common responses or is troubled about an upcoming event but social stories are particularly useful for children on the autistic spectrum for whom social cues can be challenging and who often suffer anxiety if they do not know what to expect from a situation. These books should be used over and over to reinforce the point so I would suggest either putting the pages into a display book or laminating and binding them. Clipart images courtesy of Kari Bolt Clip Art

This social story is designed to help explain a little about cancer to a child who has been diagnosed with it. The point of a social story is to use a patient and reassuring tone to teach children about social situations in a way that can be easily understood. Social stories can be useful for any child who is struggling to understand a situation or concept or needs help to understand a social skill or social cue, expectations, perspectives, common responses or is troubled about an upcoming event but social stories are particularly useful for children on the autistic spectrum for whom social cues can be challenging and who often suffer anxiety if they do not know what to expect from a situation. These books should be used over and over to reinforce the point so I would suggest either putting the pages into a display book or laminating and binding them. Clipart images courtesy of Kari Bolt Clip Art

Social story to explain what a rumour is and how they can be hurtful and unhelpful. The point of a social story is to use a patient and reassuring tone to teach children about social situations in a way that can be easily understood. Social stories can be useful for any child who is struggling to understand a situation or concept or needs help to understand a social skill or social cue, expectations, perspectives, common responses or is troubled about an upcoming event but social stories are particularly useful for children on the autistic spectrum for whom social cues can be challenging and who often suffer anxiety if they do not know what to expect from a situation. These books should be used over and over to reinforce the point so I would suggest either putting the pages into a display book or laminating and binding them. Clipart images courtesy of Kari Bolt Clip Art

This social story is designed to prepare a child for getting a new baby brother or sister. There are 3 versions of the story; one for when mum is pregnant and the baby has not yet been born and then 2 for after the baby is born - one for a brother and one for a sister. These stories cover mum having to be in hospital, the baby coming to live in their house and how this might feel. It also prepares them for the fact that new babies cry and that mum and dad may need to spend a lot of time with the baby however it remains very positive and reassures the child that mum and dad still love them very much and that there will also be plenty of fun parts to having a new sibling. The point of a social story is to use a patient and reassuring tone to teach children about social situations in a way that can be easily understood. Social stories can be useful for any child who is struggling to understand a situation or concept or needs help to understand a social skill or social cue, expectations, perspectives, common responses or is troubled about an upcoming event but social stories are particularly useful for children on the autistic spectrum for whom social cues can be challenging and who often suffer anxiety if they do not know what to expect from a situation. These books should be used over and over to reinforce the point so I would suggest either putting the pages into a display book or laminating and binding them. Clipart images courtesy of Kari Bolt Children’s Illustrator

Class set of 30 blank puzzle pieces that fit together to make one big puzzle. Each child can decorate their piece as they wish. The finished jigsaw can then prompt discussions about how although the individual pieces are all different they come together to make one whole, similar to their class - each person is different but they come together to make a class. Why do you need this? This activity allows each student to express their individuality and uniqueness by decorating their own jigsaw piece. This promotes inclusivity and celebrates the diversity within the classroom. As students work together to create a complete jigsaw puzzle, they learn the value of collaboration, teamwork, and unity. How and when might you use this? This activity could be used in a variety of ways: Teachers may use this activity at the start of the school year, the teacher can introduce the activity as an icebreaker to help students get to know one another. Each student decorates their jigsaw piece with symbols, images, or words that represent their personality, interests, or background. Throughout the school year, the teacher can incorporate the activity as part of ongoing efforts to build a strong classroom community. By completing the jigsaw puzzle together, students learn the importance of collaboration, teamwork, and respecting each other’s differences. The activity can be used to celebrate cultural diversity within the classroom. Students can decorate their jigsaw pieces to represent aspects of their cultural heritage, such as flags, traditional symbols, or family customs. This allows students to share and learn about each other’s backgrounds in a positive and inclusive way. Towards the end of the school year, the completed jigsaw puzzle can serve as a symbol of the class’s journey together. The teacher can facilitate a reflection activity where students share their thoughts and feelings about the collaborative process and the significance of each piece in creating a unified whole. What’s included? 30 worksheets each with a different blank puzzle piece.

Worksheet in which children should think about what their biggest worry is and then what that worry looks like in their head. They should then think about their worst fear of how this could end and then the reality of how it would be most likely to end. Why do you need this? The worksheet helps children identify and articulate their worries, which is the first step in learning to manage and cope with them effectively. By acknowledging their concerns, children can begin to develop strategies for regulating their emotions and reducing anxiety. Engaging in the exercise encourages children to recognize the thoughts and images associated with their worries, increasing their cognitive awareness of how their minds process fear-inducing scenarios. This awareness can empower them to challenge negative thinking patterns and develop more balanced perspectives. How and when might you use this? This worksheet can be used in a variety of ways: · During counselling sessions this worksheet can be used to facilitate discussions with students who may be experiencing anxiety or stress. · Small group activities to promote peer interaction and mutual support for those suffering with anxiety or worries. · PSHE lessons focused on emotional awareness and self-reflection. · As part of a mental health curriculum the worksheet can be used to teach children about the nature of worries and fears, as well as strategies for managing them effectively. · This worksheet can be used as a means for providing follow up support to monitor progress, reinforce coping strategies and address ongoing concerns.

Worksheet for children to think about the consequences to not following the rules in the classroom. Why do you need this? The worksheet provides a structured way for the teacher to clarify and reinforce classroom rules and expectations. By outlining the potential consequences of not following these rules, students gain a clearer understanding of what is expected of them. Encouraging students to think about the consequences of their actions fosters self-reflection. By considering the potential outcomes of not following rules, students become more aware of their behavior and its impact on themselves and others. How and when might you use this? This worksheet could be used in a variety of ways: · At the beginning of the school year to introduce and discuss classroom rules. · As a review activity to reinforce classroom expectations. · In partner and small group work, children can collaborate together discussing their reasoning and justifying their decisions to one another. · As a reflection tool following a behavior incident to allow children to identify and evaluate their actions. · As part of social-emotional learning for lessons focused on managing emotions and behaviors. What is included? Included is a 2 page worksheet

Poster to support children in grounding themselves when they are suffering with severe anxiety. Why do you need this? If your anxiety reaches a debilitating level, it can be helpful to ground yourself in the present moment. You can do this by thinking about your surroundings using the 5 senses. This poster encourages just this by reminding children to name 5 things they can see, 4 things they can touch, 3 things they can hear, 2 things they can smell and 1 thing they can taste. How and when might you use this? This might be used in a variety of ways: · During relaxation and mindfulness exercises. · To support children who struggle with transitions to new activities. Before transitioning to a new task children can be reminded of this calming strategy. · In the moment when a child is suffering with heightened anxiety or stress. · During counselling sessions to support students in exploring their anxiety and developing coping strategies. · During class circle time as a discussion about the importance of self-regulation and managing emotions. What’s included? 1 PDF poster

Poster reminding children that what we say, think and feel are all connected and each affects the other. Why do you need this? The cognitive triangle helps students understand the relationship between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By visualising this connection, students can better comprehend how their thoughts can influence their feelings and actions, leading to increased self-awareness and emotional regulation. Incorporating the cognitive triangle into classroom discussions and activities supports social-emotional learning by teaching students important skills related to self-awareness, self-management, and responsible decision-making. How and when might you use this? This activity could be used in a variety of ways: · During lessons on emotions, stress management, or conflict resolution, the teacher can reference the cognitive triangle poster to facilitate discussions about how thoughts, emotions, and behaviours are interconnected. · In counselling sessions the cognitive triangle poster can be used as a visual aid to help students understand the relationship between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. This can support students in developing self-awareness, self-regulation, and problem-solving skills. · When addressing challenging behaviours in the classroom, the teacher can refer to the cognitive triangle poster to help students recognise the connection between their thoughts and actions. · As part of a PSHE curriculum, the teacher can integrate the cognitive triangle poster into lessons focused on self-awareness, self-management, and relationship skills.