“Then I stop. I close my eyes. And take a deep breath. ‘Cause everything is going to be alright!”
This line from our popular song Everything Is Going To Be Alright talks about the importance of stopping to breathe when we are feeling angry, scared, shy and sad. Although this skill might come naturally to many adults and some students, it is definitely something that needs to be taught and reviewed frequently, at any age and stage of development.
Making this mood stick for your students not only gives children a soothing object with a familiar face to focus on when they are overcome by their emotions, but it also provides a chance to identify and review the steps of stopping, closing their eyes, and taking a deep breath. Add this teaching tool to your bag of tricks, along with our song Everything Is Going To Be Alright. Now let’s get started!
Things you’ll need
- Resource sheet
- 2 paper towel tubes
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Craft paint
- Paint brush
- Tape
Steps
Cut out the images from the free printable resource.
To prepare the tubes, measure and trim them to 8 inches.
Next, paint both of your tubes any color you like.
Once dry, line up the top of the cutout window of your elephant printout to the top of your paper tube. Trace the inner opening onto the tube.
Cut away this opening on the paper tube.
Glue on your elephant, lining up the two windows. Elephant’s ears and trunk will stick out for a 3D effect!
On the second tube, use a ruler to draw a straight line. Cut along the length of the tube. This will help make the second tube fit nicely inside the exterior tube and rotate easily.
Glue the edge of the expression graphic and make a tube or collar.
Fit this collar over the tube you cut and line up the edge. Once you have the right size, add some glue to the edge of the inner tube and glue it in place. Add tape to secure the new size as well.
Use some decorative tape to the bottom of the paper tube and draw an arrow pointing to the left to indicate which direction to turn the tube.
For more ideas, activities, and free printable resources about teaching emotions, check out our emotions theme page!
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