Cooldown Process

Both children and adults need strategies to cool down when facing stressful situations. Stressful situations in the classroom or in the world around us can make it hard to think clearly, stay connected with students and other adults, and communicate effectively. If we practice cooldown strategies, we can be prepared to manage our emotions during stressful or challenging situations, and that will help us choose a response that is healthy for you (the adult), the child/children in your classroom, and the situation at hand.

1. Pause
2. Identify your feeling: I feel ___ (angry, nervous, hurt, frustrated, scared, worried, hopeless, etc.)
3. Choose something that helps you cool down (e.g., five deep belly breaths, neck stretches, a sip of cold water, repeating a positive/encouraging mantra, taking a break and coming back later, physical activity, etc.)
4. Identify your goal: I want to respond ____ (calmly, carefully, respectfully, sternly, using “I messages,” etc.)
5. Go (Respond and return to activity or conversation)
6. Reflect (In a later moment, reflect on how the process worked.)

Keep a running list of the moments you notice needing to use your cooldown strategies. It could be as simple as writing a sticky note with the time of day, the individuals involved, and the triggering event. At the end of each week, reflect on these moments.

• Do you notice any patterns? Why might this be?
• What are your triggers and what has been effective for you in those moments?
• Was it easy or difficult to cool down in the moment? Why? What, if anything, would you adjust or change for next time?