Self-regulation • Calm body • Breathing strategies• SEL Story + Activities• My Magic Breath in My Pocket

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Self-regulation • Calm body • Breathing strategies

My Magic Breath in My Pocket is an SEL story and printables pack that helps students notice their body clues, name big feelings, and use simple breathing strategies to feel steady again. When Sofia is called on to read aloud, her heart “gallops,” her hands get tight, and the words on the page start to float. With a caring teacher, a Calm Corner, and a “pocket breath” she can carry anywhere, Sofia learns to take one small brave step instead of letting nervous feelings be the boss.

This resource weaves self-regulation, calm body tools, and explicit breathing practice into meaningful reading, writing, and discussion activities for Grades 2–5.

What’s included

• Printable storybook – “My Magic Breath in My Pocket”
  Short, relatable SEL story about feeling nervous reading aloud, using the Calm Corner, and practicing a simple pocket breath (pause → in for 3 → out for 4).
• Comprehension Questions (12 open-ended)
  Focus on setting, body clues, big feelings, Calm Corner, pocket breath steps, and how Sofia changes from beginning to end.
• Reading Check page
  True/False, multiple choice, and sequence of events to quickly assess understanding.
• Story Map graphic organizer
  Characters, setting, problem, key events, solution, and theme/lesson.
• SEL Reflection Sheet – My Magic Breath in My Pocket
  Students choose a powerful moment, list Sofia’s body clues, think about adult support, and write about big feelings at school using a student-friendly format.
• My Calm Toolkit – Notice–Name–Do–Say–Next Time
  A step-by-step self-regulation framework that guides students to notice body clues, name a feeling, choose a calm strategy (pocket breath, Calm Corner, ask for help, small step), use kind self-talk, and make a simple “next time” plan.
• Writing Prompt – “My Pocket Breath Story”
  Narrative / reflective writing page with lines, word bank, and checklist so students can describe a real or imagined time they felt nervous and used a calm strategy.
• Role-Play Cards
  Four scenarios (being called on to read, Calm Corner coach, hearing a whisper, choosing a small step) to practice calm language, asking for a break, and trying again.
• Bonus activities
  • “My Pocket Anchor” cut-and-write page
  • “Pocket Breath Bookmark” to cut, color, and keep as a concrete reminder of the breathing steps and a small step goal.
• Coloring pages
  Line-art scenes of Sofia in class with her pocket anchor and sitting in the Calm Corner – perfect for calm centers, early finishers, or art + writing.
• Teacher Guide
  Detailed lesson objectives, SEL and ELA standards alignment, suggested pacing, step-by-step lesson plan, discussion questions, extension ideas, and assessment suggestions.

Skills and SEL focus

• Self-regulation & self-management
• Noticing body clues and early signs of anxiety
• Using breathing strategies (pocket breath – in for 3, out for 4)
• Building a calm body plan with concrete tools
• Naming feelings and using kind self-talk
• Taking “one small step” when something feels too big
• Reading comprehension, story structure, and reflective writing

How to use this resource

Use this pack as a stand-alone SEL lesson, a mini-unit (2–4 days), or to reinforce your Calm Corner routines, morning meetings, small-group counseling, or reading intervention groups.

It’s especially helpful for students who:

• worry about reading aloud or speaking in front of others;
• freeze, shut down, or say “I can’t” when feelings get big;
• benefit from visual, concrete breathing and self-regulation tools.

Just print and go – everything you need for an engaging, emotionally safe lesson is included.