Calm Down Steps When I'm Feeling Angry

When to use this story

This social story, Calm Down Steps When I'm Feeling Angry, is a helpful resource for moments when children may experience strong feelings of anger. It is particularly beneficial during transitions, peer interactions, or when facing unexpected changes. Using this story can empower children to identify and manage their emotions more effectively, fostering resilience and emotional intelligence.

What's inside

In Calm Down Steps When I'm Feeling Angry, children are guided through relatable scenarios that illustrate feelings of anger. The story begins with simple statements like, "Sometimes, I feel angry. My fists get tight. My voice gets loud." It offers clear, actionable steps to help children navigate these emotions, such as taking deep breaths and counting to ten. The narrative encourages children to seek a break when needed, reinforcing the idea that it’s perfectly okay to pause and regroup. The story concludes with a positive affirmation, helping children reconnect with their peers after calming down: "I feel better now."

What kids learn

Through this engaging social story, children learn essential strategies for emotional regulation. They discover how to:

• Recognize the physical signs of anger.
• Implement calming techniques such as deep breathing and counting.
• Understand the importance of taking breaks to regain composure.
• Communicate their needs by asking for a break when feeling overwhelmed.

These skills not only help in managing anger but also promote overall emotional awareness and social interactions.

Research context

The tradition of using social stories, as pioneered by Carol Gray, provides a framework for helping children understand social situations and emotional responses. Research in narrative-based social-emotional learning (SEL) further supports the effectiveness of storytelling as a tool for teaching emotional regulation. By incorporating relatable narratives, children can connect with the content on a personal level, making it easier for them to apply these skills in real-life situations.

Tips for parents and educators

• Read the story together in a quiet setting to foster understanding.
• Encourage children to share their own experiences related to anger.
• Practice the calming techniques together during relaxed moments.
• Reinforce the use of phrases from the story, like "I need a break, please," in everyday situations.
• Celebrate small successes when children use the calming steps independently.