Lesson 4: Calm Tools and Remembering with Eddie Elephant
💛 Introduction
This gentle lesson introduces children to Eddie Elephant, who helps us remember what makes us feel calm and safe.
Children learn that there are simple tools they can use when their body or feelings feel big.
This is not about fixing feelings.
It is about helping children build awareness of what supports them, and knowing they have choices.
🎯 Learning Focus
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Children learn simple calming tools
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Children begin to recognise what helps them feel safe
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Children understand they can choose what works for them
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Children build confidence in supporting themselves
🌿 What You’ll Need
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Eddie Elephant character card (optional)
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Calm, comfortable space
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Optional calming props (breathing card, soft toy, quiet corner items)
🧠 Lesson Overview
Begin by introducing Eddie Elephant as the character who helps us remember what helps us feel calm.
Explain that:
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Sometimes our feelings can feel big or overwhelming
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There are simple things we can do to help ourselves
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Different things work for different people
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We can learn and remember what helps us
Reassure children that they are not alone and there is always something that can support them.
🐘 Activity – Exploring Calm Tools
Gather children together and introduce a few simple calming tools.
You might include:
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Taking a slow breath
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Sitting quietly for a moment
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Feeling the ground under your feer
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Closing eyes and imagining a calm place
Use gentle language such as:
"Eddie Elephant helps us remember what makes us feel calm…"
Invite children to:
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Try one or two simple tools
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Notice how it feels in their body
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Share what they liked (if they wish)
You can model examples:
"When I feel busy inside, I like to take a slow breath."
💬 Reflection
Ask gentle questions such as:
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What helped you feel calm?
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Was there something you liked?
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What might you try next time?
Remind children that everyone is different, and that’s okay.
🌈 Bringing It Into the Day
You can revisit calm tools throughout the day by saying:
"What might help you right now?"
"Can we try one of our calm tools?"
This helps children begin to independently choose strategies that support them.
📎 Resources
Download Full Lesson Plan
Download Breathing Tools
🌿 Gentle Reminder
This is not about telling children how to calm down.
It is about helping them discover what supports them and trusting that they can learn what works best for them.
