Lesson: The Three Baskets of Calm

Lesson: The Three Baskets of Calm


💛 Introduction

This gentle lesson introduces children to emotional boundaries in a simple and visual way.

Using the Three Baskets of Calm, children begin to understand what belongs to them, what they can ask for help with, and what they can gently let go of.

This supports children in feeling calmer, more confident and more in control of their inner world.


🎯 Learning Focus

  • Children understand the difference between what they can and cannot control

  • Children begin to recognise when they need support

  • Children learn that it is okay to let some things go

  • Children build confidence and emotional awareness


🌱 What You’ll Need

  • Three baskets (or printed basket visuals)

  • Sorting cards 

Basket labels:

  • My Choices Basket (Feel It Fiona)

  • We Can Share Basket (Feel It Friends)

  • Let It Go Basket (Marcus Meerkat)


🧠 Lesson Overview

Introduce the idea that not everything we think or feel needs to be held onto.

Explain the three baskets in simple language:

  • My Choices Basket - things I can do or choose

  • We Can Share Basket - things I can ask for help with

  • Let It Go Basket - things I cannot control

Reassure children:

👉 This is not about getting things right - just noticing and learning.


🐾 Activity

Give children simple scenarios, thoughts or feelings to explore.

For example:

  • "I feel worried about a test"

  • "Someone is being unkind"

  • "I forgot my homework"

Invite children to decide where each one might go:

  • Can I do something about this?

  • Can I ask for help?

  • Or is this something I can gently let go of?

Children can place cards into the baskets or move to different areas of the room.


💬 Reflection

Ask gentle questions:

  • Which basket felt easiest to use?

  • Was anything tricky to decide?

  • How does it feel when we let something go?

Reassure children:

👉 We don’t always know straight away - and that’s okay.


🌈 Bringing It Into the Day

Use simple prompts throughout the day:

  • "Is this something in your control?"

  • "Could we share this with someone?"

  • "Is this something we can let go of?"

Over time, this helps children feel more calm, capable and supported.


📎 Resources

 

Download Full Lesson Plan

Download Lesson Resources

Download Sorting Cards

Download Sorting Cards

 

🌿 Gentle Reminder

This is not about telling children to ignore their feelings.

It is about helping them understand what belongs to them, feel supported and gently release what they cannot control.