Count to 10

Why should I do it:

Provides students with a quick immediate coping strategy
Easy to do
Students can initiate and carry the technique out independently
Fast to teach and do
Effective
Can be shortened or lengthened to meet individual student needs
Good for all age ranges
Can be used anywhere at any time
 

When should I do it:

When a student is upset, emotional, angry, etc
When a student is overwhelmed
Before or after stressful events and times
When students appear distressed, stressed, anxious, or nervous
Before tests, speeches, group work, etc
 

How do I do it:

You can teach students this technique individually or as a class
Tell students to take 10 deep slow breaths, counting each one until they reach 10
Have students identify when they feel they would need to use the technique, explaining what it means to be stressed, anxious, upset, etc and when and what may cause these feelings
Have students identify what physical effects these feelings and experiences may have, which will help students know when to count to 10, for example, shaking, crying, jittery, etc