As teachers, we know that helping students identify and manage their emotions is just as important as academics. But finding simple, ready-to-use tools to support social-emotional learning (SEL) can feel overwhelming.
Today, I’m sharing two of my favorite printable SEL resources that make it easy to create a calm, connected classroom: the Feelings Check-In Tool Kit and the Calming Strategy Menus.
1. Feelings Check-In Tool Kit
This resource is designed to help K–3 students name and share how they’re feeling in simple, developmentally appropriate ways.
What’s Included:
✅ 1–5 Feelings Scale
✅ Weather & Animal-themed check-ins
✅ Sentence starter page
✅ Teacher guide with ideas for use
These printable pages are perfect for:
✨ Morning meetings
✨ Calm down corners
✨ One-on-one check-ins
✨ Counseling sessions
Teachers have told me their students love the variety of visuals—especially the weather and animal options!
2. Calming Strategy Choice Boards and Mini Menus
Once students have identified how they feel, it helps to give them concrete strategies to self-regulate. The Calming Strategy Menus are printable posters that guide kids through simple calming techniques.
What You’ll Find Inside:
✅ A large visual choice board of 9 calming strategies
✅ 3 mini-menus focusing on:
- Breathing exercises
- Movement strategies
- Mindfulness activities
✅ A teacher guide with suggestions for classroom use
You can display the menus in your calm down corner or print individual copies for students.
Ideas for Using These Tools Together
- Start the day with a check-in so students can share how they feel.
- Help them pick a calming strategy if they’re dysregulated.
- Use the sentence starters as a journaling prompt or reflection activity.
- Keep copies handy for transitions or times when emotions run high.
🌟 Ready to Get Started?
Both resources are designed to save you time and support your students in building lifelong SEL skills.
✨ Explore them on TPT:
If you have any questions or want ideas for implementation, feel free to comment below or reach out—I’d love to hear how you use them in your classroom!

