Anxious Children in a Classroom sometimes need your help as Educators to Feel Calm and Safe. This is a very effective tool and activity for their benefit.
Teachers can keep a printed copy of the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise in their classroom as a practical, easy-to-use resource to support students who may be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or unsettled. Displaying it on a calming corner wall, inside a student wellbeing folder, or on a desk can help create a safe and supportive environment.
How to Use: Guide the student through each step, encouraging them to name 5 things they see, 4 things they feel, 3 things they hear, 2 things they smell, and 1 they taste to help ground and calm them. This tool encourages mindfulness by guiding students to connect with their senses and return to the present moment.
This is a multipurpose tool: Beyond anxiety in students, the 5-4-3-2-1 technique can be used to support emotional regulation, focus during transitions, or as part of daily classroom routines to build resilience and awareness. It’s a versatile strategy that promotes mental wellbeing for all students, and can be introduced during whole-class activities or used individually as needed.
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