Puffin

Teacher Tools 🎓

Everything you need to bring calm and connection to your classroom — in seconds.

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Quick Launch
Project these on your smartboard instantly
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Classroom Breathing Timer
4 guided breathing techniques — box, belly, 4-7-8, and rainbow. Large display, fullscreen mode, puffin guide. Perfect for transitions and calming moments.
↗ Open Timer
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Emotional Check-In Board
Live mood map of your class. Students tap their feeling anonymously — you see the trends in real time. Great for morning meetings and transitions.
↗ Open Dashboard
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Group Calming Scripts
Read aloud to guide your class through a calming practice — no prep needed
Morning Grounding 🌅
2–3 minutes · Best at the start of the day

[Speak slowly and gently]
"Good morning, everyone. Let's take a moment to arrive — to let our bodies know we're here and ready."

"Sit comfortably. Feel your feet flat on the floor. Feel your back against your chair." pause 3s

"Close your eyes if that feels comfortable, or look down at your hands." pause 3s

"Take a slow breath in through your nose… and breathe out through your mouth." pause 5s "One more time. Breathe in…" pause 4s "…and breathe out." pause 4s

"Now notice three things you can feel right now — maybe the chair beneath you, the air, your hands in your lap." pause 6s

"You made it here. Whatever happened before school, you get a fresh start right now." pause 3s

"Take one last big breath in… hold it for just a moment…" pause 3s "…and let it all the way out. Well done. Open your eyes when you're ready. Today is a good day."

Teacher tip: Pair with the check-in board after — students are calmer and more honest about their feelings after a grounding exercise.
Transition Calm 🔄
60–90 seconds · Between subjects or activities

[Use a calm, steady voice — no hurry]
"Let's do a quick reset before we move on. Everyone freeze — hands still, eyes forward." pause 3s

"Take a big breath in through your nose — fill up your belly like a balloon." pause 4s "Now let it go slowly through your mouth — like you're fogging up a cold window." pause 5s

"One more. In…" pause 4s "…and out." pause 4s

"We just left [subject]. Now we're moving into [next activity]. Leave those thoughts behind — your brain is ready for something new."

"When I count to three, show me your ready face. One… two… three." pause 2s

Teacher tip: Works especially well after tests or emotionally heavy discussions. The "freeze" cue resets nervous systems quickly.
Stress Release 🌊
3–4 minutes · After conflict, assessments, or tough moments

[Lower your own voice — model calm]
"I can feel there's some big energy in the room. That's okay — big feelings are information. Let's work with them."

"Find your seat. Plant your feet. Let your hands rest on your legs." pause 4s

"Now squeeze every muscle in your body — your hands, your face, your tummy — as tight as you can." pause 4s "And… let it all go. Completely loose." pause 4s

"Do that again. Squeeze everything tight…" pause 4s "…and release. Notice how different that feels." pause 4s

"Now breathe in for 4 counts — 1, 2, 3, 4." pause 4s "Hold for 4 — 1, 2, 3, 4." pause 4s "Breathe out for 4 — 1, 2, 3, 4." pause 4s

"You just moved some of that tension out of your body. It doesn't mean the problem is gone — it means you're calm enough to handle it."

Teacher tip: Progressive muscle relaxation (the squeeze-and-release) is backed by research. It works in under 60 seconds and doesn't require silence — just participation.
Focus Reset 🎯
90 seconds · Before assessments or deep work

[Calm and encouraging tone]
"Before we begin, let's set up our brains for focus. This takes less than two minutes — and it actually works."

"Sit up tall. Roll your shoulders back. Look at one spot in front of you." pause 3s

"Take a slow breath in through your nose for 4 counts — 1, 2, 3, 4." pause 4s "Hold at the top — 1, 2, 3, 4." pause 4s "Out slowly for 4 — 1, 2, 3, 4." pause 4s "Hold empty — 1, 2, 3, 4." pause 4s

"That was box breathing. Do it one more time on your own." pause 16s

"Good. Your nervous system just shifted into a calmer state. Your brain works better when you're calm, not when you're panicking. You've got this."

Teacher tip: Use the Breathing Timer on your smartboard at the same time — students can follow the animated circle while you read the script.
End of Day 🌙
2–3 minutes · Last 5 minutes of class

[Soft, warm voice — like a wind-down]
"Before you pack up, let's take a breath together. Today happened — all of it. Let's acknowledge it."

"Think of one small thing that went well today — it doesn't have to be big. A kind word, something you understood, a moment that felt okay." pause 8s

"Hold that thought. Breathe in slowly…" pause 4s "…and breathe out." pause 4s

"Now let go of anything that didn't go well today. You can't fix it right now, and that's okay. Tomorrow is a new page." pause 5s

"Take one more breath in…" pause 4s "…and out." pause 4s

"You showed up today. That matters. See you tomorrow."

Teacher tip: This is also great for you. Students pick up on teacher energy — when you do this genuinely, the room shifts.
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Printable SEL Posters
Print and display in your classroom — Playful Puffin branded
💡 Click Print Poster to open a print-ready version. Use your browser's print dialog (Ctrl/Cmd+P) to save as PDF or print directly. Best at A4 or Letter size.
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How Am I Feeling?
9-emotion wheel with emoji icons. Perfect for morning check-ins.
Emotion Wheel
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Belly Breathing
Step-by-step breathing guide your students can follow independently.
Breathing Guide
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My Calming Toolkit
6 self-regulation strategies students can use on their own.
Calming Toolkit
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Growth Mindset
Yet! Powerful reframes — "I can't do this" → "I can't do this yet."
Growth Mindset
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Kind Words
Phrases that build kindness and empathy in your classroom community.
Kind Words Wall
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Body Check-In
Where do you feel it in your body? Connects emotions to physical sensations.
Body Check-In