We all get fidgety. Boredom, anxiety, anticipation… sometimes you just need a moment to reboot the booty, right?
Kids also need a moment to pause, move their bodies, or find a little quiet before they’re ready to try again. Having a few break ideas ready can make it easier to get started.
Free Printable Cool Down Slips for Kids: A Simple Way to Take a Break
That’s why I created my new FREE 5-Minute Cool Down Slips! This printable gives teachers, school counselors, parents, and daycare workers a simple way to offer children a reset during a busy day.
If you like the idea of a five-minute break menu, these slips offer a playful twist: kids can pull an activity from a hat, jar, or basket.
What’s Inside This Free Printable?
You’ll find 16 activity slips on two black-and-white pages, with clear borders for easy cutting. The activities mix movement, creativity, reflection, and quiet time.
Children might pull a slip inviting them to:
- Take five deep breaths.
- Dance it out.
- Doodle or draw an outdoor scene.
- Cuddle a stuffed animal.
- Write about something they’re grateful for.
- Listen to calming music.
Several activities suggest a five-minute break, while others involve a shorter action or a set number of movements. Adjust the timing to fit your child and your routine.
How to Make a Cool Down Jar
Getting started is easy:
- Print and cut the two pages into individual slips.
- Choose the activities that fit your setting, supplies, and children’s needs.
- Place the slips in a hat, jar, basket, or other container.
- Introduce the activities during a calm moment so children can practice with you.
- Offer a break when a child needs time to pause and regroup.
You can laminate the slips for repeated use or print another set to keep in a different room.
Drawing a slip adds a little surprise, but children can also look through a few options and choose. If one activity doesn’t feel helpful, invite them to try another.
A Simple Addition to Your Calm Down Corner
These printable cool down slips can become part of a classroom calm down corner, a school counseling space, or a cozy spot at home. They’re also easy to keep nearby for daycare transitions and after-school breaks.
Use them to introduce different coping strategies, start a conversation about what helps a child feel ready to rejoin an activity, or make an existing break routine easier to follow.
The goal is to give children a supportive opportunity to pause and practice—not to make taking a break feel like a punishment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can younger children use these cool down slips?
Yes, with adult help! Read the prompts aloud and choose suitable activities together. Children who aren’t writing yet can draw or share their thoughts aloud for journaling and gratitude prompts.
Do I need special supplies?
You’ll need a printer, scissors, and a container to prepare your set. Some prompts also call for paper, writing supplies, a stuffed animal, or access to music or videos. Those extra materials aren’t included, and you can leave out any slips that don’t fit your space.
Does every activity take five minutes?
No. Some suggest five minutes, while others are shorter or use a specific number of repetitions. Adapt the length to your routine and the child’s needs.
Can I adapt the activities for different abilities?
Absolutely. Adjust movement prompts, offer drawing or spoken responses instead of writing, and include the options that work for the children in your care.
Can kids choose instead of pulling a slip from a hat?
Yes! Offer a few suitable slips and let them choose what they’d like to try. The printable works as both a pick-from-a-hat activity and a small break menu.
Grab Your Free Cool Down Slips
Ready to put together a cool down jar for your classroom, counseling space, daycare, or home?
Click to download the FREE 5-Minute Cool Down Slips. Print, cut, and keep a few fresh break ideas within reach!
Which activity do you think the kids in your care will want to try first?
I’d Love to Hear From You!
If you use this activity, I’d love to know how it goes in your classroom or at home! Feel free to tag me on social media @creativebrainsgrowhere — I love seeing how learners explore science through hands-on creativity!
As an educator, author, and illustrator, your reviews and feedback help me continue creating meaningful, kid-friendly resources that support curious minds.
Thank you, and have a fantastic week!
— Julianne (J)
creativebrainsgrowhere.org
@creativebrainsgrowhere
❤️This resource has been donated to educators by CreativeBrainsGrowHere.org
Follow on social media @CreativeBrainsGrowHere ❤️ Donate Here
You must be logged in to post a comment.