Stopping the Body Steps for Preschoolers: Helping Little Ones Pause and Calm Down

Preschoolers often feel big emotions that make their bodies want to run, hit, or wiggle uncontrollably. Teaching them explicit steps to stop their body gives them a quick way to pause, regain control, and choose calmer actions.

A simple, fun process (inspired by strategies like the Turtle Technique) can look like this:

1. Notice the big feeling – Help the child recognize what’s happening (e.g., “My body feels super fast/mad/excited!”).

2. Stop your body – Say “Freeze!” or “Stop like a statue!” and have them freeze in place (arms at sides, feet planted, like a turtle pulling into its shell).

3. Take deep breaths – While frozen, breathe slowly together (e.g., “Breathe in… breathe out… like blowing bubbles”).

4. Think and choose – Ask, “What can we do now to feel better?”

Explicitly teaching these steps is important because young children’s brains are still developing impulse control—they often react with their bodies before thinking.

By guiding them to pause and stop first, we help them:

• Interrupt impulsive actions before they escalate

• Build self-control and body awareness

• Reduce physical outbursts and create space for calmer choices

• Strengthen emotional regulation and confidence

When preschoolers learn to stop their body early, they feel more empowered, experience fewer big meltdowns, and develop skills that support better friendships, learning, and emotional health throughout childhood and beyond!

​Reminder that the words are teacher prompts, and the images are for the children!

Problem-Solving Steps for Preschoolers

Preschoolers face challenges every day—from sharing toys to figuring out how to fit a puzzle piece. Teaching them explicit problem-solving steps helps turn those moments into powerful learning opportunities.

A simple, age-appropriate process includes:

1. Identify the problem – Help the child name what’s wrong (e.g., “The tower fell down!”).

2. Think of solutions – Brainstorm ideas together (e.g., “We could build it again or make it shorter”).

3. Pick one and try it – Choose the best option and give it a go.

4. Check if it worked – See what happened and try another idea if needed.

Explicitly teaching these steps is important because young children don’t automatically develop strong problem-solving skills on their own. By guiding them through the process, we build their confidence, independence, and resilience. They learn to persist through frustration, think creatively, and make better choices—skills that support social-emotional growth, academic success, and lifelong learning. In the early years, this foundation helps children view challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles!

Reminder that the words are teacher prompts, and the images are for the children!