Make-N-Takes Archives

Breathing Choices Spinner

Use this fun, easy to assemble spinner to help children practice active calming and the four main breathing exercises in Conscious Discipline: S.T.A.R., Drain, Pretzel and Balloon. Age 2 (with help) and up Helps with Active Calming Self-Regulation Tool Use Self-Regulation and/or Safe Place Resource Classrooms Parent Nights Staff Training Home Use Format Instructions 8.5×11” […]

Choice Board – I Love You Rituals

With this simple I Love You Ritual choice board, you can prompt children to choose playful interactions that promote connection and optimal development. Even infants can get in on the fun by pointing or looking at their preference. Choices include favorite I Love You rituals like Round and Round the Garden, Wonderful Woman, and Twinkle […]

Choice Board with Breathing Icons

Practice choices, active calming and the four main breathing exercises in Conscious Discipline (S.T.A.R., Drain, Pretzel and Balloon) with this cute, colorful choice board and create new breathing choices of your own. Use in your Safe Place or any other place active calming reminders would be helpful. . You even have the option of creating […]

Choices Board for Greetings

Set the tone for a fun, cooperative day of learning with our choice board for greetings. Children can choose how they would like to be greeted from a variety of options, including Smile, Handshake, Peek-A-Boo, and Happy Dance. Use the blank cards to create playful greetings of your own! Age 2 (with help) and up […]

Conscious Discipline Cream Labels

Transform bottles of lotion into Cranky Cream, Comfort Cream and Boo-Boo Cream for use in your home or classroom’s Safe Place or We Care Center. Children can use these creams to calm themselves during moments of upset, or they can offer them to others as an expression of empathy and compassion. Age 2 (with help) […]

Family Jobs Board

In the School Family, every student has a job that contributes to the greater good of the class. Use our Family Jobs Board to give your children the same experience with jobs at home. Simply cut out the provided job cards (and create some of your own), then post each child’s assigned jobs next to […]

Feeling Faces Spinner

Help children practice recognizing and naming emotions with this simple Feeling Faces Spinner. Just give it a spin, then imitate the feeling face where the arrow lands. Age 2 (with help) and up Helps with Self-regulation Naming and Identifying Emotions Use Classrooms Parent Nights Staff Training Home Use Format Instructions 8.5×11” single-sided color printout Materials […]

Feeling Faces Wheel

This colorful Feeling Faces Wheel is a helpful tool for children to identify their feelings, even if they’re not communicating verbally. As the feeling face wheel rotates, a new feeling face is revealed in the window. Below the window, you’ll find breathing icons as a reminder of Conscious Discipline active calming techniques. Age 2 (with […]

Game: A.C.T. Scenarios: Ages 4 and Up

This role-playing activity helps teachers practice the A.C.T. process (Acknowledge the child’s deepest desire and intent; Clarify what skills to use; Take time to practice). Read and roleplay the eleven scenarios, then have staff members respond using A.C.T. For beginners, hold up the included cue card as a reminder of the A.C.T. steps and language. […]

Game: A.C.T. Scenarios: Infants & Toddlers

This role-playing activity helps early childhood educators practice the A.C.T. process (Acknowledge the child’s deepest desire and intent; Calm by breathing to slow down; Target two positive choices). Read and roleplay the ten scenarios, then have staff members respond using A.C.T. For beginners, hold up the included cue card as a reminder of the A.C.T. […]

Game: Brain Game

The Brain Game is a fun partner activity to review the information in Workshop 1: Becoming Brain Smart on the Conscious Discipline LIVE! DVD series. Each person picks a question card from the brain deck, pairs up, and asks the question to their partner. Partners then trade cards, look for a new partner, and repeat […]

Game: Brain State Model: Game Poster

Perfect for staff trainings and professional development, the Brain State Model Game asks educators to complete a brain state model with appropriate questions (e.g., “Am I safe?”), brain states, helpful phrases, and behaviors. Pair with Brain State Model: Pieces. Age Adults Helps With Reviewing the brain state model Use Activity appropriate for staff training and […]

Game: Brain State Model: Pieces

Perfect for staff trainings and professional development, the Brain State Model Game asks educators to complete a brain state model with appropriate questions (e.g., “Am I safe?”), brain states, helpful phrases, and behaviors. Pair with Brain State Model: Game Poster. Age Adults Helps With Reviewing the brain state model Use Activity appropriate for staff training […]

Game: Button Pushing ABCs

Whether it’s whining, interrupting, or ignoring directions, we all have behaviors that really “push our buttons,” triggering internal upset. In these situations, we often react negatively rather than responding effectively. With Conscious Discipline, we can learn a better way. This group activity helps adults practice active calming in the face of their own personal “button-pushing” […]

Game: Connection Bingo

Connection Bingo helps large groups mingle, get to know one another and form connections. The printable bingo card lists sixteen characteristics, including “lives in a different time zone” and “can Drain (and they must show you!).” To win, players must collect a signature in each box. No repeats! Age Adults Helps With Making connections Building […]

Game: Conscious Discipline Charades

This group activity transforms the classic game of Charades into a spirited Conscious Discipline review that will unite your staff. Categories include Classroom Jobs, Classroom Structures, Classroom Rituals and Stress Release. Age Adults Helps With Learning and reviewing classroom jobs, classroom structures, classroom rituals and strategies for stress release Building community Use Activity appropriate for […]

Game: Consequences

Shifting from punitive discipline to natural and logical consequences can be difficult, but repeated practice helps! This activity provides a variety of scenarios, asking you to identify the most effective type of consequence and use prompts to practice the corresponding language of Conscious Discipline. Age Adults Helps With Identifying and applying effective consequences using the […]

Game: Noticing That Encourages

The skill of noticing is foundational to the successful implementation of Conscious Discipline. Practice this vital skill using the scenarios and cue card provided here. Age Adults Helps With Practicing noticing, which helps us be present, encourage helpfulness in children and build positive relationships Use Activity appropriate for staff training Professional development Parent nights Format […]

Game: Pivot Play

Conscious Discipline asks us to transform our responses to challenging behaviors. This is a challenging and ongoing process, but Pivot Play provides a helpful practice opportunity. Start by reading a card with a standard (and ineffective) response to a child’s behavior. Then S.T.A.R., open your heart and wish well, pivot with your body, and rephrase […]

Game: Seven Powers of Self-Control

This group activity will help your staff review the Seven Powers of Self-Control while building connections with one another. Age Adults Helps With Reviewing the seven powers, building and strengthening connections Use Activity appropriate for Staff Training Professional Development Format Directions Two 8.5×11” single-sided printouts Materials Scissors Tape or Glue Printed Power Slogan Cube Printed […]

Game: Trivia Game

Review the skills, powers and structures of Conscious Discipline with this fun trivia game. Categories include Brain Research, Powers for Self-Control, Discipline Skills, and School Family™. Correct answers are rewarded with Shubert Dollars! Age Adults Helps With Reviewing the skills, powers and structures of Conscious Discipline Use Activity appropriate for Staff Training Professional Development Format […]

Greeter Board & Safekeeper

Our fun, colorful Greeter Board helps you set the tone for a cooperative day of learning and connection. The accompanying Safekeeper Box labels reinforce your job as the Safekeeper of your classroom, giving the children in your care a felt sense of safety. Age 2 (with help) and up Helps with Establishing a Felt Sense […]

I Love You Rituals Choices Spinner

Spin the I Love You Rituals Choices Spinner, then perform the I Love You Ritual that the arrow lands on. Includes seven I Love You Ritual cards, plus space to make a couple of your own. Remember the four connection ingredients: eye contact, touch, presence, and a playful situation! Age Infant (with help) and up […]

Kindness Pizza

The Kindness Pizza is a silly, symbolic way to record kindnesses. Each time your students or children perform a kind act, note it by sticking a pepperoni on the Kindness Pizza. This helps you focus on kind acts, see the best in others and practice unity. Age 2 (with help) and up Helps with Focusing […]

Kindness Tree

Buy the Kindness Tree: Build a Kind Classroom Use the Kindness Tree to recognize and celebrate acts of kindness in your School Family or home. Each time a kind act occurs, simply attach a heart to the Kindness Tree to represent the kindnesses occurring in your classroom or home. Age 2 (with help) and up […]

My School Family Circle Time Book (Brain Smart Start for Circle Time)

Dr. Bailey’s Conscious Discipline Brain Smart Start consists of four activities designed to get children and adults in the optimal brain state for learning and problem-solving. These components include an activity to Unite, an activity to Disengage Stress, an activity to Connect and an activity to Commit. This Circle Time Book was created by special […]

Pause Breathing Choices Wheel

The Pause Breathing Choice Wheel helps children choose an active calming breathing technique, even if they are not communicating it verbally. As the breathing icon wheel rotates, a new breathing icon is revealed in the window. Children can point or nod to indicate their choice. Age 2 (with help) and up Helps with Active Calming […]

Visual Routines

Young children’s brains encode information in pictures, so visual routines help your home or classroom run more safely, smoothly, and cooperatively. Use the directions and cards provided here to create visual routines for your children or students. For young children, use no more than six steps. Age 1 (with help) and up Helps with Safety […]

We Care Cards: Letter to Parents

As you implement Conscious Discipline, remember that parents are part of your School Family too! This letter introduces Conscious Discipline and the use of We Care Cards to parents. It also explains the meaning of each card and provides suggestions to help parents celebrate. Age Adults Helps with Parent communication and connection Celebrations Explaining Conscious […]

We Care Cards: Mini Cards: You Did It!

Celebrate the children in your classroom using these mini “You Did It!” cards. Simply fill in the blanks: “You _____________ so ______________________. That was __________ (e.g. helpful, kind)!” Age 3 (with help) and up Helps with Building confidence and connection Encouraging Celebrating Use Classroom Can be adapted for use in the home Format Single-sided 8.5×11” […]

We Care Cards: Mini Cards: You Make a Difference

Demonstrate to the children in your classroom that they are a valued and important part of your School Family using these mini “You Make a Difference!” cards. Simply fill in the blanks: “You __________ so ______________. That was ________________ (e.g. helpful, kind)!” Age 3 (with help) and up Helps with Building Confidence and Connection Encouraging […]

We Care Cards: Note Cards

These note cards are illustrated with pictures of Shubert and his School Family. They include a variety of phrases, such as “Be the Star that You Are,” “We Care About You,” “We Wish You Well,” and “Way to Go! You Did It!” Pass these notes to your students or colleagues to provide encouragement and show […]

We Care Cards: Post Cards

Write encouraging and celebratory notes using these Post Cards, illustrated with pictures of Shubert and his School Family. Phrases include, “I noticed…” and “You did it!” Age 3 (with help) and up Helps with Building Confidence and Connection Encouraging Celebrating Use Classroom Can be adapted for use in the home Format Single-sided 8.5×11” printout Materials […]

We Care Cards: We Care Sentence

Use these cute, colorful We Care Sentences to tell your students or co-workers, “We missed you,” “I love you,” “I wish you well,” “I hope you feel better,” “You can do it,” and more. Age 3 (with help) and up Helps with Building Confidence and Connection Encouraging Celebrating Use Classroom Can be adapted for use […]

We Care Cards: You Did It! – Big Voice

When children use their assertive Big Voice, celebrate by giving them a You Did It! -Big Voice card. These colorful cards read, “You did it! You used your BIG voice so others could learn. Way to go!” Age 3 (with help) and up Helps with Building Confidence and Connection Celebrating Encouraging Assertiveness Promoting Respect Use […]

We Care Cards: You Did It! – Commitment

Making a commitment activates the prefrontal lobes and promotes mindful attention. Following through on the commitment builds self-esteem. When the children in your classroom stick to their daily commitments, celebrate success using a You Did It! -Commitment card. Age 3 (with help) and up Helps with Building Confidence and Connection Encouraging Celebrating Promoting Attention Use […]

We Care Cards: You Did It! – Finished Your Work

When your students finish their work, celebrate with a You Did It! -Finished Your Work card. These colorful cards read, “You did it! You worked hard, stayed focused, and finished all your work. Good for you!” Age 3 (with help) and up Helps with Building Confidence and Connection Encouraging Celebrating Use Classroom Can be adapted […]

We Care Cards: You Did It! – Helpful Day

Being helpful builds self-worth and responsibility. Celebrate and encourage helpful behavior using You Did It! -Helpful Day cards. These cards show your students that they have made meaningful contributions to your School Family. Age 3 (with help) and up Helps with Building Confidence and Connection Encouraging Helpfulness Celebrating Use Classroom Can be adapted for use […]

We Care Cards: You Did It! – Jobs

Jobs allow students to practice responsibility, build self-worth, and feel that they make valuable and necessary contributions to the School Family. Multiply these benefits by celebrating completed jobs with a You Did It! -Jobs card. Age 3 (with help) and up Helps with Building Confidence and Connection Encouraging Celebrating Use Classroom Format 8.5×11” printout Materials […]

We Care Cards: You Did It! – Kindness

These colorful cards can help you notice and encourage kind acts in your classroom. Specifically, these cards are designed to celebrate students who go “back in time” to change a hurtful situation into a helpful interaction. Age 3 (with help) and up Helps with Building Confidence and Connection Encouraging Celebrating Use Classroom Can be adapted […]

We Care Cards: You Did It! – S.T.A.R.

S.T.A.R. is the first step toward maintaining composure when a situation is uncomfortable or when things don’t go our way. This is a difficult skill for everyone, so celebrate children who remain calm and in control with a You Did It! -S.T.A.R. card. Age 3 (with help) and up Helps with Building Confidence and Connection […]

We Care Cards: You Did It! – Safe Classroom

In Conscious Discipline, the teacher’s job is to keep it safe. The students’ job is to help keep it safe. Celebrate when children do this essential job (and encourage safety) using these You Did It! -Safe Classroom cards. Age 3 (with help) and up Helps with Building Confidence and Connection Encouraging Safety Celebrating Use Classroom […]

We Care Cards: You Did It! – Safe Place

When students use the Safe Place to maintain their composure, celebrate it with You Did It! -Safe Place cards. These colorful cards read, “You did it! You used the Safe Place to keep yourself and the class safe. Hooray for you!” Age 3 (with help) and up Helps with Building Confidence and Connection Encouraging Celebrating […]

We Care Cards: You Did It! – Thoughtful

You Did It! -Thoughtfulness cards celebrate when children take the time to show empathy and compassion for a friend. Specifically, these notes recognize students who write “We Care” notes for their classmates. Age 3 (with help) and up Helps with Building Confidence and Connection Encouraging Empathy Celebrating Use Classroom Can be adapted for use in […]