Controlled Cal helps children learn to pause, manage their impulses, and make thoughtful choices instead of reacting right away. Through storytelling, movement, positive self-talk, and practice, children develop tools they can use at school, at home, and with others.
Positive Self-Talk
“I am in control.”
How to Use This Lesson
1. Meet Controlled Cal
Introduce Controlled Cal, a real Powerful You kid who is learning self-control. Look at Cal's face and ask, “How do you think Cal is feeling?” Talk about times when children feel angry, frustrated, or upset and how they can make helpful choices.
2. Breathe & Stretch
Choose a simple stretch from the Breathe and Stretch on the Beach book or follow Cal's FREE movement video. Practice taking slow, deep breaths to help calm the body.
3. Read the Powerful You Story
Read Controlled Cal's story from the Powerful You Primary book or laminated cards. Talk about Cal's feelings and ask, “What can you do when you feel really upset?”
4. Practice Positive Self-Talk
Say Cal's phrase together: “I am in control.” Practice saying it aloud, then quietly in your mind. Remind children that they can use these words to help themselves make a good choice when big feelings arise.
5. Write or Draw
Choose a writing or drawing activity from the Powerful You Primary book. Invite children to draw a time when they felt upset and something they could do to calm themselves.
6. Role-Play
Let children hold Cal's laminated card and pretend to be Controlled Cal! Act out a situation such as someone grabbing a toy, cutting in line, or saying something unkind. Practice keeping hands to yourself, walking away, taking deep breaths, and using positive self-talk.
7. Display the Skill Sign
Display Controlled Cal's Self-Control Steps sign where children can see it. Practice his five calming strategies together: put hands in pockets, place the tongue on the roof of the mouth, walk away from trouble, take 5–10 slow deep breaths, and quietly say, “I am in control.”
8. Collect & Celebrate with Digital Brag Tags
Notice children practicing self-control, especially when they feel frustrated or disappointed. Celebrate their efforts with Digital Brag Tags and say, “You used your Powerful You thinking!”
Breathe and Stretch on the Beach is an interactive listening and movement game that helps children build focus, confidence, calmness, and self-awareness through playful stretching and positive self-talk. Designed for ages 3 and up, this engaging resource can be used in the classroom, counseling groups, therapy settings, or at home by teachers, counselors, parents, and caregivers.
After learning the beach-themed poses, a leader calls out poses in any order, encouraging participants to listen carefully, move mindfully, and practice deep breathing, stretching, and relaxation. Children stay engaged while developing important social-emotional and self-regulation skills in a fun, active way.
Participants will:
Understand and practice controlled breathing
Respect personal space by moving safely without touching others
Strengthen self-control using nonverbal communication
Improve focus and attention
Increase self-awareness
Replace negative self-talk with positive self-talk
Build joy, strength, gratitude, and confidence
Each pose is paired with empowering affirmations so children can embody positive mindsets as they move. Examples include:
Coconut Tree, Eagle, Airplane – I am focused
Sports Boat, Charge Your Battery, Flying Fish – I am full of energy
Hurricane – I step aside for others
Crab – I let my light shine
Paddleboard – I am responsible for what I say, think, and do
Breathe and Stretch on the Beach is a joyful way to help children move their bodies, calm their minds, and grow strong from the inside out.