Introduction

Recognizing and managing emotions is a vital skill for kindergarten students in special education. By learning the target skill of asking to take a break, students can better cope with stressful situations and maintain a positive learning environment.

Understanding the Skill: Asking to Take a Break

The target skill, asking to take a break, involves students identifying when they are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or frustrated and requesting a short break to regain control of their emotions. This skill positively impacts their learning, social interactions, and overall wellbeing.

The Role of Specialists

Various specialists can support the development of the target skill in students:

• Speech-Language Pathologists: Help students communicate their emotions and needs effectively.
• Social Workers: Teach students to identify and manage strong emotions.
• Psychologists: Provide strategies for emotional regulation and coping with stress.
• School Counselors: Assist in creating a supportive environment for students to practice the target skill.

IEP Goals for Asking to Take a Break

Here are specific SMART IEP goals to improve the target skill in students, along with strategies and activities to implement them:

1. Goal: Student will independently identify the need for a break and appropriately ask for one in 4 out of 5 instances.
   • Strategy: Teach students to recognize physical and emotional signs of stress.
   • Activity: Practice role-playing scenarios where students ask for breaks calmly and politely.
2. Goal: Student will utilize calming strategies, such as deep breathing, before asking for a break in 4 out of 5 instances.
   • Strategy: Introduce various calming techniques and practice them regularly.
   • Activity: Establish a designated calming area in the classroom where students can practice deep breathing or other relaxation techniques.

Implementing and Measuring Progress

To implement these goals and measure progress, follow these concise tips:

• Collaborate with specialists to provide support and resources.
• Monitor and document student progress in recognizing emotions and asking for breaks.
• Review and adjust IEP goals as needed based on student progress.

Conclusion

Incorporating the target skill of asking to take a break into IEP goals is an effective way to help kindergarten students manage emotions and create a positive learning environment. We encourage you to apply these goals and strategies in your classroom and invite you to explore more resources at Everyday Speech Sample Materials.