First Waves Materials Packet

Use these printables with First Waves: My Body Tells Me. Print at 100% scale. Laminate cards and menus for durability.

Classroom License: These materials are for one classroom team (one lead teacher + paraprofessionals/support staff working in that same classroom). For multiple classrooms/schools/districts, please use additional classroom licenses or a school/district bundle.

Looking for activities (including Penny Board)? Open First Waves Activities →

You may notice colors in some visuals. During First Waves, do not label or teach colors to students.

Non-Negotiables (Read This First)

Goal: Repeat one loop, many times per day: Calm/Not Calm → support → return to Calm.

Adult delivery rules

Calm/Not Calm first. Always.
If Not Calm: offer the menu, accept any response, deliver immediately. No bargaining.
One prompt, then wait. Minimize language. Do not lecture.
Return to task fast. Support is brief, then back to Calm/Not Calm check.

Breaks in real classrooms

Break can be in-seat. Some classrooms do not have a calm spot, and breaks are not unlimited.

Support is brief. Use the menu to help the student regulate, then return to Calm/Not Calm and the task quickly.

Do NOT

Do not negotiate ("First calm then…").
Do not over-talk (no explaining, no coaching speeches).
Do not present the full feelings set (start with 1–2).

Which Not Calm Menu?

Start with Foundational: Break / Help / Squeeze.

Use Supported-only (+ WALK) if recovery is consistently <2 minutes across 2–3 days (record in ranges: <1 min, 1–2 min, 2–5 min, 5+ min), or if the student requires continuous adult guidance to use Foundational supports.

Feelings cards: how to avoid overload

Teach 1–2 feelings at a time. Do not present the full set at once.
Tired can stay available (often shows up even when other feelings are not ready).

Web viewing note

These files are print-quality and may load slowly on school Wi‑Fi. If you need faster loading, use a web-optimized copy of the packet.

Foundational (Print First: 2-Page Minimum Kit)

Start here. If you only print two pages, print these:

Optional add-ons: print later if/when you need them.

SEL Puzzle (3D Printed) — No‑Drift Add‑On Pack

Optional supports that keep the same language and the same menu (Break / Help / Squeeze).

Calm Buddy (3D Printed) — No‑Drift Add‑On

Optional breathing + calming tool that supports the same First Waves loop: Calm/Not Calm → (if Not Calm) Menu → deliver → return.

Supported (Optional Team Tools + Deep Dives)

Use as needed for team consistency, tracking, and training. These are not part of the 2-page wall kit.

Note: WALK is Supported-only.

Transitional (Bridge to Ocean Zones)

Transitional is the first tier where the 4-zone color meaning (Blue/Green/Yellow/Red) and the Ocean Zones bridge are introduced. Not all First Waves students will move to Transitional.

Note: This Materials Packet currently includes Foundational, Supported, and Supplemental Activities printables. Transitional materials will be added here when they are ready.

Read the First Waves FAQ

Supplemental Activities (Velcro + Matching)

Optional practice activities. Keep the focus on Calm/Not Calm, the Not Calm Menu, and basic feeling discrimination.