Ocean Zones | Emergency Substitute Plans

🌊 🌊 🌊

CALM CONNECTIONS LEARNING LAB LLC

DOCUMENT 16: EMERGENCY SUBSTITUTE PLANS

EMERGENCY SUBSTITUTE PLANS

Ocean Zones Continuity Guide

Version 7.1

👋 WELCOME, SUBSTITUTE TEACHER!

Thank you for covering today! This class is implementing Ocean Zones SEL Curriculum.

This one-page guide helps you maintain continuity while I'm out.

Key Message: Don't worry about teaching new content - just keep the basics going!

🌊 WHAT IS OCEAN ZONES? (30-Second Overview)

Ocean Zones teaches students about emotions using 4 zones:

🌊 Blue Zone (Manny the Manta Ray) = Tired & Low Energy

⭐ Green Zone (Stella the Starfish) = Calm & Ready to Learn

🐚 Yellow Zone (Shelly the Seashell) = Excited & Elevated Energy

🦀 Red Zone (Crabby the Crab) = Angry & Intense Emotions

Students use breathing techniques and a Calm Corner to self-regulate.

ALL zones are okay - we just learn to recognize them and use helpful strategies!

✅ WHAT TO DO TODAY (Choose What You Can)MINIMUM (If rushed/overwhelmed):

☐ Do morning zone check-in (3 min) ☐ Allow Calm Corner use if requested ☐ That's it! You're doing great.

IDEAL (If you have time):

☐ Do morning zone check-in (3 min)

☐ Practice 1 breathing technique together (3 min)

☐ Allow Calm Corner use if requested

☐ Reference zones during day ("What zone are you in?")

BONUS (If you're comfortable with SEL):

☐ All of the above, PLUS:

☐ Read a character story (if time allows)

☐ Complete simple student worksheet

☐ Practice breathing before/after recess

🔄 MORNING ZONE CHECK-IN (3 minutes)

Purpose: Help students identify their emotions How To (Choose One Method):

METHOD 1: Show of Hands (Fastest - 2 min)

"Raise your hand if you're in GREEN Zone - calm and ready!" [Count]
"YELLOW Zone - excited or wiggly?" [Count]
"BLUE Zone - tired or sad?" [Count]
"RED Zone - angry or frustrated?" [Count]

"Thanks for sharing!"

METHOD 2: Going Around (If small class - 5 min)

Sit in circle
"Let's check in. What zone are you in?"
Go around, each student says their zone
Accept all answers, no judgment
"Thanks, everyone!"

🫁 BREATHING PRACTICE (3 minutes - OPTIONAL)

If you have time, practice ONE breathing technique together.

Easiest Technique: Manta Glide Breath (Blue Zone)

"Put your hand on your belly"
"Breathe in through your nose for 4 counts" (count aloud: 1-2-3-4)
"Breathe out through your nose for 4 counts" (count aloud: 1-2-3-4)
"Let's do it 3 times together"

"Great job! Feel how your body is a little calmer?"

Tips:

Demonstrate first (hand on YOUR belly)

Count aloud with them

Do it WITH them, not just telling them

3 repetitions is enough

Celebrate participation!

Don't worry about perfect technique - approximate is fine!

🏝 CALM CORNER (If Students Request It)

What It Is: A designated corner with cushions, timer, and calming tools

Purpose: Students use it when they need to self-regulate

Protocol:

Student asks: "May I use the Calm Corner?"

You say: [Nod] "Yes, go ahead."

Student goes: They walk to Calm Corner quietly
Student calms: They:

Set timer for 5-10 minutes

Choose a tool (breathing, stress ball, quiet sitting)

Use the tool to calm down

Student returns: When timer beeps or they feel ready

You say: "Welcome back. How are you feeling?"

IMPORTANT:

✅ This is NOT a punishment - it's a tool

✅ Say "yes" when students ask appropriately

✅ Don't force them to use it

✅ Don't hover or interrupt while they're there

✅ Welcome them back warmly when they return

If multiple students want it: "Marcus is using it now. Sarah, you're next when you hear the timer."

If no one asks: That's fine! Not required today.

🚨 IF A STUDENT HAS A MELTDOWN (RED ZONE CRISIS)

DON'T PANIC. Here's what to do:

PRIORITY #1: SAFETY

Ensure student and others are safe
Move other students away if needed
Remove dangerous objects if possible
Call for backup (office, counselor, another teacher) if needed

STEP 2: GIVE SPACE & TIME

Give physical space (arm's length minimum)
Lower your voice, speak calmly
Use minimal language: "I'm here. You're safe."
DON'T say "calm down" (makes it worse!)
Allow 10-20 minutes for de-escalation

STEP 3: OFFER STRATEGIES (When Ready)

Wait for signs they're calming (breathing slows, eye contact)
Offer gently: "Would you like to go to the Calm Corner?"
If yes, walk them there
If no, give more time

STEP 4: NOTIFY TEACHER

Leave a note about what happened

No shame/blame - just facts

Teacher will follow up when back

NEVER:

❌ Force breathing during crisis

❌ Physically restrain (unless trained and absolutely necessary for safety)

❌ Lecture or give consequences during meltdown

❌ Take it personally

REMEMBER: Big emotions are overwhelming for kids too. Your calm helps them regulate.

📚 OPTIONAL: CHARACTER STORY READ-ALOUD

If you have extra time and want to do Ocean Zones content:

Location: Character Read-Aloud Stories section in curriculum binder

Stories Available:

Manny's Calm Ocean Day (Blue Zone - Tired & Low Energy)
Stella's Sparkling Day (Green Zone - Calm & Ready to Learn)
Shelly's Safe Harbor (Yellow Zone - Excited & Elevated)
Crabby's Big Feelings (Red Zone - Angry & Intense)

How to Use:

Choose one story (5-7 min read time)
Read aloud to class
Briefly discuss: "What zone was [character] in?"
That's it!

Don't worry about: Worksheets, deep discussion, assessment

📝 WORKSHEETS (OPTIONAL)

If students need independent work:

Location: Student Worksheets section in curriculum binder

Easiest Options:

06a_Daily_Zone_Check_In_Sheet (simple coloring/circling)
06c_Breathing_Practice_Log (draw or color)

Any worksheet labeled "A" (Emerging level - easiest)

How to Use:

Photocopy 1 per student (or share master copies)
Students complete independently
Collect when done
Leave for teacher to review

Don't worry about: Grading, detailed instructions, differentiation

❓ COMMON QUESTIONS

Q: What if I don't know which week they're on?

A: It doesn't matter! Just do check-in + breathing. That's enough.

Q: What if students ask me specific zone questions?

A: Say, "Great question! Let's save that for when [teacher name] is back."

Q: What if students say they don't remember breathing techniques?

A: That's okay! Just do Ocean Wave Breath (instructions above). Or skip breathing today.

Q: What if a student asks for Calm Corner but I think they're avoiding work?

A: Allow it anyway for today. Leave a note for the teacher. They'll address patterns.

Q: What if no one wants to do zone check-in?

A: Don't force it. Just move on with the day. It's okay to skip occasionally.

Q: Can I teach new content from the lesson plans?

A: Only if you're very comfortable with SEL. Otherwise, just maintain basics.

📋 END-OF-DAY CHECKLIST

Before leaving, please:

☐ Leave note for teacher:

Did you do zone check-in? (yes/no)

Did anyone use Calm Corner? (who, when, success?) Any behavioral incidents related to zones?

Any questions from students you couldn't answer?

☐ Collect any completed worksheets (leave on teacher's desk)

☐ Reset Calm Corner if used (tidy up, reset timer) ☐ Thank students for their cooperation!

💙 THANK YOU!

You just supported students' social-emotional learning!

Even if you only did zone check-in, you helped students practice emotional awareness. That matters!

Questions for the regular teacher? Leave a note or email.

KEY MESSAGES TO REMEMBER:

✅ Do zone check-in if possible (3 min)

✅ Allow Calm Corner use if requested

✅ Don't teach new content - just maintain basics

✅ All zones are okay - no judgment

✅ Your calm presence helps students regulate ✅ It's okay if Ocean Zones isn't perfect today

You've got this! 🌊