What is the ‘Name 5 Things’ Calming Strategy?

The “Name Five Things” calming strategy is a mindfulness technique used to help individuals ground themselves in the present moment, reducing anxiety and stress. It involves using the five senses to become more aware of the immediate environment. Here’s how it works:

Sight: Look around and name five things you can see.

Touch: Identify five things you can feel.

Hearing: Listen and name five things you can hear.

Smell: Notice and name five things you can smell.

Taste: Focus on and name five things you can taste.

Often, the technique is simplified to focus primarily on sight, touch, and hearing, as these senses are usually more readily engaged. This strategy can help students manage anxious thoughts and bring attention to the present, helping them regain a sense of calm.

A Kid-Friendly ‘Name 5 Things’ Classroom Calming Activity

Using the basis of the ‘Name 5 Things’ Calming Strategy, we’ve created a kid-friendly classroom version to help your students manage big emotions. This printable resource download includes 24 ‘Name 5 Things’ prompt cards that require students to name five things in a given category. It features an easy-to-use format and a printable recording sheet in case you’d like multiple students to use the cards at the same time.

This resource can be used in a variety of ways, including the following:

• Whole Class Calming Activity
• Independent Writing or Vocabulary Center
• A Quick Vocabulary Game for those extra minutes at the end of the day
• A Back to School brainstorming cooperative game (think Scattergories)
• And more!

Download and Print Your ‘Name 5 Things’ Prompts Today!

This resource is available as an easy-to-use Google Slides or Printable PDF Resource file. To get your copy, click the dropdown arrow on the download button to select your preferred file format.

This resource was created by Lisamarie Del Valle, a teacher and Teach Starter Collaborator.

Check Out Even More Resources to Calm a Classroom!

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Chill Out! Calm Down Corner Poster

Welcome students into your class calm down corner with this cool classroom poster.