Pause Pebble Card

Use the Pause Pebble before a child is overwhelmed, especially during parties, performances, lining up, turn-taking games, and high-energy provision.

The message is that excitement is welcome, and bodies sometimes need help waiting.

Teacher Script

Excited bodies can feel jumpy. We can keep the joy and add a pause.

Hold the pebble. Feel its edges. Breathe in. Breathe out. Your turn can come.

Child Prompt

I can wait with my pebble.

Printable Copy

Hold the pebble. Feel its edges. Breathe in. Breathe out. Say: I can wait with my pebble. My turn can come. My body can slow down.

Steps

1. Give the child a pebble, token, or small tactile object.
2. Invite them to hold it in both hands.
3. Guide one slow breath in and one slow breath out.
4. Name what is happening next.
5. Use a short waiting phrase.
6. Praise the waiting effort, not only the outcome.

Family Bridge

We are practising that excitement can be joyful and still need a pause. Home phrase: I am excited and I can wait.