Hedgy the Hedgehog: Coping Skills Craft and Lesson Plan for Kindergarten and First Grade

Help your youngest students learn how to calm down in a fun, hands-on way. Hedgy the Hedgehog is a friendly character that teaches children how to manage big feelings by counting to ten. With this coping skills craft, ASCA-aligned lesson plan, and calming corner tools, students will practice a concrete self-regulation strategy they can use whenever they are feeling overwhelmed or upset.

This resource is designed for school counselors, classroom teachers, and social workers who need engaging and developmentally appropriate tools for K-1 students.

What’s Included

• ASCA-aligned lesson plan on coping skills and self-regulation

• Printable Hedgy craft template with bendable pipe cleaner spines for counting

• Calm Corner student directions card

• Teacher directions card with easy setup steps

• Printable poster with calming tips from Hedgy

• Optional coloring page and simplified low-prep version for younger students or quick setup

• How to Use This Resource guide

Why Educators Love This Resource

• Interactive and 3D: students bend Hedgy’s spines as they count to calm down

• Concrete and visual: helps early learners connect coping strategies to a tangible tool

• Flexible: includes both the full craft and a quick-prep option to fit your needs

• Engaging and memorable: students respond to Hedgy’s friendly design and simple rhyme

Perfect For

• Individual counseling or small group counseling sessions

• Classroom guidance lessons for kindergarten and first grade

• Calm corners, peace corners, or regulation stations

• Teaching coping strategies, self-regulation, and managing big emotions

Give your students a fun and effective way to practice calming strategies with Hedgy the Hedgehog. This printable craft and lesson plan offers both a full interactive activity and a simplified low-prep option, making it an essential resource for any K-1 counseling or classroom setting.