The Meltdown / Carl's Cast
From Carl the Collector · 2026
23 minPre-KK1st2ndSocial-Emotional Learning
Summary
When too much excitement about an ice-cream festival tips into overwhelm, Carl has a meltdown and, with support, finds his way back to calm - a warm, honest look at big feelings. In the second story, waiting out an arm cast tests his patience.
Viewer safety
All agesEmotional themes
One story shows Carl having a meltdown when big feelings become too much, then calming with support - a caring, honest look at emotional regulation; preview if your class is new to the topic.
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
Carl's feelings get to be too much, and he learns ways to come back to calm.
- What made Carl's feelings build up until they were too big?
- What is a 'meltdown'? Why does it happen sometimes?
- What helped Carl calm down afterward?
- What helps YOU when your feelings feel too big?
Quick work-a-long
Words to know: overwhelmed, meltdown, calm down
- Name one thing that helps your body calm down when feelings get big.
- Practice 'belly breathing': breathe in for 4, out for 4, three times.