Author visits · Staff PD · Family events

Bring Chill Skills to your school

A K–6 experience that gives children a real plan for big feelings, built on the P.L.A.N. framework from the book teachers, counselors, and families already love.

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Loved by superintendents, counselors, teachers, and parents alike.

The P.L.A.N. method: Pause, Label, Activate, Notice

Newbery-endorsed

Jerry & Eileen Spinelli

Built for K–6 schools

Assemblies, PD & family nights

Counselor approved

Shared language for big feelings

20+ years in classrooms

An emotional support teacher

Ways to bring me in

One framework, three ways to reach your community

Every visit is built around the same simple language, so students, staff, and families all hear the same plan for big feelings.

For students

Student author visit

Children meet Peter and learn the P.L.A.N. for big feelings in a lively assembly or classroom session they remember long after I leave.

For teachers & staff

Staff professional development

A practical session where the whole staff learns the same regulation framework, and their own tools, so the approach is shared across every classroom.

For parents & PTOs

Family event

An evening that sends the same language home, so a child hears one consistent message about big feelings at school and at the kitchen table.

What people are saying

Trusted in classrooms, offices, and homes — five stars from school leaders, educators, and families.

“We love it! Your characters engage real, everyday situations. Great work, Brian!”

— Jerry & Eileen Spinelli

Newbery Medal–winning authors

“It's fantastic all around, and the illustrations are a perfect fit.”

— Mark Brown

Author of Zen Pig

“With its engaging tone and creative illustrations, I highly recommend this as a staple resource for every home and classroom.”

— Marsha H.

Retired Superintendent

“Counselor approved!”

— Brittney D.

School Counselor

“As an elementary teacher, this is the book I've been waiting for. I enjoyed the style in which Brian wrote this book. It's designed as a black composition notebook, and the story is written as if Peter were writing in his journal about his day. Not only that, but the story reads as if it's a choose-your-own-adventure book. The reader gets to pick what Peter does when a conflict arises.”

— Brody Kelley

Author and Teacher

“A must-have SEL resource, and a staple in my SEL library.”

— Mike M.

Special Education Teacher

“Chill Skills is a wonderful resource that teaches the P.L.A.N. framework for children on how to deal with emotional issues, stress, and conflict.”

— Amy N.

Parent

“Engaging, practical, and highly recommended.”

— Pat S.

Teacher

“The P.L.A.N. strategy is useful and can be implemented immediately.”

— Amy R.

Teacher and Mom

About the author

I'm Brian Aikens. For more than twenty years I've taught in an emotional support classroom, and I've spent the last decade coaching teachers and school leaders across the country.

I wrote Chill Skills: Let's Make a P.L.A.N. because I couldn't find a simple, practical way to teach young children to pause and name a big feeling before it took over. So I built one, and now I help schools and families put it to work.

20+ years

Special education

Author

Chill Skills

National PD

Schools & leaders

Founder

Insight Minds

Ready when you are

Let's make a plan for your school

Author visits, staff professional development, and family events for schools and libraries. Parents and PTOs, administrators, and teachers are welcome to start here.

Request a visit

Prefer to reach out directly? chillskillsbook.com · Substack · hello@chillskillsbook.com