Mission Leader Guide Mission Leader Guide
Explorer Training + Zones of Regulation
Duration
30 Minutes
Goal
Yellow to Green
Audience
4 Year Olds
Zones Framework
Green Zone: Calm, ready to play (The Goal).
Yellow Zone: Bumpy, anxious, shy.
Blue Zone: Sad, tired, bored.
Red Zone: Angry, terrified.
Mission Timeline
5
Minutes
1. Zones Map Intro
Use Slides: The Explorer Zones
Show the zones. Identify the "Yellow Zone" (Anxious/Bumpy) and the goal: reaching the "Green Zone" (Ready/Calm). Validate that Yellow is normal when trying new things!
10
Minutes
2. Zone Adventure Stories
Use Material: Adventure Stories Booklet
Read stories. Ask the child to spot when the character is in the Yellow Zone and what Brave Tool they use to get back to Green .
5
Minutes
3. Charging Green Tools
Use Slides: Brave Breath & Lemon Squeeze
Explain that these tools are "Green Power" chargers. Practice the Lemon Squeeze to drop the tension from the Yellow Zone.
10
Minutes
4. Mission Ready Cards
Use Material: Mission Credentials
Personalize the ID. Explain the "Ready Cards": The amber card means "I'm in Yellow, let me watch," and the blue card means "I'm in Green, let's go!"
Leader Cheat Sheet
Zones Validation
"I see you're holding onto me. Your body is in the Yellow Zone. That's okay! Let's try our Brave Breath to find the Green Zone."
"Is your body feeling Bumpy (Yellow) or Smooth (Green) right now?"
"We can watch until your body feels Green enough to splash."
Practice Tips
Arrive Early: Familiarity reduces Yellow Zone duration.Home Base: Parent is the Green Zone recharge station.Low Pressure: Celebrate "Green Moves" (breathing, waving) even if she doesn't join the activity yet. Adventure Stories Booklet Adventure Stories
A Little Book for Brave Explorers
Explorer Name:
A Big New Place
Today, I am going to a new place! My heart might go thump-thump-thump. That is my YELLOW ZONE body.
I can hold my parent's hand for a little bit. I can watch the other kids play. It’s okay to look first!
When I’m ready, I use a Brave Tool . I take a step. Now my body is in the GREEN ZONE . I am ready to play!
Draw yourself taking a brave step!
My First Splash
It is my very first day at swim lessons! The pool is big and blue. I feel a little nervous. My body is in the YELLOW ZONE .
I can sit on the edge with my parent for a few minutes. I can watch the teacher. I can take a Brave Breath .
I put my toes in the water. Splash! I move to the GREEN ZONE . I am a brave little fish!
Draw yourself in your swimsuit!
The New Art Room
I am going to a new art class! I see many colors and new friends. I feel a little wiggly in the YELLOW ZONE .
I use my Lemon Squeeze tool to help my hands feel soft and ready for the GREEN ZONE .
I pick up a brush and make a beautiful rainbow. Art is a great adventure!
What will you paint today?
The Party Surprise
Balloons! Music! Many friends are at the party. It is very loud and busy. My body might feel like it’s in the YELLOW ZONE .
I can find a quiet spot to watch. I can take a Brave Breath with my parent to get back to GREEN .
I say "Hi" and take one small step to play. I am brave enough for cake and fun!
Draw your favorite party balloon!
Visiting a New Friend
Today, I am going to a playdate! I see new toys. I feel a little shy and in the YELLOW ZONE .
I can use my Heart Button or take a Brave Breath to help my body feel GREEN and ready.
We play with blocks and cars. Playing together is a happy adventure!
Draw yourself playing with your friend!
I Can Try New Things
Trying new things is a big adventure! Sometimes I feel excited, and sometimes I feel like I'm in the YELLOW ZONE .
I can use my Brave Tools to move my body back to the GREEN ZONE .
Every time I try, I get a little stronger. I am a Brave Explorer, and I can do anything!
Draw yourself being a Super Explorer!
Brave Explorer Slides Brave Explorer Mission
Today's Big Adventure Starts Here!
The Explorer Zones
Blue
Sad, Tired, Bored
Green
Calm, Happy, Ready
Yellow
Anxious, Bumpy, Wiggly
Red
Angry, Scared, Out of Control
Yellow Zone -> Green Zone
The Bumpy Feeling
When you feel bumpy or nervous, your body is in the YELLOW ZONE.
The Green Goal
We use our Brave Tools to help our bodies move back to the GREEN ZONE!
Brave Breath Tool
Move to Green!
1 Trace UP (Breathe In)
2 Trace DOWN (Breathe Out)
Take 5 Brave Breaths!
Lemon Squeeze Tool
1
SQUEEZE!
Squeeze your muscles tight! You are in the Yellow Zone.
2
RELAX...
Now drop the lemon. You are moving to the Green Zone. Soft and smooth!
Green Zone Ready!
Brave Explorer Pocket Tools My Brave Breath
Carry this on your mission!
Trace Your
1
Up = Breathe In
2
Down = Breathe Out
"I am a Brave Explorer!"
Cut out and take with you
The Brave Step
My mission plan
1
Watch
2
Breathe
3
Try!
Explorer Badge Sheet Explorer Badge Sheet
Move from Yellow to Green!
Breath Master
I used my Brave Breath in the Yellow Zone.
Green Waving
I waved hello to a new friend!
The Giant Step
I took a brave step into the room.
Lemon Squeezer
I made my body soft and smooth.
My Green Zone Journey
Add a sticker for every new activity you try!
1
2
3
First Steps Scavenger Hunt First Steps Scavenger Hunt
Use your explorer eyes to find these things!
Check the box when you find it!
A friendly smile
A color you like
Something to play with
Where the door is
A chair for my parent
A brave thing to do
Explorer Tip:
It’s okay to watch first! Use your eyes to look around and see all the cool things in this new room.
Explorer Mission Credentials Mission Credentials
Official Explorer ID
Brave Explorer
Level 1
Draw Your Explorer Face Here!
Explorer Name
Brave Superpower
Certified Brave Enough
Ready Cards
Hand one to your parent or teacher when you are ready!
I am Ready!
I am going to take one brave step now.
I'm Watching
I am finding my brave feeling. Stay close!
Cut out for your mission
Mission Debrief Journal Sheet Mission Debrief
Log your mission here!
Mission Date:
The Bravest Thing I Did:
Draw yourself taking a brave step!
The Best Part of Today:
Draw your favorite thing about the new place!
Mission Accomplished
I am a Brave Explorer!
Brave Moves Activity Cards Brave Moves Activity Cards
Practice your explorer skills!
The Silent Wave
Wave hello to a stuffed animal or friend without saying a word!
Skill: Brave Hello
Brave Breath Blast
Take 3 big Brave Breaths and blow away the "bumpy" feeling!
Skill: Calming Down
The Giant Leap
Take 5 giant steps away from your parent, then run back for a hug!
Skill: Independence
Explorer I-Spy
Find something in the room that is your favorite color!
Skill: Observation
"I can do hard things because I am a Brave Explorer!"
Cut these out to use during playtime training
Brave Explorer Certificate Brave Explorer
Mission Completion Certificate
This badge of honor belongs to:
For learning how to use a Brave Breath, taking big steps into new adventures, and being an amazing explorer!
Mission Leader Signature
Official
Mission Date
Brave Toolbox Cards Brave Explorer Toolbox
More tools for your mission!
The Heart Button
Press the middle of your palm! It sends a big "invisible hug" to your parent while you play.
Tool: Stay Connected
Shake it Off
Shake your hands! Shake your feet! Shake your head! Shake those bumpy feelings right off your body.
Tool: Move the Energy
Secret Message
Whisper to yourself: "I am a Brave Explorer. I can try one new thing!" Only you can hear it.
Tool: Brave Words
The Magic Cape
Pretend to put on a shiny, invisible explorer cape. It makes you feel strong and ready to step in.
Tool: Imagination
Cut out these tools for your pocket!
"I have a whole toolbox of brave moves!"
Brave Body Tools Cards Brave Body Tools
Special ways to help your body feel calm
The Brave Balloon
Pretend your tummy is a big balloon. Blow it up with air... then let the air out with a tiny hissssss.
Focus: Deep Breathing
The Ice Melt
Freeze your body like an ice cube! Hold it tight... now pretend the sun is melting you into a soft puddle.
Focus: Releasing Tension
The Humming Bee
Cover your ears with your hands and make a quiet mmmmm sound like a happy bee. It feels buzzy and calm!
Focus: Sound & Focus
The Great Bear Hug
Cross your arms and give yourself a big, firm squeeze. You are safe, you are brave, and you are ready!
Focus: Deep Pressure
Add these to your explorer pocket!
