Session Facilitator Guide Taming the Storm
Counselor Session Guide: Small Group Anger Regulation
Group Size
4 Students
Duration
30 - 45 Minutes
Focus
Body Signals & I-Statements
Learning Objectives
Students will identify at least 3 physical "warning signs" their body gives when getting angry.
Students will practice constructing an "I-Statement" using the formula: "I feel... when... I need..."
Students will demonstrate one "Cool Down" strategy (e.g., deep breathing, counting).
Preparation Checklist
Storm Tamer Trail Board
Task Cards (Cut & Shuffled)
4 Game Pawns (or buttons/coins)
1 Six-sided Die
Calm Tools Reference Sheets
Session Flow
1
Check-In: The Body Weather Report (5 Mins)
Ask: "How is your body feeling right now? Is it sunny (calm), cloudy (bored/sad), or starting to get stormy (frustrated)?"
"Our bodies are like weather stations. They tell us when a storm is coming before it even hits. Today we're going to learn how to read those signs."
2
Introduction to Tools (5 Mins)
Review the Calm Tools Reference Sheet . Practice one "Cool Down" breath together.
Body Signals: Sweaty palms, fast heart, tight fists, hot face.I-Statements: "I feel... when... because..." (Avoid saying "You make me...")
3
Game Play: Storm Tamer Trail (20-30 Mins)
Students play the board game. As they land on "Task" spaces, they draw cards and share answers with the group.
Counselor Tip: If a student gets stuck, ask the group for help. "Who else has felt their heart beat fast? What did you do?"
Handling Outbursts: If a student becomes dysregulated during the game, pause and model a 'Cool Down' strategy as a group.
4
Wrap Up & Commitment (5 Mins)
Ask each student to name ONE body signal they will watch for this week and ONE person they can use an I-Statement with.
Key Discussion Questions
1. "Is anger a 'bad' feeling? (No, but what we DO with it matters)."
2. "Why is it easier to calm down when we catch the 'storm' early?"
3. "How does hitting or screaming make the 'storm' bigger for everyone?"
Cool Down Reference Sheet My Calm Down Toolkit
Tools to help me tame the storm!
Body Warning Signs
Check the ones you feel when you're getting angry:
Hot Face / Red Cheeks
Fast Heartbeat (Thump-Thump)
Tight Fists or Muscles
Sweaty Hands
Tummy Ache or "Butterflies"
Cool Communication
The "I-Statement" Formula
I FEEL
WHEN
I NEED
Example:
"I feel mad when you take my toy. I need you to ask me first."
Instant Cool-Downs
5 Deep Breaths
Count to 10
Push a Wall
Happy Place
NAME: ____________________________________ DATE: __________________
Storm Tamer Board Game STORM TAMER TRAIL
A Journey to Calmness
START
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
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FINISH
Map Legend
Safe Zone
Task Card
How to Play
Roll the die and move your pawn.
On an Orange Space, draw a Task Card.
Complete the task to stay on that space. If you skip, move back 1.
First to reach the Sunshine Peak wins!
The Group Oath
"I will use my calm tools, listen to my friends, and keep my hands to myself while we play."
Storm Tamer Task Cards Storm Tamer Task Cards
Set 1: Basic Skills (Signals & Breaths)
Page 1 of 4
Body Signal
Show the group what your "Anger Face" looks like. What do your eyebrows do?
STORM TAMER CARDS
Body Signal
Put your hand on your heart. How does it feel when you are getting very upset?
STORM TAMER CARDS
Body Signal
Tighten your fists as hard as you can, then let go. How does your body feel now?
STORM TAMER CARDS
I-Statement
Practice an I-Statement: "I feel ____ when you take my seat. I need you to ____."
STORM TAMER CARDS
I-Statement
If a friend accidentally bumps into you, use an I-Statement instead of pushing back.
STORM TAMER CARDS
I-Statement
Finish this sentence: "I feel frustrated when ____. I need a break."
STORM TAMER CARDS
Cool Down
Breathe in like you're smelling a flower. Breathe out like you're blowing a candle. Do it 3 times.
STORM TAMER CARDS
Cool Down
Count backward from 10 to 1 out loud. Go slowly like a turtle.
STORM TAMER CARDS
Cool Down
Think of your favorite place (beach, park, bed). Tell the group why it makes you feel calm.
STORM TAMER CARDS
Storm Tamer Task Cards
Set 2: Challenge Scenarios (The 3 Cs: Calm, Communicate, Choice)
Page 2 of 4
Stop & Think
A friend breaks your tower. You want to hit them. What can you do with your hands instead?
Challenge Card
Stop & Think
Someone takes the toy you wanted. You feel like pushing . Take 2 deep breaths and say "Can I have a turn?"
Challenge Card
Stop & Think
You are very mad! You want to kick something. Show the group how you can "Push the Wall" safely.
Challenge Card
Tame the Scream
You're told "No more iPad." You want to scream ! Use your "Indoor Voice" to say "I'm sad I have to stop."
Challenge Card
Tame the Scream
A friend says something mean. You feel a scream coming. Squeeze your hands tight then let go. Try it now.
Challenge Card
Tame the Scream
You feel like screaming "NO!" Take a "Snail Breath" (super slow) and then say "I'm ready now."
