Power Up Social Story My Super Power Story
Using My Brain Power to Stay Strong
Sometimes, work feels very hard. My brain might feel hot, or my tummy might feel tight. I might feel grumpy or mad.
When I feel this way, I might want to stop. I might cross my arms or hide my face. My brain feels like it is LOCKED.
"Wait! I have a Super Power!"
I can use my Cool Down Command. It helps me unlock my brain so I can try again.
1
Stop and Breathe. I take 3 slow, deep breaths. I smell the flowers and blow out the candles.
2
Ask for a Tool. I can say, "I need a break" or "I need help."
When I stay calm, my teacher is proud, and I feel proud too! I am a Super Student!
Power Up Plan Worksheet My Power Up Plan
Official Super Student Record
Hero Name:
Date:
1
How does my brain feel right now?
Grumpy
Shut Down
Tired
Confused
2
Pick a Power Up to try:
3 Deep Breaths
Drink of Water
2-Minute Break
Ask for Help
3
What is my plan now?
"I can do hard things!"
Power Up!
Power Up Slides Power Up!
Using Your Brain's Super Power
Wait... I'm Mad!
Does your brain feel HOT or GRUMPY ?
Do you want to STOP or HIDE ?
This is the
Use Your Command!
"I can stop. I can breathe. I can try."
Stop
Breathe
Try
Power Up: The Dragon Breath
1
Smell the Flowers (Breathe In)
2
Blow the Candles (Breathe Out)
Repeat 3 Times
Power Up: Signal for Help
You can say:
"I need a tool."
You can say:
"I need help."
Back to Green!
You used your Power Up! Your brain is UNLOCKED and ready to try.
You are a Super Student!
Calm Command Teacher Guide Teacher Resource
Calm Down Facilitator Guide
Managing 1st Grade Work Refusal and Irritability
The Goal
To transition the student from the "Red Zone" (irritability/shutdown) to the "Green Zone" (ready to work) using a predictable, non-punitive framework. By framing regulation as a superpower , we remove the shame often associated with emotional outbursts.
Quick Tip
Catch the irritability early . A student who is already in a full shutdown (hiding face, refusing to speak) needs more time and space before they can use the worksheet.
Implementation Steps
1
Spot the "Red Zone" Signs
Look for: Heavy sighing, crossed arms, head on desk, or snappy responses. These are signs the brain is becoming "locked."
Say this:
"I see your brain might be feeling a bit hot right now. Do you need to use your Power Up Command?"
2
Offer a Visual Choice
If the student is verbal, use the Power Up Plan Worksheet to help them identify their feeling and choose a strategy. If they have already shut down, sit quietly with them and read the Power Up Social Story together to co-regulate.
3
Use the "First/Then" Power Board
Once the student is calm enough to listen, use the First Then Power Board to create a visual contract. This clearly pairs the required task with a reward.
First (Mission): Define a small, achievable task (e.g., "Do 2 math problems").Then (Power Up): Choose a reward (e.g., "Color for 2 minutes").
4
Reinforce with Stars
As soon as the "Mission" is complete, give the "Power Up" and award a star on the Hero Mission Tracker . This builds the connection between work completion and rewards.
Troubleshooting
They refuse the board?
Lower the demand even further. "First, just sit in your chair for 1 minute, then we can have 1 minute of coloring." The goal is just to get the cycle started.
They won't go back to work?
Remind them of the larger goal. Point to the **Reward Power Ups Menu**. "You only need 2 more stars to get iPad time. Let's finish this mission to earn a star!"
Reward Power Ups Menu Reward Power-Ups!
Earn Power Stars to unlock your Hero Prizes!
Coloring Time
3 Stars
Extra iPad Time
5 Stars
Preferred Activity
8 Stars
Lunch with an Adult
10 Stars
Be a Hero Every Day!
Hero Mission Tracker Worksheet Hero Mission Tracker
Earn Power Stars throughout your day!
Hero:
Week:
Monday
Arrival / Soft Start
SEL
Reading
WINN
Lunch
Recess
Reading
Math
Related Arts
Science / SS
Dismissal
Tuesday
Arrival / Soft Start
SEL
Reading
WINN
Lunch
Recess
Reading
Math
Related Arts
Science / SS
Dismissal
Wed
Arrival / Soft Start
SEL
Reading
WINN
Lunch
Recess
Reading
Math
Related Arts
Science / SS
Dismissal
Thu
Arrival / Soft Start
SEL
Reading
WINN
Lunch
Recess
Reading
Math
Related Arts
Science / SS
Dismissal
Fri
Arrival / Soft Start
SEL
Reading
WINN
Lunch
Recess
Reading
Math
Related Arts
Science / SS
Dismissal
Daily Mission:
Use a Power Up if I feel grumpy
Start my work mission
Today's Prize Mission:
"I can earn it with 5 Stars!"
First Then Power Board Hero Mission Board
First the Mission, Then the Power Up!
First
The Mission
What work are we doing?
Then
The Power Up
What reward is next?
Breathe
Stay Calm
Earn Stars
Quick Start Guide:
Laminate this sheet and use dry-erase markers. Define a small "Mission" (e.g., "Complete 3 problems") and a "Power Up" reward. Keep this visual contract on the student's desk to manage expectations and co-regulate.
