Explorer Talk Cards
Campus Explorer Quest
Explorer Talk Cards
Deck Page 1/2
Therapist Tool: Cut along the dashed lines to create 12 portable talk cards. Take turns with the student drawing cards to discuss social anxiety, executive function, and advocacy in a low-pressure, interactive format.
Focus & Space
CARD #1 • THE LAUNCH PAD
"If you could design the perfect classroom desk setup, what tools, widgets, or special seats would be there to help you focus best?"
Therapist note: Explores environmental sensory needs, seating preferences, and ADHD hyper-focus tools.
Social Connection
CARD #2 • CAFE EXPLORATION
"Walking into a loud cafeteria where everyone seems to have a group can feel tricky. What is one small, realistic action you can take on day one?"
Therapist note: Brainstorm realistic steps (e.g., sitting near someone who looks friendly, looking at games).
Anxiety Reset
CARD #3 • WEATHER FORECAST
"Anxiety acts like a stormy weather reporter predicting rain every day. What is a realistic 'sunny counter-prediction' you can tell yourself?"
Therapist note: Focuses on cognitive reframing. Shift "I won't have friends" to "I will find my people over time."
Allies & Advocacy
CARD #4 • THE SAFEHOUSE
"If you get lost, lose your locker code, or feel your brain completely filling up with static, who is your go-to person on campus to visit?"
Therapist note: Reinforces identifying specific school allies (nurse, counselor, specific teacher).
ADHD Strengths
CARD #5 • SUPERPOWER SPECS
"An ADHD brain has lots of spark. What is one thing your hyper-focused or high-energy brain does better than most? How can we use it this week?"
Therapist note: Shifts the focus to strengths-based ADHD identity (creativity, fast-thinking, deep curiosity).
Social Connection
CARD #6 • THE RESET BUTTON
"If you say hello or join a group and it feels awkward, how can you hit your 'mental reset button' and remind yourself it's okay?"
Therapist note: Practice self-compassion scripts for social errors to lower anxiety spikes.
© Campus Explorer Quest Activity: Explorer Talk Cards
Campus Explorer Quest
Explorer Talk Cards
Deck Page 2/2
Therapist Tool: Keep taking turns! Encourage active roleplay or quick sketching on a whiteboard for card answers to keep the student engaged and physically active.
Transitions
CARD #7 • THE SHIFT SIGNAL
"When the bell rings and it's time to pack up quickly, a busy brain can freeze. What is a 3-step 'speed run' list to pack your desk?"
Therapist note: Break down transitions into simple routines: 1. Binder, 2. Pencil Case, 3. Backpack.
Allies & Advocacy
CARD #8 • BRAIN FOG FIX
"The teacher fires off instructions rapid-fire, and your brain stops copying. What can you say to ask for a quick repeat or a written guide?"
Therapist note: Role-play advocacy scripts: "Could you write that step on the board?" or "Can I double-check my list?"
Anxiety Reset
CARD #9 • THE SCANNER
"If your anxious energy acts like wiggles or butterflies, what is your go-to quiet physical release? (e.g., foot taps, desk stretches, worry stones)"
Therapist note: Validate somatic anxiety signals and work out classroom-friendly sensory outputs.
Social Connection
CARD #10 • MY FLYBY CLUES
"What are two main things you love (like sports, Minecraft, drawing, LEGOs)? How might you spot clues that another kid likes them too?"
Therapist note: Teaches observation skills: spotting shirt designs, backpack keychains, or locker stickers.
Focus & Space
CARD #11 • BACKPACK MATRIX
"Your backpack can swallow papers like a black hole. What is a visual trick or color color-coded system to keep your assignments from vanishing?"
Therapist note: Prompts dialogue about executive dysfunction and binder systems (like a dedicated 'Done' folder).
Big Picture
CARD #12 • THE TIME MACHINE
"Imagine you are at the end of the school year, looking back. What is one thing you did that you are most proud of?"
Therapist note: Positive future self-projection. Helps anchor meaning and goal alignment amidst daily stress.
© Campus Explorer Quest Activity: Explorer Talk Cards
Mission Control Worksheet
Campus Explorer Quest • Mission 1
Social Command Center
Page 1 of 3
Explorer:
Date Code:
A The Common Ground Detector
Check the coordinates your brain loves! These are topics you can look out for in other classmates.
Video Games Art & Drawing Cartoons / Anime Sports & Recess LEGOs & Building Animals & Pets Science & Space Music & Beats Humor & Jokes
My Ultimate Secret Topic (My deep interest/passion):
B The Friendly Formula (Social Blueprint)
Draft a low-pressure opener script together. Use things from your detector map above!
Friendly Opener
"Hey, cool backpack! Are you into..."
Example prompt: "...Minecraft? I saw your creeper sticker!"
Two Mission Goals for This Week:
© Campus Explorer Quest Activity: Social Command Center Workbook
Campus Explorer Quest • Mission 2
Daily Mission Map
Page 2 of 3
Executive Control Mode: ADHD brains love visual routines. Let's map out the transitions of your day so you always know what action is next and how to set up your tools.
A The Chrono-Transition Flow
Draw or write down your three trickiest school transitions. Where does your focus need a boost?
Shift 1
Morning Arrival Entering homeroom & lockers
My step 1 goal...
Shift 2
Recess/Lunch to Class Switching from fun to focus
My step 1 goal...
Shift 3
Class to Class Swap Packing & moving supplies
My step 1 goal...
B Focus Fuel Check-In Protocol
When the class starts, run this quick 10-second scan before pulling out assignments.
My Visual Anchor:
Where is the most helpful physical anchor on my desk to keep me on track? (e.g. planner open, colored timer, visual cue card)
Fidget & Focus Strategy:
What physical tool keeps my hands happy while my ears listen? (e.g. blue tack, chair band, squishy eraser)
© Campus Explorer Quest Activity: Daily Mission Map Workbook
Campus Explorer Quest • Mission 3
Ally Radar & Advocacy
Page 3 of 3
Ally Power: Real advocates can transform school life! Fill out your Ally Radar target and build customized "Speaker Scripts" to talk to teachers in tough moments.
A The Ally Radar (Who is in my corner?)
Write down names of supporters at home, in hallways, and in classrooms on your protective defense grid!
Pocket Power Cards
Campus Explorer Quest
Pocket Power Cards
Cut-Out Resource
Instructions: Cut along the dotted outer lines. Fold these cards down or tape them to lockers, folders, or binders for quick school day transitions, focus recalibration, and grounding cues!
Anxiety Grounding
THE 5-4-3-2-1 POWER RADAR
If anxiety freezes your brain, find:
• 5 things you can see around class.
• 4 physical textures you can touch.
• 3 subtle sounds you can hear.
• 2 smells, 1 nice taste or breath.
Brings your mind back into the room instantly.
Heart-Rate Reset
THE DEEP ENGINE RESET
Run a calm breathing cycle for 3 repetitions:
• Inhale: Breathe in slow for 4 counts.
• Hold: Keep air in lungs for 7 counts.
• Exhale: Whoosh out of mouth for 8 counts.
Physically slows rapid heart-rates.
Desk Anchor
DESK FOCUS POWER-UP
Before class starts, line up your shields:
• 1. Planner: Open calendar to today's date.
• 2. Fuel: Water bottle on the floor or desk corner.
• 3. Anchor: Put your fidget tool or pencil out.
• 4. Clear: Slip unrelated papers inside folder.
Prepares a clean visual horizon for focus.
Transitions
THE SWIFT TRANSITION RUN
When it is time to move classrooms:
• Stop: Take 1 deep breath before moving.
• Secure: Put your binder in bag. Pencil in box.
• Scan: Look under your seat. Did you leave anything?
• Slide: Move calmly to your next destination.
Avoids forgotten supplies and frantic runs.
Allies & Advocacy
THE RED ALERT TRANSMISSION
If everything feels completely overwhelming:
• Write a note or tell your teacher:
"My brain is completely full. Can I check in with my school counselor?"
• Carry this card as a quiet visual signal if speaking feels too tough!
Your escape hatch to safe territory.
Sensory Break
SENSORY SHIELD DEFENSE
If hallways or cafeteria noise gets too intense:
• Soft fabric can damp sound.
• Slow sips of cool water anchor nerves.
• Ask to go sit near the library.