Cooling the Core Activity Cooling the Core
Anger Management Strategy Kit
Student:
Date:
The Heat Check
Anger is like a core reactor. It provides energy, but if it gets too hot, it can "melt down" and cause damage to ourselves and our relationships. Learning to notice the heat early helps us vent the pressure before it explodes.
1 Internal Sensors: What does your body feel?
Physical Signals
Tightened Fists
Rapid Heartbeat
Clenched Jaw
Hot Face / Ears
Sweaty Palms
My Personal Red Flags
2 Venting the Pressure: Immediate Cool Downs
Select 3 strategies to try next time you feel the "Heat"
Box Breathing
In for 4, hold 4, out for 4, hold 4.
The 5-Step Walk
Step away from the situation for 5 mins.
Push the Wall
Physical release by pushing against a wall.
Name 5 Things
Ground yourself: name 5 objects you see.
Silence Strike
Commit to 60 seconds of no talking.
Scribble Out
Aggressive drawing on paper to release.
My Cool-Down Commitment
"When I notice my body feels _________________________, I will use _________________________ to cool my core before I respond."
Plan for next time:
Middle Ground Map Activity Middle Ground Map
Negotiation & Compromise Blueprint
Name:
Conflict Partner:
The Situation
Briefly describe what the argument is about:
Position A
"My Way"
What do I want to happen?
Must-Haves (Non-negotiable)
NEGOTIATE
Position B
"Their Way"
What do they want to happen?
Must-Haves (Non-negotiable)
The Middle Way
The Compromise Solution:
What I'm giving up:
What they're giving up:
Final Agreement
Next Step Action
Mediation Mission Guide Mediation Mission
The Professional Peer Mediation Toolkit
Name:
Role:
Phase 1: Ground Rules
No Interrupting
Respect Names
Confidential
Phase 2: The "I" Statement Lab
Stop the "Blame Game." Instead of saying "You did this," focus on your own experience.
I feel...
Name an emotion (frustrated, ignored, hurt)
When...
Describe the specific behavior without judgment
Because...
Explain the impact it has on you
I need...
State your request for the future
Phase 3: The Echo Test
Active Listening Tools:
Paraphrasing: "So what I hear you saying is..."
Clarifying: "Can you tell me more about..."
Validating: "I can see why you'd feel that way."
Practice Zone
Rewrite this blame statement:"You always take my stuff without asking and it's annoying!"
Resolution Ready?
Speaker's Goal
Did I express my feelings without attacking?
Yes
Listener's Goal
Did I repeat back what I heard accurately?
Yes
Facilitator Session Guide Facilitator Session Guide
1:1 Conflict Resolution Framework
Teacher Resource
Program Objective
This program is designed for 1:1 intervention with middle school students experiencing chronic interpersonal conflict or difficulty regulating emotions during disagreements. The goal is to move from reactive "heat" to proactive "mapping" and "mission" mindset.
Recommended Flow
01 Cooling the Core (Regulation)
02 Middle Ground (Negotiation)
03 Mediation Mission (Skills)
Part 1: Cooling the Core
Focus: Emotional Regulation & Self-Awareness
Facilitator Prompts
"Where do you feel the 'heat' first? Is it in your hands, your chest, or your head?"
"What is the very first thing people notice about you when you're getting angry?"
"Which of these cool-downs feels like something you could actually do in a classroom?"
Key Strategy
Emphasize that anger is a useful signal , not a "bad" emotion. The goal is to use the energy of the "core" without causing a meltdown.
Part 2: Middle Ground Map
Focus: Perspective Taking & Compromise
Facilitator Prompts
"If I asked the other person what they want, what exactly would they say?"
"What is the one thing you absolutely cannot give up? Why is that part so important?"
"What is a 'win' for both of you? Not just for you."
Key Strategy
Help students distinguish between their Position (what they say they want) and their Interest (why they want it). Often, interests are easier to negotiate than positions.
Part 3: Mediation Mission
Focus: Communication Skills & Roleplay
Facilitator Prompts
"How does it feel when someone starts a sentence with 'You always...'?"
"Try to say 'I feel ignored when you talk over me' instead of 'You're being rude'."
"Can you repeat back what I just said to make sure you understood me?"
Key Strategy
Roleplay is essential here. Act as the "conflict partner" and give the student immediate feedback on how their "I" statements land.
Troubleshooting Resistance
"I'm not the one with the problem."
Response: "Even if you didn't start it, you have the power to decide how it ends. Let's look at your options."
"Compromise is losing."
Response: "A compromise is a strategic deal. It gets you what you need most while ending the stress of the argument."
