Mechanic Manual Teacher Guide
Mechanic Manual
Facilitator Guide: 20-Minute Social Group
Session Goal
Students will identify the four emotional zones (Blue, Green, Yellow, Red) and match at least one "tool" (strategy) to use when they leave the Green Zone.
Prep Checklist
- "Mood Mechanics" Slides
- "My Toolkit" Worksheets
- Crayons/Markers
The 20-Minute Blueprint
0-4
Minutes
Check-In & Intro
Introduce the concept: We are "Mood Mechanics." Just like a car has an engine, we have an internal engine. Sometimes it's slow, sometimes it's fast, and sometimes it's just right.
"If your engine was a color right now, what color would it be?"
4-12
Minutes
The Four Zones (Slide Presentation)
Briefly fly through the colors. Focus on the feeling and the energy level of each zone.
- Blue: Low energy (Sad/Bored)
- Green: Calm/Ready (Focused)
- Yellow: High energy (Silly/Frustrated)
- Red: Out of control (Angry/Terrified)
12-18
Minutes
Toolkit Activity
Distribute the "My Toolkit" worksheet. Have students identify one tool for a zone they often visit (e.g., "Take a breath" for Yellow).
Tip: Use the slide "Tool Time" for inspiration.
18-20
Minutes
Check-Out
Quick fist-to-five on how confident they feel using a tool this week. Praise all effort!
Key Strategy Examples
| Zone | Goal | Suggested Tools |
|---|
| BLUE | Wake up | Stretch, water, talk to someone, jumping jacks. |
| GREEN | Stay here | Positive thoughts, listening, helping others. |
| YELLOW | Slow down | Deep breaths, squeeze a ball, walk, take a break. |
| RED | Stop | Safe space, deep breathing, sensory tool, adult help. |
Mood Mechanics Slides
Mood Mechanics
Learning to tune up our internal engines
What are the Zones?
Our emotions are like an engine in a car.
Sometimes the engine is too slow, too fast, or just right.
We use colors to help us describe how we feel inside!
The Blue Zone
"My engine is running slow."
- Feeling sad or lonely
- Feeling tired or bored
- Feeling sick
The Green Zone
"My engine is just right."
- Feeling happy and calm
- Focused and ready to learn
- Feeling proud or okay
The Yellow Zone
"Proceed with caution."
- Frustrated or worried
- Wiggly or super silly
- Losing some control
The Red Zone
"Stop! Out of control."
- Extremely angry or yelling
- Terrified or panicking
- Hitting or throwing things
Mechanic's Toolkit
When we aren't in the Green Zone, we need a tool to help us get back!
Breathe
Slow deep breaths
Break
Take 2 minutes
Think
Positive self-talk
Practice Scenario
"You are playing a game with friends and you start to lose. You feel your face getting hot and your hands squeezing into fists."
What Zone?
What Tool?
???
My Toolkit Worksheet
My Mood Toolkit
I am the mechanic of my own engine!
Name:
Date:
1. My Internal Map
Draw a face or write a word that shows how you feel in each zone.
BLUE ZONE (Slow)
GREEN ZONE (Ready)
YELLOW ZONE (Caution)
RED ZONE (Stop)
2. Choose Your Tools
Circle 3 tools you can use to help you get back to the Green Zone.
Deep Breaths
Take a Walk
Listen to Music
Counting to 10
Stress Ball
Ask for Help
My Favorite Tool
Draw or write your #1 most helpful strategy below: