Signal Scout Plan Teacher GuideSignal Scout Plan Tier 3 Intervention • Social-Emotional Learning 15 MIN The Mission Helping students recognize and respond to early signs of frustration builds self-awareness, prevents emotional escalation, and promotes healthy emotional regulation skills. Objective Students will learn to notice early body signals—like a racing heart or tight fists—and use a checklist to pick a calming response. Gear Needed Signal Detective Slides Signal Scout Checklist Worksheet Detective Clue Script Prep (5 Min) • Review slides for each illustrated signal. • Review the check-off process on the worksheet. • Practice script prompts for reflection. The Investigation Steps 1 Briefing (Introduction) 2 MIN Greet the student. Explain that today they’ll learn to spot "clues" or signals their body gives when they start to feel frustrated. The goal is to notice signals early so they can choose a "Calm Down Plan." 2 Clue Search (Explore Signals) 5 MIN Show the Signal Detective Slides one by one. Ask the student to identify the physical signal. Use the Detective Clue Script to ask: "How might your body feel?" or "What do you notice here?" 3 Personal File (Signal Checklist) 4 MIN Provide the Signal Scout Checklist. Guide them to check off signals they have felt before. Encourage them to share a quick example of a time they noticed one of these signals. 4 Action Plan (Plan Response) 3 MIN Ask the student to pick one calming strategy. Outline when and how they will use it next time. Ask: "Who can help you remember to use your plan?" 5 Mission Complete (Close) 1 MIN Summarize: Spot the signal, Check the checklist, Choose a calm response. Give high praise for being a great scout!
Signal Detective SlidesBody Signals of Frustration Your body gives clues when you start to feel frustrated. Notice these signals so you can choose a calming plan. Teacher Note: “Hi there! Today we’re going to look at some ways our body tells us we might be feeling frustrated. These are called body signals. Let’s check them out!” Clenched Fists Hands curl tightly into fists when you feel frustrated. ✊ Teacher Note: “First up: clenched fists. When we’re upset, our hands can curl into tight fists. Do you ever notice your hands getting tight?” Tight Jaw Your jaw might feel stiff or your teeth press together when upset. 😬 Teacher Note: “Next, a tight jaw. You might feel your teeth pressing together or your jaw stiffening. That’s another signal!” Racing Heart Your heart beats faster when you start to feel frustrated. 💓 Teacher Note: “Sometimes your heart starts beating fast. A racing heart is your body’s way of telling you it’s on high alert.” Scrunched Eyebrows Eyebrows pull together or furrow when you're upset. 🤨 Teacher Note: “Have you ever felt your eyebrows scrunch together? Furrowed or scrunched eyebrows can mean frustration is building up.” Crossed Arms Arms folded tightly across your chest can signal frustration. 🙅 Teacher Note: “Finally, crossed arms. Folding your arms tightly can be a sign you’re feeling frustrated or closed off.”
Signal Scout Checklist WorksheetSignal Scout Checklist Name: ____________________ Date: _____________________ "Check off any signals your body gives when you start to feel frustrated. Then, write a note about when you felt it." 1. Clenched Fists ✊ When did you feel this signal? 2. Tight Jaw 😬 When did you feel this signal? 3. Racing Heart 💓 When did you feel this signal? 4. Scrunched Eyebrows 🤨 When did you feel this signal? 5. Crossed Arms 🙅 When did you feel this signal? Another Signal? Write it here: My Calming Plan Choose a calming strategy to use when you notice your signals: Deep Breaths Count to 10 Safe Place Next time I feel a signal, I will:
Detective Clue Script Teacher ResourceDetective Clue Script Facilitator Prompting Guide Use these questions to guide the student's reflection. Follow their lead and allow for pauses as they process their physical responses. Part 1: During Signal Detective Slides “What do you notice in this picture?” “Where in your body might you feel that?” “Have you ever felt your hands get tight like this?” “What does a racing heart feel like to you?” “Why do you think our eyebrows scrunch together when we’re upset?” Part 2: While Completing the Signal Checklist “Which of these signals have you felt before?” “Can you think of a time when you noticed your jaw get stiff?” “Where were you or what were you doing when you felt your heart race?” “What happened right before you felt this signal?” Part 3: Planning a Calming Response Strategy Selection: “Which calming strategy on the checklist sounds easiest to try?” “When could you use this strategy next time you notice that signal?” “What will remind you to pause and use your plan?” “How will you know if your plan is working?” Pro Detective Tip: Universal Follow-ups “Tell me more.” “What else do you notice?” “How does that feel in your body?” “Great thinking—can you explain why?”
