Connection Compass Mentoring Packet
6-Week Mentoring Curriculum
Connection Compass
Building Self-Awareness, Repairing Trust & Strengthening Friendships
Student Workbook
Level II Mentorship
Mentee Name
Mentor Name
Meeting Schedule
Start Date
The Big Idea: Our Words & Actions Create Ripples
Whenever we enter a room, our words, tone, facial expressions, and reactions create waves. Some waves pull friends closer (inviting, laughing together, active listening), while other waves push friends away (teasing, harsh tone, ignoring, refusing to compromise). This journal is our private roadmap to master the waves we send.
Wall Builders (Push Away)
- Snarky comments or eye rolls
- Always insisting on having your way
- Saying "I was just joking" after hurting feelings
Bridge Builders (Pull Close)
- Checking in when someone looks upset
- Giving genuine compliments & listening
- Owning mistakes with a real apology
Week 0 Baseline: How I View My Friendships Right Now
1. I can tell right away when my words or tone bother someone:
Rarely Sometimes Usually
2. When games or projects don't go my way, I stay cool:
Rarely Sometimes Usually
3. If I hurt someone's feelings, I can apologize without making excuses:
Rarely Sometimes Usually
Our Mentorship Commitment
This is a judgment-free zone. We will be honest, practice new social habits, and work together each week to build strong, genuine connections.
Mentee Signature:
Mentor Signature:
Connection Compass • Overview & Baseline Pact • Page 1 of 7
Week 1 • Recognizing Impact
Words, Tone & The Impact Meter
Session Goal: Catch how tone changes impact
Mentor-Mentee Guided Discussion (5-7 Mins)
Mentor Prompts to explore together:
- "Have you ever said something that was meant as a joke, but the other person went quiet or walked away?"
- "What is the difference between laughing with someone and laughing at someone?"
- "Why does tone of voice matter just as much as the actual words we choose?"
The Impact Radar: Intent vs. How It Lands
Read each comment below. Contrast what the speaker might have meant with how peers actually hear it.
Comment: "Why would you do it like that? That’s so dumb." High Risk of Pushing Away
What the speaker thinks they mean: "I have a faster way to finish this project."
What classmates actually feel: Embarrassed, insulted, not wanting to work together.
Comment: "Whatever, take forever then." (Sighed with crossed arms) Pushes Away
What the speaker thinks they mean: "I'm eager to get started."
What classmates actually feel: Rushed, stressed, feeling like a burden.
Skill Lab: The "Bridge-Builder" Word Flip
How can you rephrase these situations so peers feel respected rather than attacked?
Scenario: A classmate is making repeated mistakes in a group board game.
Scenario: You want someone to hurry up in the lunch line or locker area.
Weekly Connection Challenge
The 2-Second Filter: Before making a joke about someone or speaking in frustration, pause for 2 seconds and ask: "Would I laugh if someone said this to me?"
Mentor Session Stamp
Connection Compass • Week 1: Words, Tone & The Impact Meter • Page 2 of 7
Week 2 • Recognizing Impact
Reading the Room: Faces, Space & Cues
Session Goal: Spot unspoken cues peers send back
Mentor-Mentee Guided Discussion (5-7 Mins)
Discussion Starters:
- "Over 70% of what we communicate isn't words at all—it's our face, shoulders, and personal space."
- "Can you think of a time someone didn't say anything, but you knew immediately they were uncomfortable or annoyed?"
- "What does your body do when you start getting bored or irritated with peers?"
The Body Language Decoder
Eye Contact Shift
Cue: Looking away repeatedly, checking the clock, or scanning the door.
What it means: "I'm ready for this conversation to wrap up or pause."
The Body Turn
Cue: Turning shoulders away, stepping backward, or crossing arms tightly.
What it means: "I feel crowded, defensive, or excluded from the group."
The Silence Fade
Cue: Going completely quiet, giving one-word answers ("fine", "whatever").
What it means: "Something stung. I don't feel safe speaking up right now."
My Personal Non-Verbal Check-In
1. When I'm in a group, what physical habit might accidentally send an unwelcoming signal? (e.g., crowding someone's desk, slouching away, checking phone/tablet, sighing):
2. If I notice a classmate giving me one-word answers or stepping back, what is a positive question or check-in I can say?
Weekly Connection Challenge
The 360° Room Scan: During lunch or group work this week, pause and look at 2 people's body language. Notice if they look included or left out, and adjust your space.
Mentor Session Stamp
Connection Compass • Week 2: Reading the Room: Faces, Space & Cues • Page 3 of 7
Week 3 • Emotional Awareness
Cooling the Heat: Disagreements & Games
Session Goal: Handle competitive friction with maturity
Mentor-Mentee Guided Discussion (5-7 Mins)
Discussion Starters:
- "Why is recess, PE, or gaming often the exact place where friendships blow up?"
- "When you feel a referee made a bad call or someone broke a rule, what is the initial impulse?"
- "How does blowing up or quitting push teammates away from wanting to play with you next time?"
The 3-Step Brake Pedal Protocol
1 Name the Spike
Notice physical cues: clenching fists, racing heart, raised voice. Say mentally: "I'm heated right now."
2 The 10-Second Delay
Do not speak or react for 10 seconds. Step 3 paces back. Take one deep belly breath before saying a single word.
3 Play or Compromise
Offer a solution: "Let’s redo the point" or "Let’s flip a coin and keep going." Keep the game alive.
Scenario Workout: From Reaction to Response
Scenario: During four square or basketball, a friend calls your ball "out," but you are 100% sure it was in.
Old Reaction (Pushes away): Yelling "You're cheating!", kicking the ball, storming off.
My New Bridge Response:
Scenario: You are working on a partner poster and they choose colors or an idea you strongly dislike.
Old Reaction (Pushes away): Grabbing the marker, crossing out their work, refusing to help.
My New Bridge Response:
Weekly Connection Challenge
The "Good Game" Rule: Win or lose, in any game or debate this week, be the first person to offer a fist bump or say "good game" without complaining.
Mentor Session Stamp
Connection Compass • Week 3: Cooling the Heat: Disagreements & Games • Page 4 of 7
Week 4 • Repairing Relationships
The 4-Part Repair: Making Things Right
Session Goal: Replace fake apologies with genuine repair
Mentor-Mentee Guided Discussion (5-7 Mins)
Discussion Starters:
- "Why does saying 'Sorry you felt that way' or 'I'm sorry, BUT you started it' actually make people feel more irritated?"
- "Why is admitting we messed up one of the hardest things in the world to do?"
- "How does a real, sincere apology actually make people respect you MORE, not less?"
The 4-Part Repair Blueprint
Step 1: Own the Exact Action (No "If" or "But") Say: "I'm sorry that I laughed when you dropped your tray."
Step 2: Acknowledge the Impact on Them Say: "I realize that made you feel embarrassed in front of everyone."
Step 3: State Your Future Commitment Say: "Next time, I'll step in to help pick things up instead."
Step 4: Ask How to Make It Right Say: "Is there anything I can do right now to make this right?"
Apology Repair Shop: Rewrite the "Fake Apologies"
Fake Apology 1: "Fine, I'm sorry, but you were being super annoying."
Fake Apology 2: "My bad, it was just a joke, you took it way too seriously."
Weekly Connection Challenge
The Clean Slate Repair: Think of one peer you've had awkward friction with recently. Use at least Steps 1 & 2 of the 4-Part Repair to clear the air this week.
Mentor Session Stamp
Connection Compass • Week 4: The 4-Part Repair: Making Things Right • Page 4 of 7
Week 5 • Positive Peer Skills
The Magnet Skills: Inclusion & Listening
Session Goal: Actively draw classmates into positive connection
Mentor-Mentee Guided Discussion (5-7 Mins)
Discussion Starters:
- "Now that we've worked on not pushing people away, how do we become someone others love being around?"
- "What is the feeling when you're standing on the edge of a group and nobody invites you in?"
- "What is a 'Boomerang Question', and why does it make conversations so easy?"
The 3 "Peer Magnet" Habits
The Open Door Invite
When someone is standing nearby or sitting alone, don't wait for them to ask. Say: "Hey, grab a chair over here!" or "Want to join our team?"
The Boomerang Q
Throw the spotlight back on them. If they say they like soccer, don't just brag about your team. Ask: "How long have you played? What position do you like?"
The Unprompted Cheer
Notice other people’s wins out loud. "Nice shot!" or "That drawing looks amazing." Genuine compliments build instant warmth.
Role-Play Practice Lab (Try both with your mentor!)
Role Play A: The Lunch Table Seat
Mentor pretends to look for a seat holding a tray looking unsure. Practice your open door invite.
Role Play B: The Story Boomerang
Mentor shares a hobby or weekend story. Practice asking two follow-up questions before talking about yourself.
Mentee Reflection: Which of the 3 Magnet Habits feels easiest for you? Which one requires more conscious effort?
Weekly Connection Challenge
The 3-Inclusion Tally: This week, invite 1 person into a conversation, ask 1 boomerang question, and give 1 peer a sincere shout-out.
Mentor Session Stamp
Connection Compass • Week 5: The Magnet Skills: Inclusion & Listening • Page 5 of 7
Week 6 • Long-Term Habits
The Trust Bank & Future Habits
Session Goal: Solidify sustainable, trust-building daily habits
Mentor-Mentee Guided Discussion (5-7 Mins)
Discussion Starters:
- "How have your peer interactions changed over the last 5 weeks? What feels different?"
- "Trust isn't built in one day—it's like a bank account made of tiny deposits over time."
- "What is one habit you are most proud of developing so far?"
Trust Deposits (+ Balance)
- Admitting a mistake without arguing
- Being flexible when a game rule is debated
- Keeping private things confidential
- Inviting someone sitting alone to join
- Cheering on teammates when they struggle
Trust Withdrawals (- Balance)
- Sarcastic put-downs disguised as "jokes"
- Refusing to play unless you get your spot
- Rolling eyes or talking behind someone’s back
- Blaming others when things go wrong
- Giving a fake apology with an excuse
My 6-Week Growth Comparison
Looking back at Week 1, the biggest change in how I interact with peers is:
When I feel annoyance rising now, the strategy that works best for me is:
My Future Connection Pledge
I understand that my actions hold power. I choose to be a person who builds bridges, owns my mistakes, and creates a welcoming space for my peers.
Mentee Signature & Date:
Mentor Endorsement:
Connection Compass • Week 6: The Trust Bank & Future Habits • Page 6 of 7
Mentor Resource Guide
Facilitation Guide & Progress Log
Educator / Counselor Guide
6-Session Tracking
Curiosity Over Shame
Avoid lecturing. Ask: "What were you hoping would happen?" and "What do you think happened for them?" Keep dignity intact.
Role Play is Key
Knowing what to do is different from doing it under stress. Always physically act out the rephrased statements and apologies in the session.
Catch Them Doing It Right
Connect with classroom teachers to praise the student immediately when they show patience, share, or apologize in real daily school moments.
Mentor Session Notes & Mastery Log
| Week | Focus Skill | Date & Status | Key Observations & Next Steps |
|---|
| Week 1 | Words, Tone & Impact Radar | Date: ____ | |
| Week 2 | Body Language & Space Cues | Date: ____ | |
| Week 3 | Cooling Hot Moments in Games | Date: ____ | |
| Week 4 | The 4-Part Sincere Repair | Date: ____ | |
| Week 5 | Magnet Skills & Active Inclusion | Date: ____ | |
| Week 6 | Trust Bank & Future Habits | Date: ____ | |
Post-Mentorship Summary & Recommendations for Teachers / Parents
Mentor Final Review Complete: [ ] Yes [ ] In Progress Date of Final Conference: _________________
Connection Compass • Mentor Facilitation Guide & Progress Log • Page 7 of 7
