Loop Lab Teacher Guide Loop Lab Guide
Lesson 1: The Action-Emotion Loop
Teacher Resource
Objective
Students will understand the bidirectional relationship between actions and emotions. By the end of this lesson, students will be able to identify how "doing nothing" keeps a mood stuck and how "doing something" helps a mood move.
Materials Needed
Box of Dominoes
Loop Lab Slides
Mood Loop Worksheet
The Hook: Domino Energy
Set up two rows of dominoes on a table where everyone can see.
Scenario A: The "Stay Stuck" Loop
Leave the dominoes standing perfectly still. Don't touch them.
"When we feel sad or bored and we stay perfectly still, nothing changes. The feeling just stands there."
Scenario B: The "Action" Loop
Flick the first domino to start a chain reaction.
"One small push—one action—changes everything. It starts a new energy that moves through the whole line!"
Facilitation Guide
1
Introduce the Loop
"Most people think we have to feel happy to do something fun. But in the Loop Lab, we learn that doing something fun can actually MAKE us feel happy."
2
Define the Cycle
Explain that: FEELING (Bored) -> ACTION (Sit on couch) -> RESULT (Stay bored). This is the 'Stuck Loop.' We want to change the middle part (the Action) to break the loop.
3
Worksheet Guidance
Help students identify "Stuck Actions" vs "Energy Actions." A stuck action might be staring at a wall; an energy action might be drawing a picture.
Energy Lab Pro-Tip
Watch for students who say "But I can't move when I'm sad." Validate that it's hard! Remind them that we only need one tiny domino push to start. We aren't looking for a huge mountain jump, just a small flick.
Loop Lab Slides Loop Lab
The Science of How Actions Change Feelings
Lesson 1 • Action Emotion Connection
The Energy Push
The Still Row
If we don't push the first domino, nothing moves. The energy stays flat.
The Moving Row
One tiny push (an Action) sends energy through the whole row!
The Stuck Loop
Sometimes we get stuck in a circle that feels like a trap. Doing nothing keeps us feeling the same way.
"I'm too tired to play... so I just sit here... and then I feel even more tired."
FEELING
ACTION
STILL BORED
The Energy Loop
We can break the "Stuck Loop" by choosing a different ACTION .
Feeling Sad
Action!
Ride Bike
Feeling Better
Lab Mission
Today, we are going to draw our own loops. Can you think of an action that helps you feel more energy?
Read a book
Paint a picture
Dance to music
Mood Loop Worksheet Mood Loop Lab Report
Exp. No: 01
Scientist Name
Date of Observation
Part 1: The Stuck Loop
Think of a time you felt bored or sad and didn't feel like doing anything. What happened?
Feeling
Action (What I did)
Result (How I felt later)
Part 2: The Energy Loop
Now, think of one small action that could change your mood and give you more energy!
My Action Idea:
Example: Walk outside, draw a superhero, sing a song, ask a friend to play.
How it might feel after:
Think of one feeling word that describes "better energy."
Lab Conclusion
The "Action-Emotion Loop" proves that ________________ can change how I _______________.
Experiment Teacher Guide The 5-Minute Lab
Lesson 2: The 5-Minute Experiment
Teacher Resource
Research Question
"Can a short burst of activity change my mood data?"
In this lesson, students become scientists collecting evidence on themselves. They will move from the theory of the Loop (Lesson 1) to the actual data of their own bodies.
Lab Prep
Stopwatch/Timer
Upbeat music track
Experiment Log sheets
Hook: Statue vs. Monkey
Part A: The Statue (1 min)
Students must sit perfectly still. No talking, no moving, just staring straight ahead. Set the timer.
Part B: The Monkey (1 min)
Students must "act like a monkey." They can hop, wiggle, swing their arms, and make soft monkey noises. Set the timer.
Discussion: "Which minute felt longer? Which minute made your brain feel 'awake'?"
The Experiment Steps
Step 1: Baseline Rating (2 mins)
Students use their Experiment Log to rate their current energy and mood on a scale of 1–10. Emphasize that there are no "wrong" numbers—scientists just want the truth!
Step 2: The Variable (5 mins)
Engage the class in a high-energy activity. Suggestions: 5-minute dance party, "Follow the Leader" around the room, or "Floor is Lava" where they have to step only on specific markers.
Step 3: Post-Test Rating (2 mins)
IMMEDIATELY after stopping, have them sit down and rate their energy/mood again. No talking until the numbers are down!
Accessibility Note
For students with physical limitations, the "Monkey" phase can be upper-body movement, chair-dancing, or high-energy hand gestures. The goal is increasing heart rate/energy in whatever way is accessible to the individual.
Experiment Slides The 5-Minute Experiment
Gathering Evidence on Our Energy
The Big Question
Can moving my body for just 5 minutes change the way my brain feels?
"Scientists don't just guess. They collect DATA. Today, YOU are the data!"
Step 1: Baseline Data
Look at your Experiment Log. How much energy do you have right now?
10
1 = Sleeping ... 5 = Normal ... 10 = Super Electric!
5-MINUTE
DANCE PARTY!
Rules: Keep moving until the music stops!
Step 3: Post-Test Data
Quickly! Pick your new number.
Did it go up?
"I feel more awake and ready to work."
Did it stay the same?
"I need a longer experiment next time!"
The data shows: Action = Energy!
Experiment Log Worksheet Experiment Log
Subject: 5-Minute Activity Test
Scientist:
Date:
My Hypothesis
Hypothesis: A guess based on what you already know.
I predict that after 5 minutes of moving, my energy level will:
Go Up
Go Down
Stay the Same
Observation Data
BEFORE
Sitting Still
Energy Rating (1-10)
1 = Tired ... 10 = Electric
AFTER
5 Mins Movement
Energy Rating (1-10)
1 = Tired ... 10 = Electric
Mood Check
Sad / Bored
Okay / Calm
Happy / Energetic
Final Lab Conclusion:
Based on my data, I can conclude that when I , it makes my energy level go .
Wall Climber Teacher Guide The Wall Lab
Lesson 3: Overcoming the Wall
Teacher Resource
Objective
Students will identify the "Wall" (the feeling of inertia or anxiety that stops them from starting) and learn to build "Ladders" (tiny, manageable steps) to overcome it.
Props Needed
Cardboard boxes (for the wall)
Step stool or "ladder" stickers
Small reward (stickers/treats)
Hook: The Physical Wall
Setup:
Build a small wall out of cardboard boxes in the middle of a pathway. On the other side, place a "treasure" (like stickers). Tell a student they can have the treasure, but they cannot jump or knock down the wall.
The Solution:
Introduce "Ladders" (the step stool). By taking one small step up, and then another, the wall becomes easy to get over.
The Ladder Technique
The "Big" Step (Scary)
"Go outside and play with the whole neighborhood."
Wall Height: 10/10
The "Ladder" Steps (Easy)
1. Put on my right shoe.
2. Put on my left shoe.
3. Open the front door.
Discussion Questions
"What does your 'Wall' feel like? Is it a heavy feeling in your stomach? Is it a loud voice saying 'I can't'?"
"What is a 'Ladder Step' for cleaning your room? (e.g., pick up one sock)."
Energy Lab Pro-Tip
Remind students that a ladder step should be so small that it feels "too easy." If it still feels a little scary, break it down further!
Overcoming the Wall Slides Overcoming
The Wall
How to climb when you feel stuck
The "I Don't Want To" Wall
It's that heavy feeling that blocks your energy. It's built of barriers .
Too Tired
Too Nervous
Too Bored
Tired
Ugh...
Later
Bored
Build a Ladder
We can't jump over the wall in one giant leap. We need tiny steps that feel super easy.
1
2
3
GO!
"If a step feels hard, make it even smaller!"
Ladder Challenge: Cleaning a Messy Room
The Scary Wall
"I have to clean this WHOLE huge room. It will take forever. I give up."
The Tiny Ladder
Step 1: Pick up ONE sock.
Step 2: Put ONE toy in the box.
Step 3: Put on a fun song.
Lab Mission
Open your Wall Climber Worksheet. Let's build a ladder for something you've been avoiding!
Wall Climber Worksheet Wall Climber
Mission: Break the Barrier
Climber Name:
Base Camp Date:
1. Build Your Wall
What is something you have been avoiding or find really hard to start? What "bricks" are in your way? (e.g., "I'm tired," "I'm nervous," "It's too much work.")
Brick 1
Brick 2
Brick 3
Brick 4
2. Build Your Ladder
Break your goal into 4 tiny "ladder steps." Make them so easy they feel silly! (e.g., "Step 1: Just pick up my pencil.")
4
3
2
1
Climber's Oath
"I don't have to clear the whole wall at once. I just need to take step number ONE."
Opposite Action Teacher Guide The Opposite Lab
Lesson 4: Opposite Action Strategies
Teacher Resource
Objective
Students will learn the skill of Opposite Action . They will identify the "action urge" of a negative emotion and practice doing the exact opposite to shift their emotional state.
Lab Kit
Opposite Game Cards
Opposite Action Slides
"Simon Says" (Brain Power)
Hook: The Opposite Game
"Warm up your brain by doing the OPPOSITE of what I say!"
Teacher Says
"SIT DOWN!"
Students Do
STAND UP!
Teacher Says
"LOOK LEFT!"
Students Do
LOOK RIGHT!
Reflection: "Was it hard to stop your body from doing what I said? That's what it's like when our feelings tell us to do something that keeps us stuck!"
Opposite Action Scenarios
Emotion Urge (STUCK)
Sadness says: "Hide under the covers and stay in the dark."
Opposite Action (ENERGY)
"Open the curtains and walk outside."
Emotion Urge (STUCK)
Worry says: "Don't try the new game, stay alone."
Opposite Action (ENERGY)
"Ask one person: 'Can I play too?'"
Facilitation Tips
1
The Urge: Teach students that emotions have "urges"—they tell us to do things. But we are the boss of our bodies!
2
The Feeling: Acknowledge that doing the opposite feels weird or "fake" at first. That's okay! The energy change happens after the action.
Lab Pro-Tip
"Opposite Action only works when the emotion is not helpful. If we are sad because we lost a pet, we don't need 'opposite action'—we need a hug. We use this when our feelings are keeping us stuck in a loop we want to break."
Opposite Action Slides Opposite
Action
The Power of the Reverse Gear
The "Urge"
Every feeling has an urge. It’s a voice in your head that tells your body what to do.
"Sadness usually urges us to HIDE and BE STILL."
The Skill: Opposite Action
If a feeling is keeping you in a "Stuck Loop," you can do the exact opposite of what it tells you.
Feeling Says
SIT DOWN
You Do
GET UP!
Worry Wall
"I'm too nervous to say hi."
Opposite Action:
Wave and say "Hi!"
Boredom Trap
"There is nothing to do."
Opposite Action:
Find one thing to build.
Opposite Match!
We are going to play a matching game. Can you find the Opposite Action for each emotion urge?
Opposite Game Cards Opposite Game Cards
Lesson 4: Strategy Practice
Cut along the dotted lines
Urge
Feeling Sad
"Stay in bed and keep the lights off."
Opposite
Opposite Action
Get up and open the curtains!
Urge
Feeling Worried
"Don't join the game. Stay alone."
Opposite
Opposite Action
Ask: "Can I play too?"
Urge
Feeling Bored
"Just sit on the couch and sigh."
Opposite
Opposite Action
Put on music and dance!
How to play:
Shuffle the cards and try to find the match that helps the "Urge" move along!
Activation Plan Teacher Guide The Activation Lab
Lesson 5: Drafting an Activation Plan
Teacher Resource
Objective
Students will synthesize their learning from the previous four lessons to create a personal Activation Plan . This serves as an "emergency kit" for when they are stuck in a negative loop.
Kit Prep
Sample First Aid Kit
Activation Plan Slides
Activation Kit Worksheets
Hook: Break the Glass
Show a real-world emergency kit (First Aid or Fire Extinguisher).
"We don't wait for a fire to start to go buy an extinguisher. We have it ready JUST IN CASE. Our feelings are the same. When we are stuck in a 'Stuck Loop,' it's hard to think of a good idea. We need our plan ready before we get stuck!"
What's in the Plan?
1. The Trigger
"I know I'm stuck when I feel..."
2. The Tiny Action
"One ladder step I can take is..."
3. The Opposite
"Instead of [Urge], I will [Action]."
4. The Helper
"One person who can help me push the domino is..."
The Lab Graduation
Once students finish their plan, have them "seal" it with a sticker or a signature. Encourage them to keep it in their desk or folder as a permanent tool.
"You are now a Certified Action-Emotion Scientist!"
Lab Pro-Tip
"Some students might pick a really big goal for their plan. Guide them back to the 'Ladder' concept. The plan should be about the first five minutes of breaking a loop, not a month-long project."
Activation Plan Slides My Activation
Lab Plan
Ready for anything
Emergency Kit
When you're stuck in a "Stuck Loop," your brain is tired. It's hard to think of good ideas.
"Scientists prepare their tools before the experiment starts!"
Lab Tools We Learned
The Loop
Action = Mood
The Data
Evidence works
The Ladder
Tiny Steps
Opposite
Reverse Urge
Break the Glass
In your plan, you will identify one Helper and one Super Action to get you moving.
The Helper
The Action
Lab Certified!
Let's finish your Activation Kit. You've got this, Scientist!
Activation Plan Worksheet Official Document
Activation Plan
Emergency "Break the Glass" Kit
Chief Scientist:
Date Issued:
1
The Red Alert (The Stuck Loop)
"I know I am stuck in a loop when I feel..."
2
The First Rung (The Ladder)
"One tiny step I can take right away is..."
3
The Gear Shift (The Opposite)
"Instead of sitting still, I will do the OPPOSITE and..."
4
The Lab Assistant (The Helper)
"One person I can tell 'I'm stuck, help me push the domino' is..."
Lab Certified
Action-Emotion Specialist
Scientist Signature:
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