Energy HQ Slides Mission Alpha
Energy HQ
Week 1: Powering Up Your Personal Blueprint
The Human Battery
System Capacity
Self-regulation takes energy. If your battery is empty, regulation is offline.
System Charged
A full battery makes it easier to use your "Body Radar" and stay in control.
System Drain
Sensory
Loud, echoey halls
Bright office lights
Scratchy uniforms
Social
Sudden schedule changes
Group presentations
Unclear instructions
Power Up
Quiet HQ
Noise-canceling gear
Deep pressure / Stims
Dark or dim rooms
Interests
Topic dive-ins
Sorting / Organizing
Comfort gaming/media
Mission Checklist
Identify 3 Drains and 3 Chargers to build your first Blueprint Page.
20-Minute Blueprint Protocol: Active
Blueprint Overview Guide Big Feelings Blueprint
Teacher Implementation Guide: 6-Week Sprints
Format 20-Min Sessions
The 20-Minute Protocol
0-5m Visual Hook: Quick slide review and check-in.
5-12m Blueprint Demo: Model the week's visual strategy.
12-20m Sketch Session: Students complete one focused worksheet.
Visual Methodology
This curriculum uses stick-figure schematics to reduce social complexity. By abstracting people and energy into simple lines and bubbles, students focus on the mechanics of self-regulation rather than the social nuance.
The 6-Week Roadmap
1
Energy HQ
Identifying "Energy Drainers" and "Chargers" to prevent burnout.
2
Body Radar
Mapping the physical "Internal Weather" of big emotions.
3
Inside the Bubble
The core "Speech vs. Thought" distinction in social interactions.
4
Perspective Shift
Using "Double Bubbles" to visualize what others are thinking.
5
The Choice Point
Identifying the "Fork in the Road" and choosing a coping path.
6
Master Blueprint
Consolidating all strategies into a single regulation toolkit.
Key Visual Assets
The Battery
Energy Budgeting
Teaches that self-regulation requires energy. If the battery is empty, regulation fails. Focus on deposits (special interests, sensory breaks) vs withdrawals (transitions, social pressure).
Comic Strips
Speech vs. Thought
The foundation of Carol Gray’s work. Solid lines for speech, clouds for thoughts. Use specific colors: Green (praise/happy), Red (bad words/angry), Yellow (uncomfortable/scared).
The Fork
The Choice Point
A visual map of a decision. One path leads to "Explosion" (Red), one leads to "Regulation" (Green). Students practice selecting the Green Path before their emotions peak.
Support Tip
"For 20-minute sessions, keep teacher talk under 8 minutes. The goal is 10-12 minutes of active 'blueprinting' where students draw their own logic."
Blueprint Overview Guide Big Feelings Blueprint
Teacher Implementation Guide: 6-Week Sprints
Format 20-Min Sessions
The 20-Minute Protocol
0-5m Visual Hook: Quick slide review and check-in.
5-10m Blueprint Demo: Model the week's visual strategy.
10-15m Card Combat: Practice with 1 Interaction Card .
15-20m Sketch Session: Focused worksheet completion.
ND-Centered Approach
Focus on "Stealth Soothing" —discreet, self-regulation tools that neurodivergent students can use during the school day. The goal is to prevent "The Home Venting Explosion" by managing energy in real-time.
The 6-Week Roadmap
1
Energy HQ
Micro-Chargers: Discreet ways to charge during the school day.
2
Body Radar
Detecting "The Squeeze": Catching big feelings before they get home.
3
Inside the Bubble
Managing "Loud Thoughts": Using filters to stay calm in class.
4
Perspective Shift
Decoding school rules and teacher "thought bubbles."
5
The Choice Point
The School-to-Home Fork: Picking the Green Path at 2:00 PM.
6
Master Blueprint
Consolidating stealth tools into a single toolkit.
Blueprint Interaction Cards
The Card System
Each session uses Scenario Interaction Cards . These provide real-world school situations where students must apply that week's blueprint logic.
• Front: The Scenario (e.g., "The teacher changed the seat map")
• Back: Blueprint Task (e.g., "Draw the teacher's thought bubble")
Stealth Soothing (ND Tools)
Focus on self-soothing tools that are socially "stealthy":
• Pocket fidgets (tangles, coins)
• Heavy work (pushing against the desk)
• Discreet breathing (4-7-8 blueprint)
• Sensory glimmers (scented stickers, smooth stones)
The "Mom Venting" Phenomenon
"Many neurodivergent students use high energy to 'mask' at school, leading to a battery at 0% when they walk in the door at home. We must teach them to 'Charge' at school to avoid the home-explosion. Use the Energy HQ session to identify school-safe chargers."
Interaction Card Vault Interaction Card Vault
Real-World "Blueprinting" Scenarios
Wk 1: Energy HQ
The Hallway Squeeze
The hallway is crowded. People are shouting, and someone accidentally bumps your shoulder.
Task: Identify 1 "Micro-Charger" you can use at your locker right now.
Wk 2: Body Radar
The Surprise Question
A teacher asks you a question in front of everyone. You weren't ready.
Task: Scan your Body Radar. Where do you feel "The Squeeze" first?
Wk 3: Bubbles
The Correction
A peer tells you that you said something "weird." You feel defensive.
Task: Draw a filter. What stays in the Thought Bubble? What enters Speech?
Wk 4: Perspective
The Busy Teacher
The teacher is frowning while grading papers. You need help with a problem.
Task: Guess the teacher's thought bubble. Is their frown about you?
Wk 5: Choice Point
The 2:00 PM Wall
It's almost the end of the day. You've been "perfect" all day, but your battery is flashing red. You just want to hide.
Task: Pick the Green Path. How can you "Self-Soothe" at your desk right now?
Wk 6: Master Toolkit
The Mom Vent
"I held it in all day, and as soon as I saw my mom, I started yelling at her about school."
Task: Review your "Stealth Toolkit." Which tool did you forget at lunch?
Energy Battery Blueprint Worksheet Energy Battery Blueprint
Week 1: Stealth Charging at School
Name:
My Current Level
Color in your battery to show your level right now .
The Home Exploder
Does your battery feel LOWER when you are at school or when you walk in your front door at home?
School
Walk-in Door
If you walk in the door and "explode" at mom/dad, it means your school battery was in the RED for too long. We need Stealth Chargers.
Stealth Chargers: Discreet Soothing
Pick 3 things you can do at your desk or in the hall that nobody will notice.
In My Pocket
Smooth stone or coin
Fidget ring or tangle
Scented sticker/cotton
At My Desk
Desk "Push-ups" (Hands down)
Blueprint Breathing (Slow)
Tighten/Release muscles
My Own Idea
"Stealth Charging is a secret way to keep your battery out of the Red. Use it before you leave school so you have energy left for home."
Internal Weather Blueprint Internal Weather Blueprint
Week 2: Mapping My Body Radar
Name:
Our bodies give us clues before a feeling gets too big. Use colors to mark where you feel the sensations of these "Big Feelings" on your radar map.
Anger
Anxiety
Frustration
RADAR
Draw your signals above
Early Signals
What are the very first body signs you notice? (e.g., sweaty hands, fast heart, tummy knots)
Signal Alpha
Signal Beta
Signal Gamma
Blueprint Logic
The earlier we catch the signal on our radar, the more energy we have to use our "Choice Point" tools next week.
Body Radar Slides Body Radar
Week 2: Detecting Big Feelings Early
Anger
Anxiety
Frustration
System Scan
Radars catch things far away before they get close.
Our bodies have a radar too! It tells us when a Big Feeling is starting.
Signal Identification
Anger
• Clenched fists
• Hot face / Ears
• Fast heartbeat
Anxiety
• Shaky hands
• Short breaths
• Tummy knots
Frustration
• Teeth grinding
• Stiff shoulders
• Busy, racing mind
Map Your Internal Weather
Using your Body Radar worksheet, mark the spots where your feelings start.
Protocol: Detect & Map
Bubble Builder Worksheet Bubble Builder
Week 3: Speech vs. Thought
Name:
Fill in the thought bubbles (the things inside your head) and the speech bubbles (the words you say out loud) for each scenario.
Thinking (Dashed)
Speaking (Solid)
Scenario 1: The Surprise Gift
A friend gives you a gift you don't really like. You want to be polite.
Inside Thoughts
Out Loud Speech
Scenario 2: Too Loud
Your sibling is playing music very loudly while you are trying to study.
Inside Thoughts
Out Loud Speech
Speech Thought Slides Inside the Bubble
Week 3: Speech vs. Thought
Making the Invisible Visible
Speech Bubble
The words that come out of your mouth . Everyone can hear these.
"Hello! Great job."
Thought Bubble
The things you are thinking . Only you know what's in here.
(I hope they liked it.)
Become a Bubble Builder
Open your Bubble Builder worksheet.
Protocol: Separation of Input/Output
Choice Point Slides The Choice Point
Week 5: Mastering the Fork in the Road
A Moment of Choice
A Choice Point is the split second you notice your "Body Radar" going off.
"This is where you pick your path."
The Red Path: Explosion The Green Path: Cool Down
Green Path Tools
System Restart
4-7-8 Blueprint Breath
Slow Count to 10
Ice Cold Water Sip
Space Shift
Head to "Quiet HQ"
Sensory Regulation
Noise-Canceling Gear
Choose Your Path
Open your Coping Blueprint worksheet.
Protocol: Executive Selection
Coping Blueprint Worksheet Coping Blueprint
Week 4: The Green Path
Decision Blueprint
The Green Path is how we stay in control when our Big Feelings start to grow. Write down the tools that work best for YOU.
Signal Detection
When I notice my Body Radar doing this:
Choice Point
My Green Path Tools
1
2
3
Bonus: Who can help me with these tools?
My Action Plan
Next time I feel , I will reach my Choice Point .
Instead of taking the Red Path , I will choose to try:
"I will [write your favorite tool here]:"
It takes practice to find the fork in the road. Be patient with your blueprint.
Master Blueprint Answer Key TEACHER ANNOTATED KEY
Master Blueprint Key
Week 6: My Personalized Regulation Plan Exemplar
Curriculum Suite Big Feelings Blueprint
Instructional Delivery Notes
This key serves as a guide for scaffolding students through completing their Master Blueprint . Encourage students to select highly personalized, discreet ("stealth") strategies that can be deployed in the classroom without drawing peer attention, reducing the need for masking and preventing the end-of-day "home explosion."
1. Energy HQ (Top Recharge)
Focus: Stealth micro-chargers during the school day.
Pocket Fidgets:
Manipulating a worry coin, small smooth stone, or a flexible mini Tangle toy inside a pocket.
Sensory Glimmers:
Discreetly scratching a small scented sticker on a notebook or adjusting ear filter loops.
2. Body Radar (Early Warning)
Focus: Identifying physical signs of "The Squeeze."
Muscle Tension:
Shoulders tightening and hiking up, jaw clenching, or clenching hands into hidden fists.
Thermal & Motor:
Ears or face feeling suddenly hot; intense, rapid leg bouncing under the desk.
3. Green Path (Coping Skill)
Focus: Pushing through the transition fork safely.
4-7-8 Breathing:
A structured breathing blueprint—inhale 4 seconds, hold 7, exhale slowly for 8.
Proprioceptive Pressure:
"Desk push-downs" (discreetly pressing palms down onto the chair to activate muscle anchors).
4. Repair Script (Exemplars)
Focus: Scripts for post-escalation repair when calm.
"I was feeling overwhelmed and my battery was at 0%. I needed a quiet break, but I'm ready to talk and listen now."
"My school thoughts got too loud. I didn't mean to snap. I just needed 5 minutes of quiet time to recharge."
Week 6 Scenario Card: "The Mom Vent"
Usage: Deploy Card 6 during the 10-15m Card Combat block of the 20-minute protocol.
This scenario addresses the "Home Venting Explosion." Students hold their masking energy perfect all day, leading to immediate depletion upon entering their safe space (home) and reacting with parents. Encourage discussion on how a "Stealth Charger" used earlier in the day at lunch could have cushioned their battery and prevented the home vent.
Regulation Toolkit Slides Regulation Toolkit
Week 6: The Master Blueprint
System Review
1. Energy HQ
"Am I charged or drained?"
2. Body Radar
"What signals do I feel?"
3. Choice Point
"Which path will I choose?"
Mission Complete
Today, you will build your Master Blueprint . This is your personal instruction manual for keeping your system regulated.
"You are the architect of your own regulation."
Stealth Coping Pocket Cards Print & Cut Resource
Stealth Coping Pocket Cards
Laminate, hole-punch, and attach to a keyring or lanyard for year-round classroom support.
Big Feelings Blueprint
Week 6 Takeaway Tool
Cut Line
1. Energy HQ
Stealth Rechargers
• Pocket Fidget: Keep fingers busy inside pockets with a key ring or worry coin.
• Sensory Glimmers: Calming scent stickers, texture cards, or noise filters.
• Hallway Route: Pick the quietest corridor path between your classes.
Keep Your Battery Out of the Red
Cut Line
2. Body Radar
Early Warning Signs
• The Squeeze: Feel for shoulders tightening and rising up to your ears.
• Thermal Spot: Red, hot ears or face. A sudden rush of heavy breathing.
• Motor Spark: Leg bouncing, jaw clenching, or making hidden, tight fists.
Catch "The Squeeze" Early
Cut Line
3. Green Path
Coping Skills
• 4-7-8 Breathing: Inhale for 4s, hold for 7s, exhale slowly for 8s.
• Desk Press: Sit flat and push your palms firmly downward against the chair.
• Water Pass: Request a structured exit card to refill water and reset.
You Choose the Path
Cut Line
4. Inside the Bubble
Loud Thought Filter
• Filter Check: Keep critical, defensive thoughts in the Thought Bubble.
• Speech Space: Only speak words that help solve problems constructively.
• The 3s Rule: Pause and count to 3 before letting a thought past the filter.
Protect Your Speech Filter
Cut Line
5. Repair Script
Self-Advocacy
• My Battery: "My battery was at 0% and I was tensed in 'The Squeeze'."
• The Need: "I didn't mean to snap. I just needed a quick recharge break."
• Reset Signal: "I am regulated now and ready to listen and talk."
Your Voice is Your Power
Cut Line
6. My Blueprint
Master Blueprint Worksheet Master Blueprint
Week 6: My Personalized Regulation Plan
Name:
Energy HQ
Top Recharge Strategy:
Body Radar
Early Warning Signal:
Green Path
Best Coping Skill:
Repair Script
"When I'm regulated, I can tell people..."
THE SYSTEM
Full Loop Blueprint
Charge
Detect
Choose
Regulate
Mind Mirror Sketchpad Worksheet Mind Mirror Sketchpad
Week 4: Seeing Two Sides
Double Bubble Blueprint
"Sometimes we only see our own bubble. To understand a social situation, we have to imagine the bubble floating above the other person's head."
Case 01: The Seat Swapper
Scanning Perspective...
"You walk into the library. Someone is sitting in the beanbag chair you always sit in."
Internal Weather: You feel hot and your heart is beating fast (Anger/Frustration).
My Thoughts Their Thoughts
Case 02: The Unread Message
"You sent a text to a friend two hours ago. They haven't replied yet."
Internal Weather: You feel shaky and your mind is busy (Anxiety).
YOUR BUBBLE
THEIR BUBBLE
Wait! Does the other person's thought bubble ALWAYS mean they are being mean to you?
NO
Maybe they are just busy/distracted
Double Bubble Slides Perspective Shift
Week 4: The Mind Mirror
The Double Bubble
Every interaction has two sets of thought bubbles.
"I know my thoughts... but what is floating in THEIR bubble?"
MY MIND
THEIR MIND
Mission: Mind Mirror
Open your Mind Mirror Sketchpad .
Protocol: Perspective Mapping
Peer Interaction Cards Peer Interaction Cards
Perspective Taking Practice • Part 1
How to use: Cut out these cards. For each story, discuss what is happening in the Thought Bubbles vs the Speech Bubbles . Use the stick figures to visualize the social clues.
Scenario A
The Lunch Table
"You walk to your usual table. A new student is sitting in your spot. Your friends are laughing with them."
My Thought
Their Thought
Scenario B
The Group Chat
"Everyone is talking about a movie they saw together yesterday. You weren't invited."
My Thought Bubble
Write thoughts here
Scenario C
The Sarcastic Joke
"A friend says, 'Wow, nice shirt,' while smirking. You aren't sure if they mean it."
Interpretation 1: Mean
Interpretation 2: Funny
Scenario D
The Work Partner
"Your partner keeps drawing on their paper instead of doing the science project."
Your Frustration
Their Reason?
Peer Interaction Cards • Part 2
Scenario E
Asking to Join
"You see classmates playing a card game. You want to play. One kid says, 'We're full,' but there is an empty chair."
Hidden Rule?
Their Intent
Scenario F
The Accidental Bump
"Someone bumps into your shoulder in the hallway and keeps walking without looking back."
My Body Radar
Was it on purpose?
Scenario G
The Compliment
"A teacher says, 'Excellent work today,' in front of the whole class. You feel everyone looking at you."
Anxiety Signal
Coping Tool
Scenario H
The Ghosted Text
"You see your friend has 'read' your message, but they haven't replied for three hours."
My Thought Bubble
Possible Reality
