Detective Pacing Guide Case File: Body Signal Detectives
Tier 3 Individual Counseling Series
2nd Grade • 2 Sessions
Mission Objective
The student will identify at least two physical body sensations (e.g., racing heart, tight chest) linked to feelings of anxiety, frustration, or anger and record them in their case file.
Why It Matters
"Recognizing bodily signals tied to strong emotions builds emotional awareness and supports self-regulation, improving the student’s ability to stay calm and focused in class."
Prep Checklist
Required Evidence
Body Signal Detective Cards
Emotion Case Cards
Body Signal Tracking Sheet
Matching Game Board
Detective tokens, pencils/markers
Instructions:
Print and assemble all cards and boards. Familiarize yourself with the body signals and game flow using the provided Body Signal Detectives Script .
Session 1: Body Signal Exploration
20 MINUTES
01
Introduce the Mission
Brief the student on their new role: a "Body Signal Detective" searching for physical clues that happen when feelings get big.
02
Card Exploration
Review the Detective Cards. Discuss sensations like sweaty palms, tight chests, and clenched jaws. Ask: "Have you felt this clue before?"
03
Identify & Record
Help the student select two personal signals. Model how to fill out the Body Signal Tracking Sheet and have them complete their first entries.
Session 2: Matching Game
20 MINUTES
04
The Matching Challenge
Review the Tracking Sheet from Session 1. Play the matching game: draw an emotion card, name the signal, and mark the board.
05
Coping Strategy Brainstorm
For each signal, identify one "Calm-Down Strategy" (e.g., deep breaths for a racing heart). Linking the signal to an action is key.
06
Detective Debrief
Complete the final debrief and sign the Detective's Promise. Encourage them to use their new detective skills in the classroom.
Detective Script Resource Confidential
Detective Script
Session Word-for-Word Guide
Timing: 20 min / Session
Audience: 2nd Grade Individual
SESSION 1
Body Signal Exploration
0-2 Min
Teacher: "Good morning, Detective! I’m so glad you’re here today. We have a new case: discovering clues inside your own body."
Teacher: "Your mission is to notice two body signals that happen when you feel upset, frustrated, or anxious."
2-7 Min
Present the Signal Cards...
Teacher: "Here are our Detective Cards. Each card shows a clue your body might give you. Let’s look at them one by one."
Sweaty Palms: "Detective, have you ever noticed your hands feel slippery or sweaty when you’re nervous?"
Racing Heart: "Does your heart ever pound like it’s running a race?"
Tense Shoulders: "Do your shoulders rise up to your ears when you’re mad?"
Wait for student response after each card.
7-20 Min
Teacher: "Great work! Pick two cards that you’ve actually felt. Which two clues are true for you?"
Guide the student through filling out the Tracking Sheet. Model your own example first.
Teacher: "Before our next session, be a detective and look for these two signals in your day!"
SESSION 2
Emotion-Body Matching
0-5 Min
Teacher: "Welcome back, Detective! How did your body-clue hunt go? You identified [Signal 1] and [Signal 2] last time. What did you notice?"
5-15 Min
Game Play Flow:
1. Student draws an Emotion Card .
2. Teacher: "When you feel [Emotion] , which body signal did you pick?"
3. Student covers the signal on the Game Board .
4. Celebrate: "Case solved! You matched Anger with Tense Shoulders!"
15-20 Min
Teacher: "Which signal was easiest to spot? How can noticing these early help you stay calm?"
Brainstorm Coping Moves:
"For [Signal 1], what could you do? Maybe take slow belly breaths?"
"Case closed! Great work, detective!"
Body Signal Detective Cards Body Signal Evidence Cards
Cut these cards out for Session 1 and Session 2.
Cut Along Dotted Lines
Exhibit A
✋💦
Sweaty Palms
My hands feel slippery or wet.
Exhibit B
💓⚡
Racing Heart
My heart beats fast like a drum.
Exhibit C
🫁✊
Tight Chest
It feels like my chest is being squeezed.
Exhibit D
😬🗯️
Clenched Jaw
My teeth press together tightly.
Exhibit E
😤🌬️
Shallow Breaths
My breaths are short and quick.
Exhibit F
🥵🔴
Flushed Face
My face feels hot and turns red.
Exhibit G
🤷♂️🧱
Tense Shoulders
My shoulders go up to my ears.
Exhibit H
👐🌀
Fidgeting Hands
I can't stop moving my fingers.
Emotion Case Cards Emotion Case Cards
Draw these cards during the Session 2 Matching Game.
Evidence to Identify
Case #101
😰
Anxiety
Feeling worried or nervous.
Case #102
😟
Anxiety
Feeling scared or unsure.
Case #201
😤
Frustration
When things are too hard or stuck.
Case #202
😩
Frustration
Feeling like giving up.
Case #301
😡
Anger
Feeling very mad or upset.
Case #302
💢
Anger
Feeling like you might explode.
Body Signal Tracking Sheet Detective Log Book
Case ID: 002-BODY
Detective Name:
Date of Evidence:
Think about how your body feels when you are upset, frustrated, or anxious. Pick two signals from your Evidence Cards and write them below!
CLUE #1
My First Body Signal Is:
I feel this when:
CLUE #2
My Second Body Signal Is:
I feel this when:
Draw one of your signals in action:
Matching Investigation Board Investigation Board
Match emotions to body clues to solve the case.
STATUS: ACTIVE INVESTIGATION
Draw an Emotion Card . Recall which body signal matches it. Find the clue on the board and place your Detective Token to solve it!
💓
Racing Heart
TOKEN
✊🫁
Tight Chest
TOKEN
✋💦
Sweaty Palms
TOKEN
😬
Clenched Jaw
TOKEN
🌬️
Shallow Breaths
TOKEN
🔴🥵
Flushed Face
TOKEN
🤷♂️
Tense Shoulders
TOKEN
👐🌀
Fidgeting Hands
TOKEN
Target: Emotional Awareness
Agency: Body Signal Detectives
System: Tier 3 Intervention
Final Case Debrief Solved
Detective Debrief
Case Closed: Body Signal Investigation Complete
1. The two signals I found are:
#1
#2
2. My Calm-Down Strategies:
When I feel Signal #1, I will:
When I feel Signal #2, I will:
3. Draw yourself using a strategy in action:
Detective's Promise
"I will watch for my body signals and use my strategy to stay calm."
Signature
Date
