Dex Radar Slides Mindful Friends • Lesson 1
Dex's Big Feelings
Feeling Radar:
Spotting Dex's Body Clues
Every feeling is welcome. Our bodies give us clues before our brains even say a word!
1 Goal: Notice feelings like a friendly detective
Grade 2 SEL
Big Truth: All Feelings Are Okay!
Dex's Secret
Sunny Feelings
Happy, proud, excited, calm, peaceful. They warm us up!
Cloudy Feelings
Sad, tired, lonely, quiet. They slow our engines down.
Stormy Feelings
Frustrated, angry, scared, worried. They bring big energy!
Remember: Feelings are visitors. They come in, say hello, and move on!
Where Do Feelings Hide?
Body Clues
Thumping Heart
Beating fast like a drum when surprised or nervous.
Belly Butterflies
Tumble-flutters when trying something brand new.
Warm Cheeks
Ears and face get warm when embarrassed or mad.
Tight Paws / Fists
Shoulders hike up and hands curl when frustrated.
Dex says: "When I notice my ears getting hot, I know my feeling radar is beeping!"
The Feeling Size Meter
How Big Is It?
1
Tiny Bubble
Small Feeling
Easy to handle. Like a pencil drop or missing a turn in line.
2
Medium Bubble
Medium Feeling
Makes you pause. Needs a breath or a gentle stretch.
3
Giant Bubble
Big Feeling
Huge energy! Needs our Mindful Bubble tools and calm support.
No matter the size, we can notice it before it bursts!
Feeling Detective Mission
Turn & Talk
Turn to your neighbor and share:
A
"One body clue I get when I feel nervous or excited is..."
B
"Right now, my feeling size bubble is a (1, 2, or 3) because..."
Ready for your Detective Sheet!
Next: Map your body clues
Body Clues Detective Worksheet Body Clues Detective
Dex's Big Feelings Radar • Lesson 1
Detective Name
Date
Dex's Secret: All feelings are normal visitors! When our feelings get loud, our body gives us clues first. Notice your body clues to stay calm.
1
Match the Clue to the Feeling
Draw a line from the body clue on the left to the feeling word on the right.
1. Fast thumping heart drum
2. Tight fists and hot ears
3. Fluttery butterflies in tummy
4. Heavy shoulders, quiet voice
A. Angry / Mad
B. Nervous / Worried
C. Sad / Tired
D. Excited / Surprised
2
My Body Radar Map
Color or circle two spots on the body where you feel your big feelings first (chest, stomach, hands, or head).
Body Map
Head
Heart Belly
Color with crayon
Spot 1 I noticed:
What does it feel like there? (tight, hot, fluttery)
Spot 2 I noticed:
What feeling usually makes it feel that way?
3
My Bubble Size Right Now
Circle the bubble size that matches your feeling right now:
1
Small Bubble Calm / Peaceful
2
Medium Bubble Wiggly / Thinking
3
Big Bubble Big Energy Feeling
My feeling word right now is:
Lesson 1: Recognizing Feelings • Dex SEL Series Page 1 of 1
Feeling Radar Teacher Guide Feeling Radar Teacher Guide
Lesson 1 Facilitation • Recognizing Body Clues
Pacing: 25–30 Mins | Grade: 2nd
SEL Objective
Students identify physical somatic signals and label emotion intensity on a 1–3 scale.
Core Anchor
Dex's Book of Big Feelings + Body Radar Map worksheet.
Key Vocabulary
Body clue, sensation, intensity, visitor feeling, feeling radar.
Paced Instructional Steps
1. Hook & Anchor Read (6 Mins) Dex Connection
Display Slide 1 & 2. Introduce Dex: even heroes have moments where their heart pounds, paws feel tight, or tummy whirls.
Teacher Script: "Class, think about Dex. When he felt small or scared, did he pretend he felt nothing? No! His body was speaking to him. Today we turn on our feeling radars!"
2. Body Radar Investigation (8 Mins) Slides 3 & 4
Guide students through physical clues: racing heartbeat, clenched jaws/fists, tummy flutter. Practice the 1-2-3 bubble size scale (Small, Medium, Big).
Check for Understanding: "Put one hand on your chest. Can your heart beat fast even when you are excited? Yes! Body clues help us know what's happening inside."
3. Student Detective Sheet & Turn-Talk (10 Mins) Independent Work
Distribute Body Clues Detective Worksheet . Students match sensations, color 2 body spots with crayons, and rate their current feeling bubble size. Pair with Slide 5 for structured partner sharing.
4. Synthesis & Preview (4 Mins) Closure
Ask students to show their bubble size with their fingers (1, 2, or 3). Validate all responses. Preview tomorrow: learning Dex's bubble breathing technique!
Common Misconception
"Are some feelings bad?" Emphasize that anger, worry, and sadness are not "bad" or "wrong." They are normal body messengers. What matters is how we treat ourselves and others when big feelings arrive.
Support & Extension
ELL / Emerging Readers: Provide emotion emotion picture cards with expressive facial cues. For extension, invite students to describe how their pet or Dex shows feelings with ears and tails.
Dex SEL Toolkit • Bubble Breathers Unit Lesson 1 of 3
Bubble Breath Slides Mindful Friends • Lesson 2
Dex's Super Trick
The Bubble Breath Lab:
Blowing Gentle Calm
When our feelings bubble over, our breath is the remote control that helps our body find peace.
2 Goal: Master the Slow Bubble Exhale
Grade 2 SEL
The Magic Brain Message
Science Secret
Fast, Shallow Breaths
Happens when angry or terrified. Tells your brain:"Emergency! Red Alert! Run or roar!"
Result: Heart beats super fast, muscles tense up.
Slow Bubble Breaths
Long, gentle exhales tell your brain:"You are safe right now. All is well."
Result: Muscles loosen, racing heart slows down.
You can change how you feel just by changing how you breathe!
The 3 Bubble Breath Steps
Practice Routine
1
Smell the Flower
Breathe in slowly through your nose. Feel your belly balloon fill with air.
2
Soft Pause
Hold for just one gentle second. Hold your imaginary bubble wand up to your lips.
3
Blow the Bubble
Breathe out slowly and gently. If you blow too hard, the bubble pops!
Dex's Secret: "Smooth and soft like blowing the world's biggest soap bubble!"
Let's Try 3 Bubble Breaths Together!
Whole Class
Bubble Wand
1. Breathe In... 1 • 2 • 3 • 4
2. Pause Gently... Hold
3. Soft Bubble Blow... 5 • 4 • 3 • 2 • 1
Notice your shoulders dropping down. Your body is feeling peaceful.
Your Invisible Pocket Wand
Anytime Superpower
Before Hard Work
When a math problem or spelling test feels tricky or scary.
Recess Disagreements
When someone takes your ball or cuts in line before reacting.
Rest Time / Bedtime
When your brain won't turn off and you want sweet dreams.
No one even has to know you are blowing bubbles!
Next: Bubble Path Tracker
Bubble Breathing Tracker Worksheet Bubble Breathing Tracker
Dex's Calm Lab • Lesson 2
Scientist Name
Date
Dex's Rule: Blow slow and smooth like a soapy bubble wand. If you blow too fast or hard, the bubble pops!
1
Finger Tracing Bubble Track
Follow with pointer finger
Breathe in as you trace up, hold at the star, then blow a long gentle breath as you trace down.
Breathe In
Inhale 1 • 2 • 3 • 4
Fill your belly balloon
➔
Pause
Hold 1 sec
Hold wand steady
➔
Blow Bubble
Exhale 5 • 4 • 3 • 2 • 1
Soft, slow and gentle
Check off your practice breaths: Round 1 Round 2 Round 3
2
Scientist Observation: Before vs. After
How did your body change after taking slow bubble breaths?
Before Bubble Breaths
My shoulders felt:
Tight / Up Loose
My heartbeat felt:
Fast / Thumping Steady
After 3 Bubble Breaths
My shoulders feel:
Melted / Soft Still tense
My mind feels:
Calm / Quieter Ready to learn
3
My Pocket Wand Superpower
Write your plan so you remember to use your bubble breath superpower:
When I notice I feel upset, nervous, or frustrated, I will:
I can use my secret bubble breath in this place: (classroom, playground, home)
Lesson 2: Calm Body Bubble Practice • Dex SEL Series Page 1 of 1
Bubble Breath Calm Guide Bubble Breath Calm Guide
Lesson 2 Facilitation • Calm Body Practice
Pacing: 25–30 Mins | Skill: Down-Regulation
SEL Objective
Students learn slow diaphragmatic breathing to settle their nervous system and shift out of high arousal.
Physical Modality
Hand on belly balloon + finger wand hand gesture + tactile tracing tracker.
Classroom Norm
"Soft and slow keeps the bubble afloat; fast and hard pops the peace."
Paced Guided Practice
1. Brain & Body Connection (6 Mins) Slides 1 & 2
Introduce how our breath talks directly to our brain. When breathing is rapid, our body thinks we are in danger. Slow bubble breaths tell the amygdala: "We are okay."
Teacher Script: "Did you know you have an invisible superpower button? It's right in your lungs and belly. When Dex's heart thumped fast, he didn't run away—he used his bubble breath!"
2. Wand Mechanics & Choral Breath (8 Mins) Slides 3 & 4
Teach hand gesture: pinch pointer and thumb into a circular wand. One hand rests on stomach. Inhale through nose (4s count) feeling stomach expand. Soft exhale through lips (5s count).
Sensory Cue: "Pretend you are blowing the gentlest soap bubble across the room. If your lips make a whoosh sound, it's too fast! Smooth, quiet, and floating."
3. Bubble Path Tracker Lab (10 Mins) Worksheet Practice
Distribute Bubble Breathing Tracker Worksheet . Students finger-trace the path 3 times, check off their rounds, compare before/after body feelings, and write their pocket wand plan.
4. Somatic Debrief & Reset (4 Mins) Reflection
Invite 2–3 students to share what changed in their bodies (e.g., "my shoulders felt like melting butter"). Reassure them that pocket bubble breaths work anywhere without drawing attention.
Real Soap Bubbles (Optional)
If using a real bubble bottle for demonstration: teacher blows one giant bubble to model gentle breath. Instruct students to keep hands folded in their lap and watch the bubble softly float without popping.
Sensory Adaptations
For anxious breathers: If counting causes stress, encourage blowing on imaginary dandelion fluff or a hot bowl of soup. Focus only on making the exhale longer than the inhale.
Dex SEL Toolkit • Bubble Breathers Unit Lesson 2 of 3
Floating Feelings Slides Mindful Friends • Lesson 3
Dex's Super Mind
Floating Away:
Noticing & Letting Go
Feelings are like clouds or soap bubbles in the sky. We can watch them pass without having to hold onto them.
3 Goal: Practice watching feelings drift away
Grade 2 SEL
Have You Ever Had a "Sticky" Feeling?
Real Life
The Mistake Loop
You made an error on your paper and keep thinking about it all day.
The Sticky Mad
A friend didn't want to play your game and your chest stays tight and grumpy.
The "What-If" Worry
Worrying about who will sit by you at lunch or what happens next.
Dex felt this too! But trying to squeeze a feeling tight only makes it hurt more.
Two Ways to Handle a Bubble
Mindful Choice
Grabbing or Squeezing
"I shouldn't feel mad! Why am I so clumsy? I hate feeling scared!"
Result: Squeezing a bubble pops it all over your hands. The feeling stays stuck.
Noticing & Letting Go
"I see you, frustrated feeling. You are visiting. I will put you in a bubble and let you float."
Result: The bubble gently glides across the sky. Your heart stays peaceful.
You are not the bubble. You are the open sky that watches the bubble fly!
The 3 Letting-Go Steps
Dex's Secret
1
Notice & Name
Check your body radar. Say in your head: "Hello, worry feeling."
2
Place in Bubble
Imagine wrapping the feeling inside a shimmering, round soap bubble.
3
Blow & Release
Take a gentle bubble breath out. Watch it drift up, up, and away!
You don't need to fight it. Just let the breeze carry it safely away.
Sky Visualization Moment
Peaceful Pause
Rest your hands in your lap. Close your eyes or look softly down.
"Picture a calm, sunny blue sky. A gentle bubble floats into view carrying a sticky feeling."
"Take one soft, slow bubble breath out... Whooooosh ... Watch the bubble climb higher and higher until it vanishes into the sunlight."
You are calm, safe, and free.
Ready for your Journal Sheet!
Pop or Float Journal Worksheet Pop or Float Journal
Dex's Letting-Go Mission • Lesson 3
Student Name
Date
Mindful Truth: Squeezing a sticky feeling makes it burst. Putting it in a bubble and blowing it away lets your heart breathe easy.
1
Spot One Sticky Feeling to Release
Check one feeling you want to put inside your mindful bubble today:
Mad / Frustrated Worry / Nervous Embarrassed Sad / Left Out
2
Put It Inside Dex's Floating Bubble
Draw or Write
Inside the big bubble below, draw or write what happened to make you feel that way:
Drawing Space
(Draw the moment, a storm cloud, or write words here)
3
Watch It Float Away: My Mindful Words
Take one slow bubble breath. Then complete the sentences below:
1. I notice this feeling, but I know it is only a:
Word ideas: visitor, cloud, passing bubble
2. As the bubble floats higher in the sky, my body feels:
Word ideas: lighter, calm, peaceful, free
Lesson 3: Noticing & Letting Go • Dex SEL Series Page 1 of 1
Letting Go Facilitation Guide Letting Go Facilitation Guide
Lesson 3 Facilitation • Mindful Observation & Release
Pacing: 25–30 Mins | Capstone
SEL Objective
Students practice non-judgmental awareness: recognizing sticky feelings, externalizing them into bubbles, and releasing them.
Mindful Mantra
"I am not the bubble. I am the sky that watches the bubble fly."
Unit Culmination
Connects Lesson 1 (Notice) + Lesson 2 (Breathe) + Lesson 3 (Let Go).
Paced Lesson Sequence
1. Unpack "Sticky" Feelings (5 Mins) Slides 1 & 2
Connect to Dex's book: when Dex doubted himself or felt small, those feelings stuck to him like Velcro. Explain how our brains sometimes repeat feelings over and over.
Teacher Script: "Has a feeling ever stuck to you all recess long? Today, we learn Dex's secret: you don't have to wrestle with the bubble. You just let the breeze take it."
2. Squeezing vs. Releasing (7 Mins) Slides 3 & 4
Contrast fighting emotions ("I hate being nervous!") with compassionate noting ("I see you, nervousness; you are welcome to visit, but now float along").
Kinesthetic Demo: Ask students to ball both fists tight (squeeze). Then invite a slow exhale as fingers uncurl and open wide toward the sky (release).
3. Sky Meditation & Journal Reflection (12 Mins) Worksheet Activity
Lead 60-second guided visualization (Slide 5). Distribute Pop or Float Journal Worksheet . Students select a sticky feeling, illustrate it inside the bubble frame, and complete mindful release frames.
4. Celebration & Unit Debrief Circle (4 Mins) Closure
Form a quick standing circle. Each child whispers one word their bubble carried away (e.g., "fear," "grumpiness," "haste") followed by one unified choral bubble breath.
Family Home Connection Letter Excerpt Share with Parents
"Dear Families: This week our 2nd graders explored Dex's Big Feelings! We learned that all feelings are visitors. When big emotions hit at home, try asking: 'What size is your bubble right now (1, 2, or 3)? Let's take three slow bubble breaths and watch that sticky feeling float away.' "
Dex SEL Toolkit • Bubble Breathers Unit Lesson 3 of 3
