Trigger Warning Slides Trigger Warning
Cooling the Core // Module 01
SYSTEM STATUS: INITIALIZING...
The Protocol (Group Rules)
Safe Zone
What happens in the core stays in the core.
Signal Control
One mic. One speaker. Listen with intent.
Respect
No judgment. We are all here to upgrade.
Show Up
Your input is what powers the system.
What is a Trigger?
A trigger is a spark. It’s a person, place, or event that causes an automatic emotional reaction.
"It’s the button that gets pushed before the explosion."
Identifying the Signal
People
Sibling rivalry, that one teacher, "friends" who tease.
Places
Loud hallways, the lunchroom, a specific classroom.
Situations
Being ignored, getting a bad grade, feeling "unfairness".
System Analysis
Time to map your own triggers. Open your Trigger Map worksheet and begin identifying the signals that set off your system.
Start Worksheet Now
Trigger Map Worksheet Trigger Map
Cooling the Core // Mission 01
User:
Date:
"Knowing the enemy is half the battle." In this module, we identify the specific 'sparks' (triggers) that set off your anger.
01. The Signal Scan
Think back to the last time you felt angry. What was the spark? List 3 common triggers for you below:
A
B
C
02. Data Classification
Check the boxes for anything that currently "pushes your buttons":
Being told "No"
Feeling ignored
A sibling taking your stuff
Being teased in front of others
Losing a game/competition
Unfair rules at home/school
Someone touching your desk
Technology glitches
03. Priority Analysis
Of all your triggers, which one is the most volatile (causes the biggest reaction)? Why?
One goal for this group is to keep your core temperature low. What is one thing you hope to gain from this group?
SYSTEM LOG: TRIGGER_ID_SUCCESSFUL ENCRYPTION: AES-256
Curriculum Master Guide Cooling the Core
Curriculum Master Guide | Facilitator Reference
Mission Briefing
This curriculum is designed for middle school students (grades 6-8) to develop self-awareness and communication tools for anger management. Each 30-minute session follows a consistent structure:
The Boot (5m) Warm-up check-in and review of the previous session's "System Upgrade."The Input (15m) Interactive teaching using the module slides and group discussion.The Output (10m) Hands-on student worksheet activity and group checkout.
Mod Module Name Core Objective 01 Trigger Warning Identify specific sparks (people, places, things) that activate anger. 02 Physical Feedback Recognize bodily sensations (tightness, heat) as early warning signs. 03 Power Levels Differentiate between levels of intensity: Annoyance vs. Rage. 04 Manual Override Master immediate calming tools like Box Breathing and Grounding. 05 Thought Logic Challenge irrational "hot" thoughts and replace them with logic. 06 Direct Input Communicate needs clearly using structured I-statements. 07 Signal Check Practice active listening and verifying the sender's message. 08 Conflict Protocol Apply a 4-step framework to resolve disagreements peacefully. 09 Live Testing Simulate real-world conflicts to practice de-escalation skills. 10 System Update Review growth, set long-term goals, and establish support.
Group Norms & Safety
Confidentiality: Essential for trust. Remind students of the "Core Rule": Private stories stay in the room.
The Right to Pass: Students can observe until they feel ready to contribute.
Signal Silence: Use a non-verbal signal (like a hand raised) to transition from group talk to facilitator instruction.
Respectful Feedback: Focus on the skill being practiced, not the person practicing it.
Physical Feedback Slides Physical Feedback
Cooling the Core // Module 02
Early Warning Signs
Your body knows you’re angry before your brain does.
Racing Heartbeat
Clenched Fists/Jaw
Feeling Hot / Sweaty
Shaking or Trembling
Catch the Spark Before the Fire
If you catch the Physical Feedback early, you have time to use a **Manual Override** before you lose control.
System Latency Check: High
Mission: Body Scan
Use your worksheet to map where you feel anger in your own internal systems.
Body Scan Worksheet Body Scan
Cooling the Core // Mission 02
User:
Date:
Internal System Schematic
Mark Signs Here
Draw circles where you feel "heat" or "tension" when angry.
Checklist
Heart beating fast / Pounding chest
Hands clenching into fists
Face feeling hot or turning red
Teeth grinding or jaw tightening
Stomach feeling tied in knots
Sweaty palms or forehead
Legs feeling shaky or "jumpy"
System Analysis
What is usually your very first physical sign? Catching this one is the key to staying cool.
If you noticed this sign right now, what is one "quick fix" you could try to stay calm? (Ex: Deep breath, walk away, count to 10)
Power Levels Slides Power Levels
Cooling the Core // Module 03
The Scale of Intensity
1-2 Cool
3-5 Warm
6-8 Hot
9-10 CORE MELT
Is your reaction appropriate for the situation?
System Balancing
Anger becomes a problem when a Level 2 Event (spilled water) triggers a Level 10 Reaction (yelling/hitting).
"The goal isn't zero anger. The goal is the RIGHT level of anger."
Calibration Phase
Grab your **Heat Map** worksheet. We’re going to rank common situations and see if our "power levels" match reality.
Adjusting Sensors...
Heat Map Worksheet Heat Map
Cooling the Core // Mission 03
User:
Date:
10
8
6
4
2
Anger Meter
Situation Ranking
Write a number (1-10) for how "hot" each situation usually makes you feel:
You get a lower grade than you expected.
Someone cuts in front of you in the lunch line.
Your Wi-Fi cuts out while you're playing a game.
A friend tells a secret you shared with them.
Your parents take away your phone for the night.
Someone makes a mean comment about your clothes.
Sensor Calibration
Think of a situation where you had a Level 10 reaction but the event was actually a Level 3 problem. What happened?
How could you have handled that differently if you knew it was only a Level 3?
Manual Override Slides Manual Override
Cooling the Core // Module 04
Stopping the Chain Reaction
When your sensors detect high heat, you need to initiate Manual Override to prevent a core meltdown.
Box Breathing
Reset your heart rate by controlling your intake. 4 seconds in, 4 hold, 4 out, 4 hold.
Sensory Grounding
Pull your focus back to reality. 5 things you see, 4 you feel, 3 you hear...
Execute: Box Breath
HOLD
Resetting Internal Equilibrium... Please wait.
Cooling Protocol
Open your **Cooling Protocol** toolkit. It's time to build your own emergency de-escalation manual.
Cooling Protocol Worksheet Cooling Protocol
Cooling the Core // Mission 04
User:
Date:
Tool 01: The Reset Box
4-4-4-4
1. Inhale: Breathe in deep for 4 seconds.
2. Hold: Keep that air in for 4 seconds.
3. Exhale: Push it all out for 4 seconds.
4. Hold: Stay empty for 4 seconds.
Repeat 3 times to force your nervous system to calm down.
Tool 02: Data Sync (5-4-3-2-1)
When your brain starts racing, reconnect with the physical world around you:
5 See:
4 Feel:
3 Hear:
2 Smell:
1 Taste:
Personal Circuit Breaker
If these don't work, what is your ultimate "Exit Strategy"? (Example: Asking to use the restroom, getting a drink of water, putting your head on your desk for 60 seconds).
Thought Logic Slides Thought Logic
Cooling the Core // Module 05
"Logic Errors" (Hot Thoughts)
Your thoughts act like the Software of your mind. Sometimes the software has bugs that fuel your anger.
Mind Reading
"They're laughing at me." "They did that on purpose to make me mad."
Should-ing
"He should know better." "It shouldn't be this way."
Running a Logic Check
Ask yourself: "Is there another explanation?"
Are they just having a bad day?
Did I mishear them?
Is this actually a Level 1 problem?
Logic Override
Use your **Logic Check** worksheet to rewrite "hot" thoughts into "cool" ones.
Logic Check Worksheet Logic Check
Cooling the Core // Mission 05
User:
Date:
Logic Check: When we are angry, our brains often use "Buggy Software" (irrational thoughts). Your mission is to identify the bug and install a logic update.
Buggy Thought (Hot) Type Logic Update (Cool) "He bumped into me in the hall on purpose just to be a jerk." MIND READING "The halls are crowded. He probably didn't see me or just lost his balance." "She didn't text me back. She must be mad at me and talking behind my back." CATASTROPHIZING "The teacher always picks on me. This class is totally unfair." SHOULD-ING "I failed this quiz. I'm stupid and I'm going to fail the whole grade." LABELING
Personal Logic Override
Think of a "Hot Thought" you often have. Write it below, then rewrite it using logic.
Input (Hot Thought):
Process (The Update):
Direct Input Slides Direct Input
Cooling the Core // Module 06
Signal Quality
Aggressive
"You always mess things up! You're so annoying!"
Assertive
"I feel frustrated when you take my things because I need them for class."
Protocol: I-Statement
I FEEL...
(Emotion)
WHEN YOU...
(Behavior)
BECAUSE...
(Reason)
Signal Boost
Time to rewrite your signals. Use your **Direct Input** worksheet to practice sending clear messages.
Direct Input Worksheet Direct Input
Cooling the Core // Mission 06
User:
Date:
The Formula
"I FEEL _______"
"WHEN YOU _______"
"BECAUSE _______."
Signal Refinement
Rewrite these "Jammed Signals" (blaming) into "Direct Input" (I-statements):
Jammed Signal: "You're so annoying! Stop touching my stuff!"
Direct Input:
Jammed Signal: "You always ignore me when you're with your other friends!"
Direct Input:
Jammed Signal: "It's your fault we lost the game because you weren't trying!"
Direct Input:
Think of a real conflict you have right now. Write a Direct Input message you could say to that person:
Signal Check Slides Signal Check
Cooling the Core // Module 07
Listening is Data Collection
Conflict often happens when we assume what someone else meant. Active listening is how we verify the data.
The Mirror
"So what I hear you saying is..."
The Verification
"Is that correct?"
Receiving the Signal
Eyes Up
Listen Deep
Body Open
Data Sync
Grab your **Data Sync** worksheet. We are going to practice being the 'Mirror' for each other.
Data Sync Worksheet Data Sync
Cooling the Core // Mission 07
User:
Date:
Mirroring Protocol
The "Mirror" doesn't agree or disagree—it just reflects the data. Use these phrases:
"What I'm hearing is..."
"It sounds like you feel..."
"Help me understand, you're saying..."
"Is that right?"
Partner Sync Task
Partner A will tell a 1-minute story about a recent annoyance. Partner B will mirror back the key points. Then switch.
When I was the "Mirror" for Partner A:
I reflected back that they felt...
The specific event was...
When Partner B mirrored ME:
Did they get the details right? (Yes/No)
How did it feel to be mirrored correctly?
"Verification complete. Signals are clear."
Conflict Protocol Slides Conflict Protocol
Cooling the Core // Module 08
Resolution Algorithm
1. Stabilize
Calm your own system first (Breathing/Grounding).
2. Direct Input
State your "I-statement" clearly and calmly.
3. Signal Check
Listen to their perspective and mirror it back.
4. Compromise
Find a "Win-Win" or a middle ground.
The Win-Win Solution
A compromise isn't about "losing." It's about finding a solution that keeps the System Stable for everyone.
+ No one gets hurt
+ Problem is solved
+ Relationship is intact
Path Finder
Open your **Conflict Map** worksheet. We are going to map out solutions to tough scenarios.
Conflict Map Worksheet Conflict Map
Cooling the Core // Mission 08
User:
Date:
4
1. Stabilize
2. Input
3. Sync
4. Solve
Scenario A: The Broken Controller
You lent your favorite gaming controller to a friend. They give it back, but the analog stick is stuck and drifting. They say "it was already like that."
Step 2: Direct Input (I-Statement)
Step 4: Compromise (Win-Win)
Scenario B: The Rumor
Someone told you that a classmate was making fun of your project behind your back. You're starting to feel "Hot" (Level 7).
Step 1: Stabilize (What will you do?)
Step 3: Signal Check (What will you ask?)
Why is Step 1 (Stabilizing) the most important part of this protocol?
Live Testing Slides Live Testing
Cooling the Core // Module 09
Simulation Rules
Engage
Take the role seriously. Use real emotions.
Freeze
If things get too "Hot," any group member can call "Freeze."
Debug
We discuss what worked and what needs an update.
Active Simulations
01
You find out a friend didn't invite you to a party.
02
A teacher accuses you of something you didn't do.
03
Your parents won't let you go out tonight.
Start Testing
Grab your **Debug Report** worksheet to track your progress and provide feedback to others.
Debug Report Worksheet Debug Report
Cooling the Core // Mission 09
User:
Date:
Simulation Peer Review
Observe your peers during the role-play and fill out the "System Status" for their performance:
Subject Name:
Manual Override used?
Yes
No
I-Statement clear?
Yes
No
Subject Name:
Manual Override used?
Yes
No
I-Statement clear?
Yes
No
Internal System Check
What was the hardest part of role-playing for you today? Why?
One thing you did well today in the simulation:
System Update Slides System Update
Cooling the Core // Module 10
Update Summary
Installed Skills:
Trigger Identification
Body Scan Awareness
Box Breathing Protocol
Communication Updates:
I-Statement Direct Input
Active Mirroring
Win-Win Logic
The Path Ahead
This isn't the end of the program—it's the Stable Release of your new system.
Who can you turn to when your system needs a reboot?
Final Update
Complete your **System Update Log** and identify your "Support Network" before we finish.
System Update Worksheet System Update Log
Cooling the Core // Mission 10
User:
Date:
Final Self-Assessment
Rate your confidence in each "System Update" (1 = Low, 5 = High):
Identifying my Triggers early
1
5
Using Manual Override (Breathing/Grounding)
1
5
Expressing myself with I-statements
1
5
Support Network
List 3 people (adults or peers) you can talk to when your system feels like it's overheating:
Connection 01
Connection 02
Connection 03
Long-Term Mission
One thing I will do differently from now on when I start to feel angry:
System Update Complete
