Setup: Advance to Slide 2 (The Case of the Runaway Remote). Point to the remote icon.
Teacher: "Look at Slide 2. If your remote gets out of control, you might jump out of your seat during carpet time, shout out answers, or run in the hallway. That's a runaway remote! Let's solve Clue #1. Who holds the remote to your body?" (Prompt: Me!) "Yes, YOU do! Nobody else can push your buttons."
Instruction: Advance to Slide 3 (Remote Control Powers). Point to the three buttons on the screen.
Teacher: "We have three super-buttons on our mental remote control. Let's practice them together!
Duty Detectives Unit Plan Page 2
Duty Detectives • Game Facilitation
Movement Game
Students physically practice self-regulation by switching immediately between chaotic motion and absolute stillness, simulating real-life triggers like sudden emotional outbursts or high excitement.
1
Designate the boundaries
Instruct all students to stand up at their desks or in an open circle. Explain that they must keep their feet glued in one spot to maintain safety.
2
Call out Remote Commands
The teacher acts as the Remote Operator. Start calling commands aloud with corresponding physical props or gestures:
3
Introduce "Self-Regulation Distractions"
During a Freeze, walk around. Gently mimic minor distractions (e.g., make silly bird noises, whisper "boo!", drop a soft tissue nearby). Challenge them to hold their pause. "That was tough, but your brain remote kept your body locked!"
4
Wrap up & Transition
Have students take one deep breath, press their imaginary remote "power off" to sit down, and focus back on the screen. Transition directly to Slide 5.
Duty Detectives Unit Plan Page 3
Duty Detectives • Moral Courage
Script & Closing
Setup: Display Slide 5 (The Goof-Up). Read the block-building story with high suspense.
Teacher: "Oh no, detectives. Let's look at Slide 5. You were walking by, and CRASH! You knocked down Mia's tall tower. You feel that hot, scary feeling in your tummy. What does the bad voice inside tell you to do?" (Wait for answers: hide, blame someone else, pretend it wasn't you).
Teacher: "Yes, our runaway remote wants us to run! But a Duty Detective has courage. Let's look at Slide 6 for our three magical tools for earning a Courage Badge:"
1. Own It
Explain clearly what happened without telling fibs.
2. Say Sorry
Acknowledge Mia's feelings. "I am sorry I was rushing."
3. Fix It
Work together to rebuild the blocks taller than before!
Have students raise their right hands and repeat each line after you:
"I am the boss... of my own hands!
I am the boss... of my own words!
When I make a goof... I own up with pride!
I am a Duty Detective... inside!"
💡 Teacher Reflection Check:
Observe during free-play or clean-up today: did any students struggle to admit a mistake, or did they use their "pause" remote? Reinforce the lesson immediately by handing out a paper "Courage Badge"!
Duty Detectives Unit Plan Page 4
Leo used Pause & Think!
SCENARIO 2 Waiting turns
Sasha really wanted to talk on the rug. She put her finger on her lips, sat nicely, and waited for her name.
Sasha's Remote ran away!
Sasha used Pause & Think!
SCENARIO 3 Honesty
Ben accidentally dropped the plant, getting dirt on the floor. He ran straight to the teacher and said, "I made a mistake, let me help clean it!"
Ben blamed someone else.
Ben used his Courage Badge!
Duty Detectives Unit Plan Page 3
Helping others is a badge of honor!
Slide 5 of 6
Graduation
Duty Detectives
🎓
Classroom Citizens!
You have solved every case. You can listen, manage your body, own up to mistakes, and help your crew!
🔍 CASE LOG: SOLVED AND CLOSING!
Wear your detective badge with pride!
Slide 6 of 6
Setup: Display Slide 2 (Whole Body Listening). Point to the four different body regions.
Teacher: "Look at Slide 2. Let's learn to listen with our whole bodies. Show me your active listening positions:
Check: Scan the carpet and say, "Wow, look at Detective [Name]'s body still! Look at Detective [Name]'s quiet mouth! You look like a professional, ocean-ready crew!"
Duty Detectives Unit Plan Page 2
Duty Detectives • Game Facilitation
Cooperative Game
Students use Whole-Body Listening to respond to nautical commands rapidly. This models community compliance and cooperative movement, teaching them how individual behavior supports group safety.
1
Prepare the Ship Deck
Have all students stand in their designated physical grid. Warn them: "Rough seas are coming. Watch out for your neighbors so nobody collides!"
2
Call out Nautical Commands
The teacher plays the Captain. Call these commands and model the actions alongside the children:
3
The Safety Challenge
Call the commands faster and faster! If anyone is talking or laughing during "DROP ANCHOR", say: "The anchor is slipping, crew! Let's help our teammate lock their anchor!" (Keep the framing highly encouraging, never punitive).
4
Return to Port
Yell "LAND HO!" and have the students row in slow motion back to their seats. Sit with complete whole-body listening posture immediately.
Duty Detectives Unit Plan Page 3
Duty Detectives • Community Action
Pledge & Wrap
Setup: Display Slide 5 (Helping Hands). Prepare the roleplay scenario cards from the activity sheet.
Teacher: "Look at Slide 5. A superb classroom crew member has special detective goggles. We don't just look for clues—we look for classmates who need a hand! Let's practice with our Scenario Cards:"
The Spilled Markers Roleplay:
Have two student volunteers come up. One student drops a bundle of colored markers. Teach the class to say: "Spotting a struggle!" The second student must bend down, pick up three markers with a warm smile, and say: "Here you go, crewmate!"
Teacher: "See how easy that was? If we all do that, nobody in our class ever has to struggle alone. That is what being a good citizen is all about."
Have students stand tall, cross their arms over their hearts like captains, and repeat:
"I am a member... of the Classroom Crew!
I listen with my eyes... and ears too!
When a friend is down... I lend a hand!
I am a Citizen... of this classroom land!"
💡 Teacher Action Tip:
At the end of class, hand out the "Classroom Crew Cadet Worksheets" for children to complete and return. This serves as their official graduation case file for the Duty Detectives unit!
Duty Detectives Unit Plan Page 4
2. No lunch buddy 🥪
A new classmate is sitting alone at lunch looking quiet.
3. Teacher full hands 📚
The teacher is carrying a high stack of folders.
SOLUTIONS:
A. "Sit with us!" 👋
Invite them over and ask what game they like to play.
B. Open the door 🚪
Sprint ahead gently and hold the door open with a smile.
C. Grab three and pick up! 🧹
Squat down and help gather them back into the box.
Duty Detectives Unit Plan Page 3