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Emotion Expedition • Sequence • Lenny.com

Special Education Sensory Processing & Regulation Sensory Preferences Identification Sensory Tool Use Communicating Sensory Needs Sensory Overload Recognition Deep Breathing Practice Movement Break Utilization Independent Calming Strategy Use Personalized Calming Routine Personal Sensory Diet Creation Proactive Sensory Breaks Emotion Intensity Recognition Dysregulation Recovery Positive Behavior Support Understanding Social Stories Personal Social Story Creation Emotional Regulation Frameworks Personal Trigger Identification Selecting Regulation Strategies Reinforcement System Response Self-Monitoring & Rewards Learning Positive Alternatives Cross-Setting Skill Generalization Social Communication Eye Contact & Personal Space Context-Appropriate Greetings Appropriate Volume & Tone Conversation Turn-Taking Topic Maintenance in Discussion Effective Help-Seeking Body Language Interpretation Facial Expression Recognition Idioms & Figurative Language Social Problem Identification Social Solution Generation Social Decision Evaluation Task Management Minimal Prompting Task Start Self-Talk for Starting Starter Strategies for Difficult Tasks Age-Appropriate Task Persistence Strategic Break Management Smooth Task Transitions Adapting to Plan Changes Obstacle Problem-Solving Multi-Day Project Completion Planning & Organization Physical Material Organization Visual Schedule & Timer Use Sequential Task Breaking Time Estimation Skills Task Prioritization Digital & Physical Workspace Management Personalized Organization Strategies Detailed Project Planning Multiple Commitment Balancing Academic Support Strategies Math Manipulative Use Visual Math Problem Representation Complex Math Problem Breakdown Text Highlighting & Annotation Visualization While Reading Predictions & Inferences from Text Text Structure Graphic Organizers Writing Graphic Organizers Sentence Frames & Templates Study Guide Creation Spaced Repetition for Memory Assistive Writing Technology Working Memory Support Single-Step Direction Focus Multi-Step Direction Following Information Chunking Practice Visual Support Memory Aids Mnemonic Device Application Efficient Note-Taking Systems Graphic Organizer Note-Taking Note Review & Organization Sustained Complex Task Attention Assistive Technology Symbol-Word Communication AAC Device Navigation Speech Recognition Dictation Dictation Text Editing Text-to-Speech for Reading Digital Calendar Use Keyboard Shortcuts Navigation Productivity App Management Self-Advocacy Skills Communicating Learning Needs Requesting Accommodations Advocating for Appropriate Supports IEP & Student Rights Understanding IEP Components Meaningful IEP Meeting Participation IDEA & Section 504 Rights Progress Monitoring Tracking IEP Goal Progress Reflecting on Achievement Data-Informed Instructional Adjustment Transition Planning Career & Vocational Goal Setting Exploring Post-Secondary Options Independent Living Skills Planning

Emotion Expedition

A 6-week individual behavior intervention sequence for 1st grade students struggling with emotional regulation, elopement, and attention-seeking behaviors. The sequence focuses on identifying feelings, sizing problems, and using functional communication to seek attention appropriately.

Naming the Feeling

Focuses on building an emotional vocabulary and helping the student identify where they feel "big emotions" in their body.

Size of the Storm

Teaches the student to distinguish between the size of a problem and the size of their reaction using visual scaling tools.

Finding My Harbor

Addresses elopement by teaching the student to use a designated safe space and "break" cards instead of running away.

My Regulation Toolbox

Introduces specific, physical calming strategies like deep breathing and grounding techniques.

Asking for a Connection

Focuses on functional communication to gain adult attention appropriately before behaviors escalate.

Champion of Calm

Review of all strategies and the creation of a personalized "Calm Map" for the student to keep at their desk.

Emotion Expedition

A 6-week individual behavior intervention sequence for 1st grade students struggling with emotional regulation, elopement, and attention-seeking behaviors. The sequence focuses on identifying feelings, sizing problems, and using functional communication to seek attention appropriately.

Emotion Expedition Teacher Guide

Emotion Expedition

6-Week Behavior Intervention Guide

Target

1st Grade Student

Emotional Regulation focus

Challenges

Elopement, Disruption,

Attention-seeking behaviors

Duration

6-Week Intensive

15-min daily check-ins

The Expedition Roadmap

1

Naming the Feeling

Focus on emotional vocabulary and body awareness. Tool: Feelings Forest Chart.

2

Size of the Storm

Distinguishing problem size vs. reaction size. Tool: Storm Meter.

3

Finding My Harbor

Replacing elopement with "Break" functional communication. Tool: Harbor Break Cards.

4

My Regulation Toolbox

Physical coping strategies (breathing, tactile). Tool: Tool Keychain.

5

Asking for a Connection

Appropriately seeking 1-on-1 attention. Tool: Connection Coins.

6

Champion of Calm

Synthesis and generalization. Tool: Personalized Calm Map.

Core Strategies for this Student

Preventative: Schedule "High-Quality Connection" (HQC) times (2 mins every 30 mins) to front-load the attention they crave.

Responsive: If elopement occurs, follow safety protocol but limit verbal interaction (avoid reinforcing with the attention they seek until safe).

Instructional: Use the "Emotion Expedition" visuals during calm moments only. Never try to teach a new tool when the student is "red."

Feelings Forest Visual Aid

Feelings Forest

How do you feel right now?

Mad & Red

"I need to stop and breathe."

Frustrated & Yellow

"I am starting to feel wiggly."

Calm & Green

"I am ready to learn!"

Tired & Blue

"I feel slow or sad."

Name

Size of the Storm Scaling Tool

Size of the Storm

Small Problem vs. Big Emotion

How Big is the Storm?

1

A Puddle (Small)

I forgot my pencil. I can fix it myself!

2

A Rain Shower (Medium)

I'm frustrated. I need a little help from a teacher.

3

A Storm (Big)

Someone was mean or I am hurt. I need a teacher NOW.

Be the Anchor

The storm might be big, but you are strong! When the storm comes, stay in your "Harbor" (your desk or calm corner) and use your tools.

Finding My Harbor Break Cards

Finding My Harbor

Cut these out and use them to ask for a safe break!

I Need a Harbor

I will go to my safe spot for 3 minutes.

1-on-1 Time

I want to talk to my teacher for 1 minute.

Deep Breath

I will sit and breathe before I keep going.

Help Please

I have a question or I'm stuck.

The Golden Rule of Harbor

Instead of running (eloping), I go to my Harbor.

My Harbor is safe and quiet.

When I am in Harbor, my teacher knows I am working hard to be calm.

Regulation Toolbox Visual Aid

My Calm Toolbox

3 Easy Steps to Feel Better

1. Star Breathing

Trace the star. Breathe in on the ups, out on the downs.

Breathe

2. The 3 Look

Look around and find 3 things that are Green.

3. Hand Squeeze

Squeeze your hands tight for 5 seconds. Then let go!

5... 4... 3...

Practice Makes Progress

Let's practice these when we are Green so we know what to do when we are Red!

Success Log:

(Check a box each time we practice together)

Connection Pro Communication Guide

I'm a Connection Pro!

Getting attention the awesome way.

The "Old Way"

"I shout, I run, or I break things. People look at me, but they look worried or sad. This doesn't feel good."

The "Pro Way"

"I use my words or my cards. People look at me and they are proud! We get to spend 1-on-1 time together."

Cut and Carry: Pro Connection Cards

Tap & Show

Tap teacher's arm and show this card.

"Watch me work!"

The High Five

Hold up a high five silently.

"I need a high-five!"

My Connection Plan:

I want attention from:

Instead of shouting, I will:

Champion of Calm Graduation Tool

Champion of Calm

You did it!

My Calm Map

The secret map for when things get tricky.

1

When I feel the Storm...

2

I will go to my Harbor at...

3

My favorite Calm Tool is...

4

I can ask for attention by...

Official Calm Champion Signature

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