Facilitator Session Guide
Group Counseling Curriculum Week 1 of 4
Feeling Fighters
Session 1 Facilitator Guide: Connection Crew
Objectives Group safety norms; identify & map physical states of 4 primary emotions.
Sensory Focus Kinesthetic whole-body mapping, movement pacing.
Materials Needed Student Portfolios (Page 1), red/blue/yellow crayon packs.
Session Flow & Verbal Scripts
1. Welcome & Kinetic Boundary Warm-Up (8 Mins)
Kinesthetic
Goal: Define safe physical boundaries and practice non-verbal group cues.
Script: "Welcome, Team! Today, we are starting our Feeling Fighters crew. To keep our bodies safe, let's stand up. Extend your arms out fully. Rotate slowly. This is your personal bubble. Let's wave hello inside our bubbles without touching anyone. If you are ready, give me a thumbs-up!"
2. Collaborative Group Norms (7 Mins)
Structured
Goal: Define 3 explicit group behavioral blueprints with visual gestures.
Script: "Fighters support each other. Rule 1: We listen with eyes and ears (touch eyes/ears). Rule 2: Safe hands, safe feet (clap hands once, stomp gently). Rule 3: Support our teammates. Which gesture feels best for you when showing support? Hand on heart, or double thumbs up?"
3. Physical Emotion Mapping (15 Mins)
Core Activity
Goal: Anchor physical sensations (e.g., tight chest, shaky hands, heavy chest) to the four primary emotions.
Script: "Our feelings live inside our bodies first. Let's do a physical experiment. When you feel angry, where does it live? Is it tight hands? (Squeeze hands). What about worried? Is it a fluttery tummy? Let's open our Student Portfolios to Page 1. Color-map where you feel each emotion: Red for hot/mad, Blue for heavy/sad, Yellow for jumpy/worried."
Tiered IEP Differentiation (Mixed Abilities)
Level 1 (CI/Adaptive) Use visual emoji cutouts for matching. Prompt students to point directly to their chest or tummy instead of drawing.
Level 2 (ASD/Structured) Explicitly color-code the body map using predefined zones. Limit choices to two color options at a single time.
Level 3 (ERI/Expressive) Describe or label the physical sensation in words (e.g., "fast heartbeat", "tight neck muscles") on the portfolio.
FEELING FIGHTERS CURRICULUM PAGE 1
Group Counseling Curriculum Week 2 of 4
Feeling Fighters
Session 2 Facilitator Guide: Power Outlets
Objectives Contrast physical 'overdrive' vs 'calm down'; experience physical push-pull release exercises.
Sensory Focus Proprioceptive resistance, deep pressure, tactile calming.
Materials Needed Resistance bands/heavy objects, Student Portfolios (Page 2).
Session Flow & Verbal Scripts
1. Engine Speed Demonstration (8 Mins)
Somatic
Goal: Physically model hyper-arousal ("overdrive") vs hypo-arousal / regulation.
Script: "Last week, we found where feelings hide in our bodies. Today, we're talking about our 'engines'. Let's wiggle our bodies super fast like an engine in red overdrive. (Facilitate 5 seconds of shaking). Now FREEZE! Drop your shoulders, breathe in... blow out... That is our engine parked in green. How did your body feel in red overdrive versus parked in green?"
2. Proprioceptive Push-Pull Activities (15 Mins)
Core Activity
Goal: Active practice of heavy work calming techniques to process negative energy constructively.
Script: "When our engine gets stuck in red or yellow overdrive, we can use our muscles to calm it down. Let's do the Desk Push. Place your palms flat under your chair or desk. Push UP with your arms while pushing your feet flat into the floor. Hold for 5... 4... 3... 2... 1. Now let go. Feel that loose, warm muscle feeling? That is called releasing energy."
3. Constructive Outlet Match (12 Mins)
Cognitive
Goal: Document individual sensory preference on Page 2 of the Student Portfolio.
Script: "We all have different power outlets to release energy. Some of us like hard pushes, some of us like squeezing soft putty, or stretching big bands. Let's open our portfolios to Page 2. Circle your personal Power Outlet and draw what your calm engine looks like."
Tiered IEP Differentiation (Mixed Abilities)
Level 1 (CI/Adaptive) Model desk pushes face-to-face. Use Hand-under-Hand guidance if needed to demonstrate proprioceptive resistance safely.
Level 2 (ASD/Structured) Provide a physical timer for the push-pull exercises (e.g., 5-second countdown cards or sand timers to set boundaries).
Level 3 (ERI/Expressive) Challenge students to explain *why* resistance pushes soothe their body's engine. Rate physical arousal pre/post-exercise.
FEELING FIGHTERS CURRICULUM PAGE 2
Group Counseling Curriculum Week 3 of 4
Feeling Fighters
Session 3 Facilitator Guide: Frustration Flippers
Objectives Use kinesthetic role-play scenarios; execute the 'Stop, Squeeze, Release' frustration routine.
Sensory Focus Tactile squeeze elements, bilateral coordination, rhythmic breathing.
Materials Needed Squeeze balls/dough, Role-Play Cards, Portfolios (Page 3).
Session Flow & Verbal Scripts
1. Squeeze Mechanics Setup (8 Mins)
Kinesthetic
Goal: Link tactile resistance to emotional grounding.
Script: "Today, we become Frustration Flippers. Frustration makes our hands want to grab, throw, or break things. When that feeling hits, we practice the 3 steps. Step 1: STOP (put hands out). Step 2: SQUEEZE (squeeze our stress ball as tight as we can). Step 3: RELEASE (open your hands wide). Let's practice that sequence 3 times together!"
2. Active Scenario Role-Play (17 Mins)
Core Activity
Goal: Run low-stakes scenarios using the multi-level Role-Play Scenario Cards.
Script: "I am going to pull a card. Scenario: 'You are building with blocks, and they tumble over.' Who can role-play this feeling? Instead of kicking, show me your 'Stop, Squeeze, Release' routine. Let's practice saying our frustration script: 'This is hard, but I can flip it!'"
3. Reflection & Portfolio Recording (10 Mins)
Cognitive
Goal: Consolidate role-play learning on Student Portfolio Page 3.
Script: "Excellent job flippers! Open your portfolios to Page 3. Color in your frustration thermometer level during the role-play, then complete the 'Stop, Squeeze, Release' tracker."
Tiered IEP Differentiation (Mixed Abilities)
Level 1 (CI/Adaptive) Use physical gestures only (no verbal scripts). Provide immediate tactile squeeze toys that light up on pressure.
Level 2 (ASD/Structured) Give direct 3-step physical storyboard cards. Prompt student to repeat the explicit: "Stop, Squeeze, Breathe."
Level 3 (ERI/Expressive) Allow students to lead scenarios and choose custom "release actions" (e.g., wall push vs stress ball squeeze).
FEELING FIGHTERS CURRICULUM PAGE 3
Group Counseling Curriculum Week 4 of 4
Feeling Fighters
Session 4 Facilitator Guide: Expression Experts
Objectives Teach visual Choice Boards; formulate a verbal 'I-Message'; document group completion progress.
Sensory Focus Bilateral coordination (building a keychain), physical pointing charts.
Materials Needed Expression Keyring templates, Choice Boards, Portfolios (Page 4).
Session Flow & Verbal Scripts
1. Adaptive Expression Choice Board (10 Mins)
Visual
Goal: Introduce non-verbal physical pathways to request space or support.
Script: "Welcome back, team! Sometimes feelings are so big that our voices freeze. That is completely okay. That's why we use an Expression Board. If your engine is overloaded, you can point to 'I need water,' 'I need space,' or 'I need my squeeze ball.' Let's practice pointing to our choices together."
2. The Kinesthetic I-Message (15 Mins)
Core Activity
Goal: Verbal practice of a structured 3-part emotion formula.
Script: "When we have our voice, we use our I-Message shield to speak clearly. Repeat after me, matching my actions. 'I feel...' (hands on chest), 'When you...' (hands out), 'Please...' (hands together). Let's practice matching a scenario card together: 'I feel upset when you grab my block, please return it.'"
3. Graduation & Weekly Progress Review (10 Mins)
Assessment
Goal: Celebrate and assess individual progress on Portfolio Page 4.
Script: "Fighters, look at your progress! We learned body mapping, engine push-pull, frustration flips, and visual expression boards. Let's sign Page 4 of our portfolios and present our group achievement badges! High fives all around!"
Tiered IEP Differentiation (Mixed Abilities)
Level 1 (CI/Adaptive) Use pre-cut visual keyrings. Students point to their requested keyring instead of trying to speak verbal messages.
Level 2 (ASD/Structured) Fill-in-the-blank dry-erase template cards for I-Messages. Use sentence strips for high predictability.
Level 3 (ERI/Expressive) Independently formulate I-messages for real group situations and role-play conflicts with group peers.
FEELING FIGHTERS CURRICULUM PAGE 4
Student Calm Portfolio
FEELING FIGHTERS PORTFOLIO SESSION 1
My Connection Map
Name:
Date:
Instruction: CBT teaches us that Thoughts (in our mind), Sensations (in our body), and Actions (what we do) are all connected. Color-map where you feel each emotion on the figure below: Red = Angry, Blue = Sad, Yellow = Jumpy/Worried.
CBT Mind-Body Connection
ANGER (Hot Engine)
Thought "This is totally unfair!"
Body Hands squeeze tight, warm face.
Action Squeeze putty & blow out.
SADNESS (Slow Engine)
Thought "No one wants to play."
Body Heavy eyes, slumped shoulders.
Action Point to non-verbal help card.
WORRY (Fast Engine)
Thought "I might make a mistake."
Body Jumpy belly, shaky knees.
Action Execute 3 deep desk pushes.
TEAM EMOTION PORTFOLIO PAGE 1
FEELING FIGHTERS PORTFOLIO SESSION 2
My Power Outlets
Name:
Date:
Instruction: Circle your favorite 2 constructive ways to release energy, then sketch your "Calm Engine" in the workspace below.
Desk Push-Up
Use arm muscles
Putty Squeeze
Deep hand pressure
Balloon Breaths
Deep slow air release
Floor Stomping
Push down hard
My Calm Engine Workspace (Draw what your peaceful engine looks like):
TEAM EMOTION PORTFOLIO PAGE 2
FEELING FIGHTERS PORTFOLIO SESSION 3
Frustration Flippers
Name:
Date:
Instruction: Color in the Frustration Thermometer to match your feeling, then complete the tactile story boxes below.
FRUSTRATION SCALE
LOW HIGH
My 3-Step Reset Plan
-
STOP
-
SQUEEZE
-
RELEASE
TEAM EMOTION PORTFOLIO PAGE 3
FEELING FIGHTERS PORTFOLIO SESSION 4
My Expression Shield
Name:
Date:
My Quick Support Pointer Board (Point to request space)
I need a break Quiet corner seat
I need water Drink fountain walk
I need support Talk to Counselor
Role-Play Scenario Cards
FEELING FIGHTERS RESOURCE SESSION 3
Frustration Role-Play Cards
Print, cut along dashed lines, and distribute to students or pairs based on IEP levels.
Level 1: Kinesthetic
Scenario 1: Recess Bell
You are having fun on the swings, but the recess bell rings. You want to stay on the swings.
Fighter Physical Action:
Do 3 heavy foot stomps, then stand up and walk safely inside.
Level 1: Kinesthetic
Scenario 2: The Block Fall
You build a tall house of foam blocks. A classmate walks past and bumps it over.
Fighter Physical Action:
Squeeze stress ball for 5 seconds. Take 1 slow balloon breath.
Level 2: Structured
Scenario 3: Wrong Color Crayon
You want to color your tree green, but there are only red and yellow crayons left.
Fighter Visual Script:
"I feel frustrated. Stop. Squeeze hands. 'It's okay, I can color my tree red today.'"
Level 2: Structured
Scenario 4: Waiting Turn
Your group is using the school tablet. It's your partner's turn. You want it now.
Fighter Visual Script:
"My engine is running yellow. Let's do 2 desk pushes. 'Can I be next, please?'"
Level 3: Expressive
Scenario 5: Loud Lunchroom
The lunchroom is too noisy and crowded. Your ears start hurting and you want to scream.
Fighter Expressive Challenge:
Point to 'I need space' keyring icon. Formulate your own verbal I-Message shield.
Level 3: Expressive
Scenario 6: Game Loser
You play Tic-Tac-Toe during group time. Your peer wins the game. You feel very hot.
Fighter Expressive Challenge:
Hold hands to chest (Stop). Squeeze stress ball. Say: "Good game, let's play again."
FEELING FIGHTERS CURRICULUM PAGE 1
FEELING FIGHTERS WORK SHEET SESSION 3 REFLECTION
My Frustration Flip Story
Name:
Date:
Instruction: Think of a scenario card you role-played today. Sketch out the three stages of your "Frustration Flip" in the boxes below:
1. THE PROBLEM Draw what happened to trigger your engine into yellow or red overdrive.
2. THE SQUEEZE RESET Draw yourself using your favorite heavy physical/sensory muscle outlet.
3. THE GREEN OUTCOME Draw your engine parked safely back in green with a peaceful resolution.
FEELING FIGHTERS CURRICULUM PAGE 2
