Orientation Slides Agency Orientation
Internal Intelligence Agency (IIA)
"Mastering the world within."
Classification: Level 1 Access
Your Mission
Objective: Emotional Intelligence
The Problem
Sometimes our emotions feel too big. When they take over, it's hard to think clearly or make good choices.
The Solution
We will become Detective Experts. We will learn to name our feelings and build a toolkit to stay in control.
Beyond "Happy" and "Sad"
To be an IIA Agent, you need a precise vocabulary. Saying you're "mad" is like saying a suspect is "wearing clothes." We need details.
Frustrated
You're stuck and can't make progress.
Anxious
You're worried about what might happen.
Overwhelmed
There's too much going on at once.
The Emotion Wheel
EMOTION HUB
The inner circle shows Basic Feelings .
The outer circle shows Complex Shades .
Agent Task:
Can you find a word that means "a little bit angry"? What about "extremely angry"?
Case Study: Decoding Stories
Detectives look for Clues in behavior:
Body Language
Clenched fists? Avoiding eye contact? Slumping?
Tone of Voice
Whispering? Shouting? Sarcastic? Quiet?
Actions
Walking away? Throwing things? Asking for help?
Emotion Case Files Worksheet IIA Case Files
Subject: Emotional Identification // File ID: 501-L1
Agent Name:
Date Logged:
Mission Briefing
A good detective knows that emotions aren't just "good" or "bad." Your job is to read the reports below, find the clues (what the character did or said), and name the Exact Emotion using your Emotion Wheel.
CASE #01
The Science Fair Setback
"Leo spent weeks building his robot. On the day of the fair, it wouldn't turn on. He tried fixing it three times, but nothing worked. He clenched his teeth, pushed the robot aside, and stared at the wall without saying a word to his friends."
Clues Detected (What did Leo do?):
The Exact Emotion:
CASE #02
The Cafeteria Crowd
"Maya walked into the loud cafeteria. Everyone was talking at once, and the lights felt too bright. She gripped her lunch bag tightly, her heart started beating fast, and she looked for the nearest exit door."
Clues Detected (What did Maya do?):
The Exact Emotion:
CASE #03
The Surprise Announcement
"The teacher announced a field trip to the zoo. Sam started tapping his feet rapidly, his eyes went wide, and he began talking very fast to anyone who would listen about his favorite lions."
Clues Detected (What did Sam do?):
The Exact Emotion:
Confidential
Emotion Encyclopedia Guide Emotion Encyclopedia
IIA INTERNAL RESOURCE // FACILITATION GUIDE
Teacher Guide
Mission Overview
This lesson focuses on expanding emotional vocabulary. Students often default to "mad," "sad," or "happy." By providing precise labels, we help students recognize the intensity and nuance of their feelings, which is the first step toward effective regulation.
Agent Vocabulary Terms
Frustrated
Feeling annoyed or impatient because you cannot achieve what you want. (Case #1 Answer)
Anxious
Feeling worried, nervous, or uneasy about something with an uncertain outcome. (Case #2 Answer)
Exhilarated
Feeling very happy, animated, or excited. (Case #3 Answer)
Overwhelmed
Feeling like there is too much to deal with; like you're drowning in tasks or sensory input.
Discussion Prompts
Identifying Clues
"What did you see in the story that told you Leo was frustrated? If he were just 'sad,' how might his actions change?"
Nuance Check
"Is there a difference between being 'annoyed' and being 'furious'? Why does using the right word help us explain ourselves to others?"
The Emotion Wheel Activity
During the slide presentation, guide students to use their physical or digital emotion wheels. Ask them to find:
A "Level 1" Anger word (miffed, annoyed)
A "Level 10" Anger word (enraged, furious)
A word that describes feeling "scared" but in a quiet way (apprehensive)
Trigger Detective Slides Trigger Detective
Mission 02: Tracking Antecedents
What is a Trigger?
"A trigger is the event, sound, or feeling that happens right before a big emotion."
Think of it like a domino. When the first one falls, the rest follow. If we catch the first domino, we can stop the chain reaction.
Trigger Categories
Environmental
Loud noises, bright lights, crowded hallways, changes in schedule.
Social
Being teased, someone not listening, being told "no," working in a group.
Internal
Feeling hungry, tired, sick, or confused about a school task.
Transitions
Stopping a fun activity, switching classes, or going home.
Investigation Mode
"Yesterday, Agent J felt furious during Math class. He threw his pencil and refused to work."
The Clue:
Right before the feeling, the teacher handed out a multi-step project with three pages of instructions.
What was the Trigger?
Tracking Your Own Dominoes
You are now authorized to use the Trigger Tracker. You will look back at your week and find the clues that lead to your big feelings.
The Trigger Tracker Template The Trigger Tracker
Mission 02 // Self-Awareness Intelligence
Agent Identity:
Investigation Date:
1 Recent Incident Report
Think of a time in the last week when you had a "Big Feeling" (Level 5 or higher).
A) The Feeling: What was the exact emotion?
B) The Clue: What happened right BEFORE that feeling? (The Trigger)
C) The Category: Was it Environmental, Social, Internal, or a Transition?
2 Known Suspects (Common Triggers)
Circle the things that often make your emotions feel big:
Loud Noises
Waiting in Line
Math Problems
Bright Lights
Group Work
Recess Ending
Being Corrected
Losing a Game
My Personal Social Story Starter
When I am at school, sometimes happens.
When that happens, I might start to feel .
This feeling happens because
Trigger Investigation Guide Investigation Guide
IIA HANDBOOK // MISSION 02: TRIGGERS
The Detective Mindset
The goal of this lesson is neutral observation. We are not blaming students for their reactions; we are investigating the events that lead to them. Use the term "The Domino Effect" to help students visualize how one event triggers another.
Investigative Prompts
1
Environmental Scan
"What was happening in the room? Was it loud? Was there a substitute teacher? Were the lights flickering?"
2
Body Intelligence
"Did you have a headache? Had you eaten lunch yet? Did you sleep well last night?"
3
Task Analysis
"Was the work too hard? Too long? Did the instructions feel confusing?"
Agent Sensitivity
Some students may feel shame when discussing their triggers or "big feelings." To maintain a safe environment:
Share a personal trigger of your own (e.g., "I get frustrated when my computer doesn't work").
Remind them that everyone has triggers—it's just a part of being human.
Focus on the clues, not the "bad behavior."
Check for Mastery
By the end of this lesson, every student should be able to identify at least three common suspects (triggers) that affect them.
The Strategy Lab Slides The Strategy Lab
Mission 03: Solution Matching
Tools for the Job
Physical
Deep breaths, stretching, or a quick walk.
Mental
Counting to 10, positive self-talk, or visualization.
Environmental
Headphones, taking a break, or using a fidget.
The Perfect Match
Not every tool works for every problem. An IIA Agent must match the strategy to the trigger.
Trigger
Loud Noises
Strategy
Noise Headphones
"Taking a deep breath won't make a room quieter, but headphones will!"
Lab Test Time
We are going to play Strategy Matchup . You will receive Problem Cards and Solution Cards. Your job is to pair them up like a pro.
Strategy Matchup Activity Strategy Matchup
IIA LAB ACTIVITY // CUT & PAIR
Instruction: Cut out the cards below. Match each Problem card with its best Solution card.
Problem
The lunchroom is too loud and chaotic.
Problem
I am confused by the math instructions.
Problem
Someone just took my favorite seat.
Problem
Recess is over and I have to go inside.
Solution
Put on noise-canceling headphones.
Solution
Raise my hand and ask for help.
Solution
Take 5 deep breaths and find a new spot.
Solution
Tell myself "I can have fun again later."
Tip: There might be more than one "good" answer, but some solutions fit specific problems better than others!
Coping Strategy Key Coping Strategy Key
LAB REPORT // MISSION 03 ANSWER KEY & FACILITATION
Master Key
Intended Card Matches
Loud Lunchroom Headphones
Confusing Instructions Raise Hand / Ask Help
Lost Favorite Seat Deep Breaths / Find New Spot
Recess Ending Positive Self-Talk
Facilitation Notes
Nuance Discussion
Ask students: "Could you use deep breaths for confusing instructions?" Yes, but would it solve the confusion? Help them distinguish between Calming Strategies (to lower heart rate) and Problem-Solving Strategies (to fix the situation).
Personalization
Some students might have unique solutions. If a student argues that "looking at a book" helps them in a loud lunchroom, validate that choice! The goal is for them to have a tool that actually works for them.
Evidence of Mastery
Students can accurately justify why a specific strategy helps with a specific trigger.
Self Coach Slides The Self-Coach
Mission 04: The De-Escalation Script
The Power of the Pep Talk
When a team is losing or stressed, a coach doesn't yell at them. They give a Plan of Action.
"Alright team, take a breath. We've practiced this. Keep your eyes on the goal. One play at a time. Let's go!"
Scripting Your Success
Your personal script (Social Story) has 3 parts:
The Warning
Identifying the trigger and the feeling. "I feel frustrated because..."
The Action
Choosing your Lab-tested strategy. "I am going to take 3 deep breaths."
The Goal
Predicting the positive outcome. "This will help me stay calm and finish my work."
Why Write It Down?
When our emotions are big, our brains find it hard to remember what to do.
By writing your "Coach's Script" now, you give your future self a map to get back to calm.
Coach Playbook Scripting Template Coach's Playbook
Mission 04 // De-Escalation Scripting
Agent Identity:
Mission Level:
LEVEL 04 SCRIPTING
My Calming Social Story
"The script I can read when my emotions feel too big."
1
The Warning
Identify what is happening and how you feel right now.
Sometimes, at school,
happens. When it does, I feel
2
The Action
Choose 2 specific strategies you will use to de-escalate.
First, I can
Then, I can also
3
The Goal
Predict the positive outcome of using your tools.
When I do these things, I will feel
and I will be able to
OFFICIAL IIA COACHING SCRIPT
Agent Signature
Scripting Rubric Scripting Rubric
MISSION ASSESSMENT // COACH'S PLAYBOOK EVALUATION
Criteria Level 3: Master Level 2: Agent Level 1: Trainee The Warning (Identity) Clearly identifies a specific trigger AND a precise complex emotion. Identifies a trigger and a basic emotion (e.g., mad, sad). Unclear trigger or missing emotion label. The Action (Strategy) Matches 2 specific, appropriate strategies to the identified trigger. Matches 1 appropriate strategy to the trigger. Strategy does not match the trigger or is missing. The Goal (Outcome) Predicts a realistic positive outcome for self and others. Predicts a positive outcome but it may be vague. Outcome is missing or unrealistic. Usability (Actionable) Script is written in first-person and is easy to follow in a crisis. Script is written in first-person but is slightly complex. Not written in first-person or too confusing to use.
Giving Constructive Feedback
"I love how specifically you named 'overwhelmed' as your feeling. Do you think taking a deep breath will help with the noise in the cafeteria, or should we add the headphone strategy here?"
"Your goal is very clear. How can we make the 'Action' part even simpler so you can do it quickly when you're upset?"
Mission Complete Slides Mission Complete
Mission 05: Toolkit Deployment
The Field Manual
An agent is only as good as their tools. Today, you will assemble your IIA Field Manual .
Manual Contents:
The Emotion Case Files
The Trigger Tracker
The Strategy Lab Map
Your Coach's Script
Confidential File
Deployment Drill
The Challenge
Can you find the right strategy for a scenario in under 1 minute?
The Practice
We will simulate stress moments so your brain knows exactly what to do in real life.
Field Agent Status
You are now a certified IIA Field Agent . You have the tools to name your feelings, find the clues, and coach yourself to calm.
Mission: Successful
IIA Field Manual Cover Internal
Intelligence
Agency
Field Manual
Emotional Regulation & Self-Coaching
Authorized Agent Identity:
Clearance Level:
LEVEL 05 MASTER
Issue Date:
JAN 2026
Confidential // Property of IIA
Top Secret
Rapid Response Scenario Cards Rapid Response Drills
IIA FIELD TRAINING // MISSION 05 SCENARIOS
Instruction: Cut out these cards. Have a partner read the scenario. Use your Field Manual to find the best strategy for the situation as fast as you can!
Drill #01
The Fire Drill
"Suddenly, a loud alarm goes off. The lights are flashing, and everyone is standing up and talking at once. Your heart starts beating very fast."
Identify & Respond
Drill #02
The Missing Item
"You look in your backpack for your favorite pencil, but it's gone. You're sure you left it there. You feel your face getting hot."
Identify & Respond
Drill #03
The Group Project
"Your group is supposed to be working, but two people are talking about a movie and not helping. You have to finish the poster by tomorrow."
Identify & Respond
Drill #04
The Long Wait
"You've been waiting for 10 minutes to use the computer. The person using it is playing a game and won't get off. You feel very impatient."
Identify & Respond
Toolkit Deployment Guide Deployment Guide
MISSION CONTROL // LESSON 05 FACILITATION
Mission Goal A
Consolidate all lesson materials into a single, accessible "Field Manual."
Mission Goal B
Practice rapid retrieval of coping strategies through timed simulation drills.
Part 1: Manual Assembly
Provide students with a folder or a 3-ring binder. Students should organize their materials in this order:
Manual Cover: Signed and dated.
Naming the Emotion: The Case Files worksheet.
Identifying Triggers: The Trigger Tracker.
Matching Strategies: The Strategy Matchup cards (stored in a pocket or envelope).
Coach's Script: The final playbook script.
Part 2: The Rapid Response Drill
How to Run the Drill:
1. Setup: Students have their Manuals closed on their desks.
2. Trigger: Read one of the Scenario Cards aloud. (e.g., "The lunchroom is too loud!")
3. Action: Start a 60-second timer. Students must open their manual, find their Coach's Script or Strategy Matchup, and point to a specific strategy they would use.
4. Goal: Once they find it, they raise their hand. Randomly call on agents to share their chosen strategy.
Closing Ceremony
"Agents, you have completed your training. Your Field Manual is your most important tool. Keep it in your desk or backpack. When you feel a 'Big Emotion' coming, remember your training. Mission Successful."
