True Power Facilitator Guide Leader Lab • Week 1 Facilitator Guide
True Power
Session 01
FORMAT Co-ed Pair (2 Students)
DURATION 60 Minutes Total
FOCUS Kindness as Leadership
Session Objective
Reframe kindness as the ultimate social superpower. Help students realize that using exclusion, gossip, or "meanness" is a temporary, weak power-move that breaks trust and destroys their ability to be respected role models.
Core Strategy: Addressing the "Fun to be Mean" Dynamic
One of your students may occasionally use exclusions or sarcasm because it feels "fun" or creates a temporary sense of social control. Do not shame this. Instead, appeal to their high leadership potential. Explain that cheap power relies on making people feel small, whereas premium power (real leadership) makes others feel capable, secure, and loyal.
Facilitation Agenda & Pacing
10 Min
Check-In & Icebreaker: "The Magnet Challenge"
Introduce Leader Lab as an exclusive academy. Conduct a quick game listing what draws people to a leader (magnetic) vs. what repels them.
15 Min
Core Concept: Premium vs. Cheap Power
Draw the "Power Scale" on paper. Teach that "meanness" makes a leader look fragile because they have to hurt others to stand tall.
15 Min
Scenario Analysis: The Playground Split
Read a scenario of a student who excludes another. Ask: "Did this move make her a stronger leader, or did it expose her fear of being left out?"
10 Min
Student Journal: The Power Inventory
Guide students to open their journals. They independently score their "magnetic factor" and identify their style (Premium or Cheap).
10 Min
Closing & The Weekly Challenge
Establish the "Co-Captain Treaty." Set a simple target for the week: "Build up 3 peers who look like they need a lift."
Key Dialogue Scripts & Discussion Prompts
Explain "Cheap Power" (Scripted):
"Think of a video game. In some games, you can cheat or use a glitch to win instantly. It might feel fun for a second, but it ruins the game, and nobody respects that win. Exclusion or sarcasm is a social glitch. It's 'Cheap Power.' True leadership is 'Premium Power'—it takes skill, kindness, and strength, but everyone respects you for it."
Discussion Questions for the Duo:
"When you see someone being excluded, does the person doing the excluding look powerful or scared?"
"Why do you think it is so much harder to lead with kindness than to lead with sarcasm?"
"How can you two support each other in class when you see someone else being left out?"
True Power Student Journal Leader Lab • Student Log
True Power Journal
Week 01
Leader Name:
Date:
Welcome to the Leader Lab . You have been selected because you have natural leadership influence. This journal is your scientific logbook to upgrade your social power from simple strength to Premium Power .
Activity 1: The Magnet Challenge
How do people react to your leadership? Look at the behaviors below. Mark whether they are Magnetic (pulls people in) or Repellent (pushes people away). Note: All options are styled the same.
Making jokes at others' expense
Magnetic Repellent
Inviting left-out kids to join
Magnetic Repellent
Using sarcasm when frustrated
Magnetic Repellent
Staying calm during disagreements
Magnetic Repellent
Activity 2: Premium vs. Cheap Power Case Study
Scenario: Maya wants to lead a group project. She tells the group: "If you don't do exactly what I say, you can't be in our group and you'll have to work alone." Everyone does what she says, but they whisper behind her back and don't sit with her at lunch.
1. Did Maya use Premium Power or Cheap Power? Why do you think so?
2. What would a Premium Power move look like in this situation instead?
Our Co-Captain Weekly Treaty
You and your partner are the Co-Captains. Write down one specific act of Premium Power you will team up to do in your class or playground this week.
Our Premium Action Plan:
Signatures of Co-Captains:
CO-CAPTAIN 1
CO-CAPTAIN 2
Leader Lab Diagnostic Leader Lab • Assessment Tool
Leader Lab Diagnostic
Diagnostic PRE/POST
PRE-TEST (Session 1)
POST-TEST (Session 6)
Name:
Date:
Welcome to your diagnostic assessment. This tool helps measure your leadership and self-regulation baseline. Answer each question honestly. Your natural leadership has huge potential —let's see where your skills stand!
1. If a student excludes a peer from recess to make themselves feel more important, what type of social power is this?
Premium Power
Cheap Power
Standard Power
2. What is the main purpose of physical signs like hot cheeks, a clenched jaw, or a fast heartbeat when you get mad?
They are commands telling you that you must yell, throw things, or stomp.
They are "alarm warnings" designed to alert you so you can pause and cool down early.
They are signages showing that you have lost all your ability to be a leader.
3. When you notice your body alarm ringing, what are TWO immediate "Heat Pivot" calming strategies you can use?
Tool 1:
Tool 2:
4. When a leader makes a mistake and hurts someone's feelings, how do they restore trust and protect their status?
Ignore the situation and act like it never happened so people forget about it.
Blame the other person for starting it so everyone knows it wasn't the leader's fault.
Use the 4-Step Reset Protocol (Own, Impact, Pivot, and Ask to repair).
5. If your Co-Captain's body alarm is ringing in class, what is your role and how can you help them stay calm?
FACILITATOR NOTE • SCORING SYSTEM
Use this same diagnostic test on Day 1 (Baseline) and Day 6 (Growth Post-Test). Correct answers: Q1: Cheap Power; Q2: Alarm warnings; Q3: Tactical Breathing, Strategic Pause, Grounding; Q4: Reset Protocol; Q5: Mirroring calm, using secret signals. Compare scores to measure development!
Body Alarm Facilitator Guide Leader Lab • Week 2 Facilitator Guide
The Body Alarm
Session 02
FORMAT Co-ed Pair (2 Students)
DURATION 60 Minutes Total
FOCUS Physical Signs of Anger
Session Objective
Equip students to identify their own physiological warning signs of frustration, stress, or anger. Teach them that bodily sensations are "alarms" designed to alert them, not commands to react aggressively or disengage.
Core Strategy: Sensations as Scientific Data
For 4th graders, emotions can feel sudden and overwhelming, like hitting a brick wall. Reframe emotional outbursts as highly predictable. Explain that the body always drops clues (hot cheeks, heavy hands, tight jaw) before an explosion. By finding their custom "Body Alarm," they can intervene early, keeping their role-model status completely intact.
Facilitation Agenda & Pacing
10 Min
Check-In: Weekly Treaty Report
Review the Premium Power challenge from last week. Celebrate their successes and discuss any obstacles they encountered as co-captains.
15 Min
Core Concept: The Biology of the Alarm
Teach how the amygdala prepares the body to fight or flee. Draw an alarm clock and list sensations (sweat, rapid heart rate, muscle tension).
15 Min
Partner Activity: Sensation Map
Have students locate their custom signals on the body outlines in their journals. Challenge them to share which signals hit first.
10 Min
Student Journal: Sensation Decoders
Students complete their journal activities, detailing what sets off their alarm (triggers) and how they can label their body's warning signs.
10 Min
Closing & The Sensation Scouting Mission
Assign the "Sensation Scouting Mission." Challenge students to simply "scout" and label their alarm signals this week without having to fix them yet.
Key Dialogue Scripts & Discussion Prompts
Explaining the "Body Alarm" (Scripted):
"Think of a fire alarm in a building. When it goes off, it makes a super loud noise to tell you, 'Hey! Fire hazard!' The alarm doesn't start the fire, and its job isn't to burn things down—it just warns you so you can react safely. Your body has its own built-in alarm system. Your fast heartbeat and tight jaw are just the noise. You can decide what to do next."
Discussion Questions for the Duo:
"Which physical warning sign tells you quickest that you're about to lose your cool?"
Body Alarm Student Journal Leader Lab • Student Log
The Body Alarm Journal
Week 02
Leader Name:
Date:
A leader who is out of control cannot lead anyone. To stay in control, you need to understand your Body Alarm . Your body always knows you are getting frustrated or angry before your brain does!
Activity 1: Map Your Alarm Signals
Where does your body alarm ring? Read the common warning signals below. Circle or shade the physical sensations that hit you when you are starting to get frustrated.
THE HEAD
Hot Face/Ears Clenched Teeth Frowning Brow
THE CHEST
Heart Racing Heavy Breathing Tight Chest
THE HANDS
Clenched Fists Shaky Hands Sweaty Palms
THE CORE
Tense Stomach Butterflies Tapping Feet
Activity 2: The Trigger vs. Sensation Decoder
A Trigger is the event that makes you mad. A Sensation is your body's alarm response. Write yours below.
My Top 2 Triggers:
(What events/actions get you frustrated?)
My Main Alarm Sensations:
(What physically happens to your body?)
This Week's Scouting Mission
You are on a scouting mission to catch your Body Alarm in action. You don't have to fix it yet—just notice it.
How will I scout?
"I will pay close attention during tricky moments (like games or difficult assignments)."
How to tell my Co-Captain?
"I will tell my partner: 'My alarm is ringing in my...' so they know to support me."
My scouting target:
"I want to catch my Body Alarm at least two times this week."
Co-Captain Facilitator Guide Leader Lab • Week 3 Facilitator Guide
The Co-Captain Strategy
Session 03
FORMAT Co-ed Pair (2 Students)
DURATION 60 Minutes Total
FOCUS Co-Regulation & signals
Session Objective
Teach students the concept of co-regulation (the "Mirror Effect") and set up a supportive, non-verbal system where the two leaders use a secret cue to help each other stay grounded and calm when their body alarms sound.
Core Strategy: Co-Regulation Over Criticism
When one of the students begins to escalate, the other's instinct might be to tease, point it out, or boss them around—which triggers defensiveness and worsens meanness. Shift this: teach them that co-captains stay loyal . Their job is not to lecture their partner, but to mirror calm breathing and offer a secret, silent reminder of their alliance.
Facilitation Agenda & Pacing
10 Min
Check-In: Scouting Reports
Have both students share if and when they caught their body alarms "ringing" last week. Praise their scientific self-awareness.
15 Min
Core Concept: The Mirror Effect
Explain that nervous systems naturally "copy" each other. If one is hyper, the other gets hyper. If one is intentionally calm, they can "pull" the other to calm.
15 Min
Interactive Workshop: Design the Secret Signal
Students brainstorm non-obvious silent gestures (e.g. resting their chin, placing a pen horizontally, a specific nod) to communicate: "I've got your back."
10 Min
Student Journal: The Co-Captain Code
Students write down their chosen secret signals and agree on the verbal "Anchor Statement" (positive sentence) they can use to coregulate.
10 Min
Closing & The Live Signal Challenge
Set a goal for the upcoming week. They are tasked with using their secret signal once in a real school environment to practice mutual support.
Key Dialogue Scripts & Discussion Prompts
Explaining the "Co-Captain Signal" (Scripted):
"Think of captains on an athletic team. In a loud, screaming stadium, they can't shout, 'Hey, you're getting super stressed out!' That would make them look weak and distract everyone. Instead, they give a quiet nod or touch their shoulder. It means: 'Take a breath. I'm with you. We've got this.' Today, you two are building your secret team system."
Discussion Questions for the Duo:
"Why is a silent secret signal better than saying 'Calm down!' in front of other kids?"
Co-Captain Student Journal Leader Lab • Student Log
Co-Captain Journal
Week 03
Leader Name:
Date:
In the Leader Lab , we never fly solo. You and your partner are Co-Captains . When one of you is starting to feel stressed, the other uses their calm energy to help pull them back. This is called Co-Regulation !
Activity 1: The Mirror Effect
How do you want your Co-Captain to react when they notice your "Body Alarm" is ringing? Check your preferred support strategies. Note: All choices share identical clean styling.
Give me our silent, secret hand signal
Start taking slow, calm, deep breaths near me
Quietly say our agreed anchor statement
Give me space, but stay nearby as my ally
Activity 2: The Secret Code Blueprint
Work with your partner to design your custom non-verbal signals. Write down what they look like.
Signal 1: "My Alarm is Ringing"
(What gesture tells your partner you need help?)
Signal 2: "I've Got Your Back"
(What gesture shows you're anchoring them?)
Our Verbal Anchor Statement (to say quietly when close):
Our Co-Captain Weekly Mission Log
Your goal this week is to activate your Secret Code at least once in school. Write down where and when you plan to test it.
Where will we test it?
How will we celebrate a success?
Pivot Strategy Facilitator Guide Leader Lab • Week 4 Facilitator Guide
The Heat Pivot
Session 04
FORMAT Co-ed Pair (2 Students)
DURATION 60 Minutes Total
FOCUS Real-time Calming Tools
Session Objective
Equip students with concrete, immediate physiological "circuit breakers" to employ the second they detect their Body Alarm ringing. Practice these tools live to build muscle memory under mild, controlled frustration.
Core Strategy: Building the Cooling Habit
Knowing what calm is does not help when a kid is in "Red Alert." Our focus is on the Pivot —the rapid shift from hot reaction to structured cooling. In this session, you must intentionally trigger a small amount of frustration (e.g. playing a challenging game where you slightly shift the rules) and guide them to immediately use their cooling skills.
Facilitation Agenda & Pacing
10 Min
Check-In: Secret Signal Feedback
Review how their secret signal mission went. Did they spot each other's alarm? Did they use the signal? Keep the focus supportive and team-centered.
10 Min
Core Concept: The Three Cooling Tools
Introduce: 1) Tactical Breathing (box breathing), 2) The Strategic Pause (water sip or 5-sec count), 3) Floor Grounding (pushing heels down).
20 Min
Activity: The Frustration Lab Simulation
Run a highly challenging task (e.g. build a tall house of cards or balance pencils on one finger). As frustration rises, yell: "PIVOT!" and have them apply a tool.
10 Min
Student Journal: My Custom Pivot Profile
Students work in their journals to test, evaluate, and rate which of the three cooling tools felt most natural and effective for them.
10 Min
Closing & The Live Pivot Contract
Commit to a "Weekly Pivot Contract." Each student pledges to execute their favorite tool at least once when their body alarm rings in class.
Key Dialogue Scripts & Discussion Prompts
Explaining the "Heat Pivot" (Scripted):
"When your body alarm starts ringing, your system is on Red Alert. If you try to talk, argue, or act right then, your brain is sloppy. You will make a bad move and lose your power. The Heat Pivot is like hitting a circuit breaker. It doesn't solve the problem, it just cools the machine so you can think clearly again."
Discussion Questions for the Duo:
"Which of the three cooling tools felt like it worked the fastest in your body?"
Pivot Strategy Student Journal Leader Lab • Student Log
The Heat Pivot Journal
Week 04
Leader Name:
Date:
Catching your alarm is step one. Step two is executing the Heat Pivot . This is your immediate action to cool down your brain and body so you can make decisions like a true champion.
Activity 1: The Calming Menu Experiment
Try the three physical "circuit breakers" below. Practice each with your facilitator, then rate how powerful they feel to you on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Note: All choices share identical clean styling.
1. Tactical Breathing
Inhale deeply through your nose for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, then exhale slowly for 4 counts. Repeat 3 times.
RATING (1-5 Stars)
2. The Strategic Pause
Stop talking immediately. Take a slow, physical sip of cold water, or count backward slowly from 5 in your head.
RATING (1-5 Stars)
3. Floor Grounding
Push your heels hard into the floor. Look around and quietly name 3 specific green or blue items in your line of sight.
RATING (1-5 Stars)
Activity 2: My Personal Heat Pivot Blueprint
1. When my Body Alarm starts ringing, my primary go-to Heat Pivot tool will be:
2. How can my Co-Captain help support me when they see me pivoting? (e.g. breathing along with me, doing our secret signal, keeping a calm presence):
Our Live Heat Pivot Commitment
Sign this log to pledge that you will use your chosen Heat Pivot tool this week to protect your status as a leader and a role model.
CO-CAPTAIN 1 SIGNATURE
"I will pivot!"
CO-CAPTAIN 2 SIGNATURE
"I will pivot!"
Reset Protocol Facilitator Guide Leader Lab • Week 5 Facilitator Guide
The Reset Protocol
Session 05
FORMAT Co-ed Pair (2 Students)
DURATION 60 Minutes Total
FOCUS Repair & Sincere Apologies
Session Objective
Teach students that true leaders take full responsibility when they slip up. Introduce the 4-Step Reset Protocol to help them deliver highly effective, sincere apologies that repair relationships and restore social influence.
Core Strategy: Normalizing Setbacks
For high-potential kids, making a behavioral mistake (like being mean, raising their voice, or slamming a desk) can trigger deep shame, leading to defensive lying or doubled-down attitude. You must frame mistakes as predictable system glitches . The measure of a leader is not perfection, but the speed and sincerity of their repair work.
Facilitation Agenda & Pacing
10 Min
Check-In: Live Pivot Reflection
Discuss their Pivot contracts. Did they manage to use a cooling tool this week? Acknowledge the courage it takes to pause in the heat.
15 Min
Core Concept: The 4-Step Reset Protocol
Deconstruct the steps: 1) Own It (no excuses), 2) Acknowledge the Impact (how it felt), 3) The Pivot Plan (prevention), 4) Ask for Repair (reconnecting).
15 Min
Partner Activity: The Reset Role-Play
Have the duo act out a scenario where they overreacted or made a mean comment, then practice using the script cards to rebuild trust with each other.
10 Min
Student Journal: Reset Practice Cards
Students complete their journal activities, writing out a custom reset script based on a real past mistake they wish they could do over.
10 Min
Closing & The Repair Guarantee
Emphasize their mutual alliance. Both sign their journals, agreeing to be safe landing spaces when the other makes a mistake and tries to Reset.
Key Dialogue Scripts & Discussion Prompts
Explaining the "Reset" (Scripted):
"When a super high-quality video game freezes or glitches, you don't throw the console out the window. You just hit Reset, the system clears, and it starts working perfectly again. When we say something mean or have an outburst, it's a social glitch. If we ignore it, the system stays broken. The Reset Protocol is how we restart clean."
Discussion Questions for the Duo:
"Why is saying 'My bad, but you started it!' NOT a true Reset move?"
Reset Protocol Student Journal Leader Lab • Student Log
The Reset Journal
Week 05
Leader Name:
Date:
Strong leaders are not perfect. We all glitch, get mad, or say mean things sometimes. But a true leader does not run away. We use the Reset Protocol to own our actions and rebuild trust.
Activity 1: Apology Decoder (Premium vs. Cheap)
Read the statements below. Mark whether they are a True Reset (owns behavior) or a Fake Reset (makes excuses). Note: All choices share identical clean styling.
"I am sorry I was mean, but you were annoying me."
True Reset Fake Reset
"I raised my voice. I know it made you feel unsafe."
True Reset Fake Reset
Activity 2: Write Your Personal Reset Script
Think of a past glitch (being mean, reacting angrily). Write what you should have said using the 4-step framework.
1. OWN IT:
"I am sorry I...
2. IMPACT:
"I know it made you feel...
3. PIVOT PLAN:
"Next time, I will...
4. REPAIR ASK:
"Can we...
Our Relational Repair Alliance
Apologizing is hard. We agree to support each other when we try to Reset , listening with kindness and offering a fresh start.
CO-CAPTAIN 1 SIGNATURE:
CO-CAPTAIN 2 SIGNATURE:
Leader Pledge Facilitator Guide Leader Lab • Week 6 Facilitator Guide
The Leader Pledge
Session 06
FORMAT Co-ed Pair (2 Students)
DURATION 60 Minutes Total
FOCUS Pledge & Graduation
Session Objective
Celebrate the duo's 6-week growth, integrate and review all core emotional regulation strategies learned, and facilitate the signing of the official "Leader Pledge" as a graduation and long-term commitment milestone.
Core Strategy: Celebrating Growth & Continuity
Make this final session feel like an honor. They have moved from reactivity to self-control. They have established a powerful peer partnership. Ensure they realize this is not the end of the alliance, but the start of their official role-model service to their school. Frame the contract signing as an elite oath.
Facilitation Agenda & Pacing
10 Min
Check-In: Relational Repair Review
Discuss how they felt using the Reset Protocol or supporting each other's Resets. Emphasize how much closer they've become as co-captains.
15 Min
Core Activity: The Master Recall Challenge
Play a rapid-fire review game. Quiz them on: 1) What is Premium Power? 2) Where does your Alarm ring? 3) What is your Pivot? 4) What are the 4 Reset steps?
15 Min
The Contract Workshop: Defining Pledges
Guide them to open their journals. They independently write their individual personal leadership pledges. They review and sign their Master Contract together.
10 Min
The Signing Ceremony
Set a solemn, official tone. They sign their master pledge certificate in front of you. Take photos or give them physical high-fives and handshakes.
10 Min
Closing Ceremony & Ribbon/Badge Award
Present them with a "Co-Captain Leader Badge" (sticker or printed card). Offer a final encouraging speech on their massive potential.
Key Dialogue Scripts & Discussion Prompts
Final Graduation Speech (Scripted):
"Six weeks ago, you entered this Lab. You both had amazing, powerful voices, but sometimes those emotions got in the way. Today, you are graduating. You have built an incredible Co-Captain alliance. You know how to track your body, stay calm, and repair. You are now officially ready to step out and lead this school."
Discussion Questions for the Duo:
"What is the single biggest change you've seen in yourself over these 6 weeks?"
"How has having a Co-Captain changed how you handle tough moments in school?"
Leader Pledge Student Journal Leader Lab • Student Log
The Graduation Journal
Week 06
Leader Name:
Date:
Congratulations! You have completed the Leader Lab Academy . You have shown dedication, intelligence, and serious self-control. Before you sign your official pledge, let's lock in your 5 core skills.
Activity 1: The Co-Captain Skill Matching Game
Draw a line connecting each Leader Lab Skill on the left to its correct Action Description on the right. Note: All choices share identical clean styling.
1 Premium Power
2 The Body Alarm
3 The Heat Pivot
4 The Reset Protocol
Taking deep breaths, counting down, or grounding your feet to cool down.
Owning a glitch, apologizing, and fixing relationship trust.
Leading with kindness and building others up to earn respect.
Noticing clenching hands, hot cheeks, or racing heartbeats early.
OFFICIAL
Official Pledge & Contract
The Leader Lab Covenant
We, the graduating Co-Captains of Leader Lab, hereby pledge to carry our upgraded skills into our classrooms and playground. We commit to the following principles of Premium Leadership:
1. KINDNESS FIRST We will use Premium Power. We will build others up and reject exclusionary "meanness."
2. THE PIVOT PLAN We will track our Body Alarm. If it rings, we will pivot to cooling tools before we act.
3. CO-CAPTAIN ALLY We will use secret signals to help each other stay calm and stand together as loyal allies.
CO-CAPTAIN 1
CO-CAPTAIN 2
LAB FACILITATOR
