Emotion Detectives Teacher Guide Session 1
Emotion Detectives
"Identifying feelings is the first step to mastering your superpowers."
Objective
Students will learn to identify and name different emotions, setting the foundation for self-awareness.
Time
45 Minutes
Tier 2 Small Group
Prep
Review Slides
Print Worksheets
Cut Charades Cards
Setup Video Link
Why This Is Important
Understanding emotions is crucial for regulating feelings and making responsible decisions, especially for students with anxiety and specific IEP needs. Before we can use a "superpower" strategy, we must first detect what feeling we are dealing with!
Session Breakdown
5m
Warm Up: Emotion Matching Game
Begin with a quick game where students match emotion words to corresponding facial expressions using flashcards.
Teacher Prompt: "Can you think of a time when your face looked like this happy card? What happened?"
10m
Introduction & Video Discussion
Show the Emotions Explained video to introduce various emotions. Engage students in a discussion about what emotions are and why they are important.
Watch: Key definitions.
Discuss: "How do emotions help us?"
10m
Guided Slide Presentation
Use the slide deck to present information on different emotions. Ask questions throughout to check for understanding.
Watch for: Confused expressions. Students with anxiety may need reassurance that "big feelings" are okay.
10m
Activity: Identifying Emotions Worksheet
Distribute the worksheet. Guide them through filling it out by discussing feelings experienced in various scenarios. Provide extra support for students with IEPs.
5m
Game: Emotion Charades
Organize a quick round of charades. Students act out different emotions. Validate all attempts to express feelings.
5m
Cool Down: Guided Reflection
Conclude with a reflection. Ask: "What is one new thing you learned today about emotions?"
IEP & Anxiety Support
Allow for non-verbal participation (pointing to cards).
Chunk instructions into 1-2 steps at a time.
Provide specific praise for trying new things.
Ensure a predictable, calm environment.
What Are Emotions Slides What Are Emotions?
Emotions are feelings that help us express how we feel inside. They can be happy, sad, angry, or excited.
Hero Training: Session 1
Identifying Emotions
😊
Happy
😢
Sad
😡
Angry
😲
Surprised
Hero Mission: Look at the emojis. What emotion do you see? How does your body feel when you feel this way?
Your Emotions Matter
Everyone feels emotions. Even the strongest heroes have big feelings sometimes!
Discussion Prompt:
"Share one time you felt a big emotion and how you handled it."
⭐
💪
🛡️
🤝
Why Learn About Emotions?
When you understand your emotions, you can make better decisions.
Managing your feelings helps you feel better and get along with others!
Ready for the next mission?
Identifying Your Emotions Worksheet Training Mission 01
Emotion Detectives
Hero Name:
Date:
Mission Instructions: Read through the scenarios below. Think about how you would feel in each situation. Write down the emotions and describe what your "internal sensors" are telling you. Remember: Every emotion is a valid clue!
SCENARIO 1
Imagine you are playing your favorite game at recess and your best friend joins you. How do you feel?
My Emotions:
Why I feel this way:
SCENARIO 2
You tried very hard on a school project, and your teacher gave you a compliment. What emotion(s) do you feel?
My Emotions:
Internal Reaction:
SCENARIO 3
It starts to rain while you are playing outside, and you have to go back inside. How do you feel about stopping your fun?
My Emotions:
My Reaction:
SCENARIO 4
You see someone looking a bit sad. What emotion might they be feeling? How might you help them?
Their Emotion:
Hero Action (How to help):
Hero Reflection
Think about a time when you felt multiple emotions at once (like being excited AND nervous). Write down what happened and list all the feelings.
Emotion Charades Game Cards Emotion Charades
Hero Training Mission: Secret Identities
How to Play
Cut out the emotion cards below and place them in the "Hero Helmet" (or a box).
One student chooses a card without showing anyone else.
The student must "act out" the emotion using only their face and body (no talking!).
The rest of the group tries to guess the "Secret Identity" (the emotion).
The first person to guess correctly becomes the next actor!
😊
Happy
Academy Level 1
😢
Sad
Academy Level 1
😡
Angry
Academy Level 1
😲
Surprised
Academy Level 1
😨
Scared
Academy Level 2
🤢
Disgusted
Academy Level 2
🤩
Excited
Academy Level 1
😴
Bored
Academy Level 2
🤔
Confused
Academy Level 2
* Validation is key! Praise heroes for their expressive use of facial features and posture.
Body Signal Scout Teacher Guide Session 2
Body Signal Scout
"Your body is a high-tech sensor. Listen to its messages!"
Objective
Students will identify the physical sensations (body signals) that accompany different emotions.
Time
45 Minutes
Prep
Print "Body Map" Worksheets
Review "Signals" Slides
Setup "Body Scan" Audio (optional)
The Power of Prediction
Emotions often show up in our bodies before we even realize we're feeling them. By learning to recognize these early warning signals (clenched fists, racing heart, butterflies), students can "catch" an emotion before it becomes overwhelming.
Breakdown
5m
Warm Up: Hero Statue
Students freeze like a statue representing a feeling. Ask: "Where do you feel that in your body?" (e.g., in your shoulders? your face?)
15m
The Internal Radar (Slides)
Discuss common body signals: racing heart, shaky hands, tight chest, butterflies, hot face. Explain that these are "clues" from our radar.
15m
Activity: The Body Scanner
Students use the "Body Scanner" worksheet to color in where they feel specific emotions. For example, red for anger in the hands, yellow for nerves in the stomach.
10m
Mission Debrief
Share out: "What is one signal your body gives you when you're starting to feel anxious or upset?"
Support for Anxiety/IEP
Concrete Examples: Use a physical metaphor like a "boiling pot" for anger.Sensation Word Bank: Provide words like "tight," "loose," "hot," "cold," "heavy," "light."Reduced Writing: Allow students to draw or use stickers instead of writing words. Body Signal Radar Slides Internal Sensors
Your body sends you signals to tell you how you feel. Let's learn to decode the messages!
Hero Training: Session 2
What Are Body Signals?
Body signals are the physical things you feel when you have an emotion.
"Before I even knew I was angry, my hands were clenched in fists."
Common Hero Signals
Fast Heart
Excited, Scared, or Angry
Tummy Butterflies
Nervous or Worried
Hot Face
Embarrassed or Angry
The Early Warning System
Your body signals are like a radar.
They tell you when a big emotion is coming so you can use your strategies before it gets too big!
Hero Mission: Can you think of a signal your body gives you right now?
Body Scanner Activity Sheet Training Mission 02
The Body Scanner
Hero Name:
Date:
Mission Instructions: Heroes need to know when their internal alarms are going off! For each emotion below, color in the part of the body where you feel it most. You can use different colors or patterns!
ANGER
Check the signals:
Hot Face
Tight Fists
Loud Voice
Fast Breath
ANXIETY / NERVES
Check the signals:
Butterflies
Shaky Hands
Cold Feet
Quiet Voice
Decoder Reflection
"The faster you decode the message, the faster you can use your superpower."
My Earliest Warning Signal is:
(Example: My stomach feeling tight or my face feeling hot...)
When I feel this signal, I know I need to:
Pro Hero Tip: Sometimes body signals are small at first! Be a scout and look for the tiny clues before they get loud.
Trigger Map Teacher Guide Session 3
The Trigger Map
"Identify the supervillains that try to steal your calm!"
Objective
Students will identify personal triggers and understand how they lead to "big feelings."
Time
45 Minutes
Prep
Print "Trigger Map" Sheets
Review "Villain" Slides
Prepare "Trigger Sort" cards
What is a Trigger?
A trigger is like a "Supervillain" that challenges our emotional regulation. It's a specific event, person, or situation that sets off our body's alarm system. When we know where the villains are hiding, we can be ready for them!
10m
Warm Up: Trigger Sort
Show students different scenarios (e.g., losing a game, being teased, having too much homework). They give a thumbs up if it might be a trigger for them.
10m
Supervillains Revealed (Slides)
Discuss the concept of triggers. Common triggers: unfairness, loud noises, mistakes, transitions, waiting.
15m
Activity: Mapping the Minefield
Students fill out their own "Trigger Map" by identifying people, places, and events that make them feel big emotions.
10m
Mission Debrief
Discuss: "Once we know our triggers, does it make them less scary? Why?"
IEP & Anxiety Support
Avoid Sensationalism: Ensure the "villain" metaphor doesn't make the triggers seem actually dangerous to students with high anxiety.Visual Aids: Use icons for common school triggers (lunchroom, recess, math).Individual Space: Some students may feel vulnerable sharing triggers; allow them to keep their maps private if needed. Trigger Supervillain Slides The Trigger Map
Every hero has a nemesis. Today, we'll find yours!
Hero Training: Session 3
What is a Trigger?
A trigger is a Supervillain that tries to steal your calm.
It's a situation, a person, or an event that sets off your internal alarm system and causes big feelings.
Common School Triggers
Loud Noise
Cafeteria, alarms, or yelling.
Making Mistakes
Getting an answer wrong.
Waiting
Standing in line or turns.
Unfairness
Being left out or teased.
Mission Alert
Map the Minefield
On your worksheet, identify the triggers that affect you.
"Knowing where the villain is hiding is half the battle!"
Trigger Map Worksheet Training Mission 03
The Trigger Map
Hero Name:
Date:
Mission Instructions: Identify the specific "Supervillains" (triggers) that set off your internal alarms. Draw or write them in the specific locations where they usually strike!
The Classroom
What happens here that makes you feel a big emotion?
The Playground / Lunch
What "Villains" hide outside or in the noise?
Mistake Mania!
When you get an answer wrong or make a mistake, what does your brain say? Write your "Villain Thought" here:
Other Danger Zones
Transitions (Changing classes/activities):
Waiting/Patience:
Conflict with Friends:
Something Unfair:
Hero Insight:
"Once the villain is on the map, they can't surprise us anymore!"
Next Mission:
The Calm-Down Toolbox
Hero Toolbox Teacher Guide Session 4
The Hero Toolbox
"Every hero needs the right gadget to stay in control."
Objective
Students will build a personalized toolkit of strategies to regulate their emotions when triggered.
Time
45 Minutes
Prep
Cut Strategy Cards
Review "Toolbox" Slides
Prepare "Calm Down" bins (optional)
The Superpower Strategies
Now that we know our Body Signals (Session 2) and our Triggers (Session 3), it's time to build our Toolbox . These are the specific "superpowers" students can use to stay in their "optimal zone" for learning and friendship.
5m
Warm Up: Strategy Swap
Ask: "What is one thing you already do when you feel a little upset that helps you feel better?" (e.g., taking a breath, counting to ten).
15m
The Power Tools (Slides)
Introduce 4 categories of tools: 1. Breathing Tools (Square breathing, hot chocolate breath). 2. Body Tools (Wall pushes, chair sit-ups). 3. Brain Tools (Counting, positive self-talk). 4. Space Tools (Taking a break, sensory items).
15m
Activity: Personalized Toolbox
Students select 3-5 strategy cards that work specifically for them and "load" them into their physical or drawing toolbox.
10m
Tool Testing
Practice one breathing tool as a group. Discuss: "When might you use this tool this week?"
IEP & Anxiety Support
Physical Practice: Ensure students actually *do* the movements; muscle memory is key for anxiety regulation.Choice Boards: Provide a visual "Choice Board" of strategies for students who struggle with open-ended tasks.Sensory Accommodations: Offer tactile items (fidgets) for students who regulate through touch. Calm Down Superpower Slides Hero Toolbox
It's time to build your Superpower Toolkit!
Hero Training: Session 4
4 Types of Tools
Breathing Tools
Body Tools
Brain Tools
Space Tools
Breathing Superpower
Square Breathing
In for 4... Hold for 4... Out for 4... Hold for 4.
"This resets your internal computer!"
4s
Load Your Toolbox
Every hero is different. Pick the tools that work for YOU.
Choose 3-5 Tools
Add to Your List
Practice Regularly
Strategy Toolbox Worksheet Training Mission 04
Hero Strategy Toolbox
Hero Name:
Breathing Gadgets
Square Breathing
Hot Chocolate Breath
Belly Breathing
Body Gadgets
Wall Pushes
Chair Sit-ups
Squeezing a Fidget
Brain Gadgets
Counting to 10
Positive Self-Talk
5-4-3-2-1 Grounding
Space Gadgets
Safe Break in Class
Drink of Water
Quiet Reading
My Primary Superpowers
Power 1:
Power 2:
Power 3:
"Practice your tools even when you're already calm, so they're ready when you're triggered!"
Thought Power Teacher Guide Session 5
Thought Power Connection
"What you think affects how you feel and what you do."
Objective
Students will understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Time
45 Minutes
Prep
Print "Thought Switch" Worksheets
Review "Connection" Slides
Prepare "Scenario" Cards
The Hero Triangle
Every reaction starts with a thought. A "Supervillain Thought" (negative, unhelpful) leads to "Big Feelings" and "Impulsive Actions." A "Hero Thought" (positive, helpful) leads to "Calm Feelings" and "Responsible Actions."
5m
Warm Up: The Mind Reader
Show a picture of someone looking neutral. Ask students to guess what they might be thinking and how that thought would make them feel.
15m
The Power Triangle (Slides)
Explain the loop: Thought → Feeling → Action. Use the "Rainy Day" example: - Thought: "Now I can't play!" → Feeling: Sad → Action: Grumbling. - Thought: "Now I can read my favorite book!" → Feeling: Happy → Action: Smiling.
15m
Activity: The Thought Switch
Practice "flipping" unhelpful thoughts into helpful thoughts. Use the worksheet to identify a "Villain Thought" and replace it with a "Hero Thought."
10m
Mission Debrief
Discussion: "Which is easier to change: a feeling or a thought? Why?"
IEP & Anxiety Support
Concrete Visualization: Use a physical "switch" (light switch or button) to represent flipping thoughts.Pre-written Hero Thoughts: Provide a bank of positive affirmations for students who struggle to generate their own.Focus on "Helpful" vs "True": For students with anxiety, don't just say a thought is "false"; focus on whether it's "helpful" for their goal. Thought Power Triangle Slides Thought Power
Your thoughts control your actions! Let's learn to flip the switch.
Hero Training: Session 5
The Hero Triangle
THOUGHTS
"What I think"
Feelings
"How I feel"
Actions
"What I do"
Flip the Switch
Villain Thought
"I'm not good at this. I should just quit."
Hero Thought
"This is hard, but I can try my best!"
Become a Mind Master
On your worksheet, practice flipping the switch on common school thoughts.
Challenge:
"What is a thought that makes you feel anxious? How can you flip it?"
The Thought Switch Worksheet Training Mission 05
The Hero Thought Switch
Hero Name:
Mission Instructions: Don't let the "Supervillain Thoughts" take control! For each scenario, identify the unhelpful thought and flip the switch to a helpful "Hero Thought."
Villain Thought:
"I'm going to fail this math test. I'm just not smart."
Feeling: Nervous / Sad
Hero Thought (FLIP IT!):
Villain Thought:
"They are laughing at me. Nobody wants to be my friend."
Feeling: Lonely / Angry
Hero Thought (FLIP IT!):
Villain Thought:
"This is unfair! I should have been first in line!"
Feeling: Angry / Frustrated
Hero Thought (FLIP IT!):
My Personal Switch
A "Villain Thought" I have often:
My New "Hero Thought" Switch:
The Power Pause Teacher Guide Session 6
The Power Pause
"The space between a trigger and a reaction is where your power lives."
Objective
Students will learn to use the "Pause Button" to stop and think before reacting to a trigger.
Time
45 Minutes
Prep
Print Pause Button Cards
Review "Pause" Slides
Setup "Pause" Activity Items
The 3-Second Rule
Impulsive actions happen when the brain goes from "Trigger" straight to "Reaction." The Pause Button creates a space where the brain can say: "Wait! Let me check my Body Signals and pick a tool from my Toolbox."
10m
Warm Up: Red Light, Green Light
Play a variation of the game where you call out emotions. If you say a "Cool Emotion" (Happy, Calm), they can move. if you say a "Big Emotion" (Angry, Nervous), they must HIT THE PAUSE BUTTON (freeze).
10m
Hitting the Pause Button (Slides)
Identify the "Gap." Explain that the Pause Button gives you time to: 1. Breathe. 2. Check your Body Radar. 3. Choose a Hero Thought.
15m
Activity: Pause Button Cards
Students decorate their own "Power Pause" button card. Practice hitting the button and taking 3 deep breaths every time a "Villain Trigger" card is shown.
10m
Mission Debrief
Discussion: "How does pausing help you make a Responsible Decision ?"
IEP & Anxiety Support
Physical Anchor: The card acts as a physical reminder on the desk.Repetition: Students with ADHD or anxiety benefit from repeating the physical motion of "pressing" the button.Modeling: Teacher should model hitting their own pause button when they make a mistake or feel frustrated. The Power Pause Slides The Power Pause
Stop. Breathe. Think.
Hero Training: Session 6
The Gap
TRIGGER
REACTION
The Pause Button creates a space to CHOOSE your reaction instead of just letting it happen!
How to use the Pause Button
1
STOP
Don't say anything. Don't move your hands.
2
BREATHE
Take one deep "Hero Breath."
3
THINK
"What tool from my toolbox do I need?"
Ready to Practice?
We're going to play a game to test your pause button!
Then, you'll decorate your own Power Pause Card for your desk.
Hit the button!
Pause Button Desk Cards My Power Pause Button
Hero Training Mission: The Time Stopper
How to Use Your Pause Card: Keep this card on your desk or in your folder. When you feel a "Body Signal" or see a "Trigger," press the physical button on the card and follow the 3 steps!
HERO UNIT 01
1
Stop
2
Breathe
3
Think
Owned by Hero: ___________________
HERO UNIT 02
1
Stop
2
Breathe
3
Think
Owned by Hero: ___________________
Cut out these cards and laminate them for hero durability!
Super Solving Tactics Teacher Guide Session 7
Super Solving Tactics
"Use your powers to solve problems and help the team!"
Objective
Students will apply emotional regulation and thought flipping to social conflict and problem solving.
Time
45 Minutes
Prep
Print "Problem Solving" Sheets
Review "Tactics" Slides
Prepare Social Scenarios
The Responsible Decision Maker
Emotional regulation is the foundation for Problem Solving . Once we are calm and thinking clearly, we can use our tactics to fix conflicts with friends and make responsible decisions that help everyone.
10m
Warm Up: The Tangle
Present a "tangled" situation (e.g., two friends want the same ball). Ask students to identify the problem without blaming anyone.
10m
The S.O.L.V.E. Tactics (Slides)
Introduce the 5-step process: 1. S top (Pause). 2. O bserve (What's the problem?). 3. L ook for ideas (Solutions). 4. V alue the best one. 5. E xecute (Try it!).
15m
Activity: Problem Solving Workshop
In pairs, students use the "Conflict Resolver" worksheet to solve real or role-play social problems using the S.O.L.V.E. tactics.
10m
Mission Debrief
Discussion: "How does being an Emotion Master help you be a better friend?"
IEP & Anxiety Support
Role Play: Provide specific scripts for students who struggle with what to say.Visual Steps: Use the S.O.L.V.E. acronym as a visual checklist.Safe Environment: Remind students that it's okay if a solution doesn't work the first time; heroes keep trying! Super Solving Slides Super Solving
How to fix social problems like a pro!
Hero Training: Session 7
The S.O.L.V.E. Tactics
S
Stop
(Pause)
O
Observe
(Identify problem)
L
Look
(Find solutions)
V
Value
(Pick best one)
E
Execute
(Try it!)
The Solution Bank
Use an "I-Statement"
Ask for a turn or trade
Ignore it (The Shield)
"A hero solves problems without becoming a villain themselves!"
Workshop Time
Work with your partner to solve the scenario on your Conflict Resolver worksheet.
"Remember to use your Pause Button first!"
Conflict Resolver Map Worksheet Training Mission 07
The Hero's Path: Conflict Resolver
Hero Name:
S
Stop & Pause
Did I hit my pause button? Which tool did I use to get calm?
Tool I used: ___________________
O
Observe the Problem
What actually happened? (No blaming!)
L
Look for Solutions
List 2 ideas to fix the problem:
Idea A: ___________________
Idea B: ___________________
V
Value the Best Idea
Why is this idea the best one for everyone?
E
Execute!
"Try it out! What will I say or do first?"
Congratulations, Hero! You solved it!
Hero Graduation Teacher Guide Session 8 (Final)
Master of the Cape Graduation
"Celebrating our journey from Emotion Detectives to Emotion Masters."
Objective
Students will review all key concepts (Body Signals, Triggers, Toolbox, Thought Power, Pause Button) and celebrate their progress.
Celebration Prep
Print Graduation Certificates
Prepare "Hero Capes" (optional)
Gather feedback forms
The Graduation Mission
Tier 2 intervention is not just about learning skills; it's about empowerment . This final session focuses on reflecting on growth and building the confidence to use these "superpowers" in the real world (classroom, home, and beyond).
10m
Review: Hero Recap
Go through each session's key icon (Radar, Toolbox, Switch, Pause Button). Ask students to share one thing they remember from each.
15m
Activity: The Hero Speech
Each student shares: "I used to feel [emotion] when [trigger] happened, but now I can [strategy] to stay calm."
15m
Ceremony: Awarding the Capes
Call each student up individually. Award them their "Emotion Master" certificate. Play triumphant music! Praise specific growth you've seen (e.g., "I love how you shared your triggers with the group").
5m
Final Mission Debrief
Final Group Cheer: "We are Emotion Masters!"
IEP & Anxiety Support
Low-Pressure Ceremony: If a student has high social anxiety, allow them to receive their award in a 1-on-1 setting first.
Concrete Reminders: Ensure they take home their Pause Card and Toolbox Worksheet.
Transition Support: Discuss who they can talk to (counselor, teacher) if they need more training later.
Emotion Master Graduation Certificate Certificate of Achievement
Mastering Emotions Superhero Academy
This honor is proudly presented to
Hero Name
For completing all missions and demonstrating mastery of the Power Pause , Thought Flipping , and the Hero Toolbox .
Rank: Emotion Master
Academy Director
Date
"The greatest superpower is being the master of your own emotions."
