Game Master Manual System Bootup
Game Master Guide: Level 1
Version 1.0
PLAYER-LOG: 001-TRIANGLE
Level Objective
Players will understand the "Connected Trio" (the CBT Triangle). They will learn that their "Software" (thoughts) controls their "Game Play" (feelings and actions). The goal is to see that changing one piece of code changes the whole game.
Inventory Items
System Bootup Slides
Gamer Guide Worksheet
Pencils & Highlighters
Level Walkthrough
1
System Intro (10 mins)
"Welcome, Glitch Fixers! Our brains have powerful software, but sometimes there are glitches—thoughts that trick us. Over the next 6 levels, we're going to learn how to scan and reboot our systems."
2
The Power Trio (15 mins)
Use slides to explain: THOUGHTS (The Code), FEELINGS (The Music), ACTIONS (The Moves). Use the lunchroom glitch example (getting bumped in line).
3
Coding Practice (20 mins)
Players complete the "Gamer Guide" to see how different thoughts lead to different endings (feelings/actions). Remind them: thoughts are just code, and code can be rewritten!
Pro-Tip
"Keep it high energy! 4th graders love the game theme. Use 'Leveling Up' as a reward for focus."
System Bootup Presentation Insert Coin
Mind Glitch
Fixers
Level 1: System Bootup
Your New Role:
Glitch Fixer
The Mission
Scan for GLITCHES (bad thoughts) and REWRITE them!
The Reward
Better LEVELS (feelings) and better GAMEPLAY (actions)!
The System Trio
Thought
The Code
Feeling
The Music
Action
The Moves
Glitch Spotted!
ERROR 404
"You make a mistake in art class. Your brain says, I'm a bad artist!"
Level Tone
Sad & Angry
Debug Code
"Mistakes are just how we learn. I can fix this part."
Open Your
Gamer Guide!
Let's start debug mode and check our own system code.
Gamer Guide Worksheet Gamer Guide
Level 1: System Bootup
Player 1:
Save Date:
"Our thoughts are like the CODE of our mind. If the code has a glitch, the game feels bad. Let's learn to debug!"
Debug Test: 01
The Scenario: You study hard for a test, but you get a C when it's handed back.
Thought (Code)
"I'm just not smart and I'll never get this."
Feeling (Music)
Write Feeling Code:
Action (Moves)
Write Gameplay Move:
My System Check
Think of a real "Level" that was hard for you this week. Map the code!
Initial System Event (What happened?)
System Code
Level Music
Gameplay
Mind Glitch Fixers
XP: 000 | LVL: 01
Game Master Manual Scanning for Glitches
Game Master Guide: Level 2
Scanning...
GLITCH-LOG: 002-INTRO
Level Objective
Players will identify 4 common "Mind Glitches" (Cognitive Distortions). By giving these distortions game-themed names, they become easier to "quarantine" and fix before they ruin the gameplay.
Inventory Items
Glitch Scanning Slides
Bug Hunter Log Sheet
Level Walkthrough
1
Debug Check (5 mins)
Briefly review Level 1. Ask: "Who spotted a piece of 'Bad Code' (a negative thought) in their game this week?"
2
The Glitch List (15 mins)
Introduce 4 specific glitches: Negative-Filter (Bad news only), Guess-Mode (Mind Reading), Worry-Teller (Fortune Telling), and Mean-Label (Labelling). Use the slides to show how each glitch affects the game graphics.
3
Bug Hunting (20 mins)
Players use the "Bug Hunter Log" to scan scenarios and find which glitch is active. Encourage them to act like system security experts!
Glitch Scanning Presentation System Scan
Scanning for
Glitches
Level 2: Bug Hunter Mode
What is a
Mind Glitch?
A Glitch is an error in our mind's code that tries to trick us into believing things that aren't true.
Scanning system for 4 major bugs...
Bug #1:
Bad-News-Filter
Your brain act like a broken filter. It only catches the BAD stuff and lets all the GOOD stuff get deleted!
Example: "I did great in the play, but I tripped once. The whole show was a disaster!"
Bug #2:
Guess-Mode
Your brain thinks it can read minds! It guesses that everyone is thinking mean things about you.
"She looked at me and whispered. She definitely hates my shirt."
Bug Hunting Time!
Open your Bug Hunter Log and let's find these glitches before they crash the game!
Bug Hunter Log Sheet Bug Hunter Log
Level 2: Glitch Identification
SCAN-ID: 002-BUG
System Safe
Bad-News-Filter
Only seeing the one bad thing. Forgetting the 10 good things.
Guess-Mode
Thinking you know why someone is acting mean (even if you're guessing).
Worry-Teller
Expecting that the future will definitely be a disaster.
Mean-Label
Calling yourself a "loser" or "failure" after one mistake.
Bug Identification Lab
B1
"I lost one game of tag at recess. I'm a total loser at sports. Nobody is going to want to be on my team tomorrow."
Glitches Spotted:
Why is it a Glitch?
B2
"The teacher said we have a surprise project. I just know I'm going to get a bad grade and fail the class. I'm not even going to start it."
Glitches Spotted:
Why is it a Glitch?
Personal System Scan
Has your brain ever used "Guess-Mode" on you? What did it try to tell you?
Game Master Manual The Binary Boss
Game Master Guide: Level 3
Boss Fight
LEVEL-DATA: 003-BINARY
Level Objective
Players will encounter the Binary Boss , who only thinks in 0s and 1s (Black and White Thinking). The mission is to find the "Spectrum Key" and discover that most of life happens in the middle ground (The Grey Area).
Inventory Items
Binary Boss Slides
Spectrum Lab Sheet
Level Walkthrough
1
Boss Entry (10 mins)
Introduce the Binary Boss. He thinks everything is either PERFECT or FAIL . Teach players to listen for "Danger Words": Always and Never . These are the boss's weapons.
2
The Middle Move (15 mins)
Use slides to show spectrums. Practice moving from "I can't do this" (0%) to "I'm practicing" (50%). The goal is to get away from the edges of the screen.
3
Spectrum Lab (20 mins)
Players use the "Spectrum Lab" sheet to pull extreme statements back to the middle. Help them find one "clue" that proves the "Always/Never" thought isn't 100% true.
Binary Boss Presentation Boss Battle!
The Binary
Boss
Level 3: Defeating 0s and 1s
0
1
Binary Thinking
(All-or-Nothing)
"If I'm not the absolute best, I'm a total failure."
The Boss wants you to stay at the EDGES of the screen. (0 or 100)
Danger Words!
Always
Never
Boss Warning: 100% Glitch Ahead!
Use the Spectrum Key
0% SOMETIMES 100%
The Boss hates the middle!"A LITTLE BIT" or "MOSTLY."
Enter the Lab!
Grab your Spectrum Lab Sheet and let's move some code away from the edges!
Spectrum Lab Sheet Spectrum Lab
Level 3: Binary Thinking Fix
BOSS-DATA: 003-BINARY
Battle Mode
"The Binary Boss wants your code stuck at 0 or 100. Let's find the MIDDLE GROUND to win!"
Task A
"I never get to do anything fun at home."
Never Sometimes Always
Find one small exception (Clue):
New Balanced Code:
Task B
"If I make one mistake, I'm a terrible student."
Terrible Improving Perfect
Find one thing you're good at (Clue):
New Balanced Code:
Power-Up Unlocked
"Delete the words ALWAYS and NEVER. SOMETIMES to defeat the boss!"
Game Master Manual Snowball Error
Game Master Guide: Level 4
Fixing...
PATCH-LOG: 004-SNOWBALL
Level Objective
Players will troubleshoot two heavy-duty glitches: The Snowball Error (Catastrophizing) and The Me-Spotlight Glitch (Personalization). The goal is to calibrate the "Disaster Scale" and realize not everything is a level-ending catastrophe.
Inventory Items
Snowball Error Slides
Disaster Calibration Sheet
Level Walkthrough
1
The Snowball Loop (10 mins)
"Imagine one tiny snowball (a small problem) rolling down a hill and getting GIANT until it crashes the whole game server!"
Use the slides to show how a missed homework can "snowball" into never going to college.
2
The Me-Spotlight (10 mins)
Introduce the Me-Spotlight glitch. It makes Players think every NPC (other person) is thinking about them. ("The bus driver is quiet, he must be mad at ME.")
3
Calibration Lab (20 mins)
Players use the "Disaster Calibration" sheet to rank problems from 1 to 10. Help them see that most "glitches" are actually 2s or 3s.
Snowball Error Presentation Error Detected!
Snowball
Error
Level 4: Troubleshooting Disasters
The Snowball
Effect
Catastrophizing
Assuming one small mistake will roll and roll until it crashes your whole LIFE!
"I missed a word in the spelling bee..." "...and now I'm a failure forever!"
The Me-Spotlight
Glitch
Thinking that every mood or action from another person is because of YOU .
"The lunch lady is grumpy. She must be mad at ME."
Logic Check
The Glitch Says
"I made a mistake in soccer. My team will never want to play with me again."
The Facts Say
"It's just one mistake. My teammates make them too. We're still a team!"
Scale it Down!
Open your Disaster Calibration Sheet and let's see if your worries are actually Level 10s!
Disaster Calibration Sheet Disaster Calibration
Level 4: Worry Scaling
BUG-ID: 004-SNOW
Scan Mode
"Our brain acts like the server temperature is 1,000 degrees, but it's usually just a warm day. Let's calibrate!"
12345678910
Tiny Glitch
Calibration Lab
"I tripped in the lunchroom and spilled my food. Everyone was looking!"
Glitch Rank:
10
Reality Rank:
Debug Hint: Will anyone remember this in 1 week?
"My friend sat with someone else today and they were laughing."
Glitch Rank:
9
Reality Rank:
Debug Hint: Is there another reason they're laughing?
My Recent System Error
Describe the worry snowball:
How big did it feel? (1-10)
One clue it was a glitch:
Game Master Manual Logic Protocol
Game Master Guide: Level 5
Admin Access
ADMIN-LOG: 005-LOGIC
Level Objective
Players will activate the "Logic Protocol" to separate Feelings (System Feedback) from Facts (System Reality). They will also troubleshoot the "Bossy-Should Glitch" —unrealistic rules that crash the game's enjoyment.
Inventory Items
Logic Protocol Slides
System Reality Check
Level Walkthrough
1
Feeling Errors (10 mins)
Explain Emotional Reasoning. "Just because the music in a game sounds scary doesn't mean a boss is there. Feelings are music, but they aren't always facts."
2
The Bossy-Should (10 mins)
Introduce the "Should" glitch. This is like a rule book that's impossible to follow. ("I SHOULD be the best at everything.") Practice rewriting these into "I would like" or "It's okay if."
3
Reality Check Trial (20 mins)
Players use the "System Reality Check" sheet to put thoughts on trial. They must find ACTUAL CLUES (things they can see/hear) and throw out "Vibe Clues" (feelings).
Logic Protocol Presentation Security Access
Logic
Protocol
Level 5: System Reality Check
Feelings are
Just Music
"I feel like a loser, so I must be a loser."
Error: Thinking your Feelings are Facts!
Just because the music is scary, doesn't mean there's a monster!
The Bossy
"Should" Glitch
A glitch that creates impossible rules for you and your friends.
"I should be the best!"
Debug Tip: Change it to "It would be nice if..."
Logic Protocol Rule #1
NOT Reality
"I just feel it."
"I have a bad vibe."
"They seem mean."
REAL Reality
"They said hello."
"I finished Level 4."
"The score is 1-1."
Activate Trial Mode!
Open your System Reality Check and let's find the real clues!
System Reality Check Sheet Reality Check
Level 5: Logic Protocol Trial
LOG-ID: 005-REALITY
Admin Trial
"Feelings are just the game's music. They are NOT the game's code. Let's fact-check our system!"
The System Trial
The System Log (The thought you had):
"Nobody wants to play with me because I'm not good at this game."
The Music (Feelings)
What makes you feel this way?
The Reality (Facts)
What is actually true in the game?
The Admin Verdict
What is a more LOGICAL way to think?
The Bossy-Should Glitch
Rewrite these impossible rules into flexible ones.
Bossy Rule:
"I should be the first one to finish every assignment."
Flexible Code:
Bossy Rule:
"My teacher should never be upset with me."
Flexible Code:
Game Master Manual Ultimate System Reboot
Game Master Guide: Level 6
Final Level
REBOOT-LOG: 006-MASTER
Level Objective
Players will master the Ultimate System Reboot (The 4-Step Thought Challenge). This is the final boss fight where they integrate all their fixing skills to reframe any tricky thought. The level ends with the Master Fixer Graduation.
Inventory Items
Ultimate Reboot Slides
System Reboot Worksheet
Graduation Certificates
Level Walkthrough
1
The 4-Step Reboot (15 mins)
Teach the final protocol: 1. Catch the Glitch , 2. Name the Glitch , 3. Find the Facts , 4. Rewrite the Code . Use a complex example like a fight with a friend.
2
Master Test (15 mins)
Players complete the "System Reboot" worksheet using a difficult thought they've had lately. Game Masters should offer "Hints" (support) to help with the rewrite step.
3
Ending Cutscene (10 mins)
Graduation ceremony! Present certificates. Ask each Player to share their favorite "Debugged Thought." Celebrate with some 8-bit music if possible!
Ultimate Reboot Presentation Final Level
Ultimate
Reboot
Master Glitch Fixer Mode
The Ultimate Reboot
1
Catch It
Spot the glitchy thought.
2
Name It
What's the glitch name?
3
Check It
Find the real system facts.
4
Rewrite
Install a true thought.
Ultimate Reboot Example:
The System Glitch
"Everyone is better at this game than me. I should just quit."
The Master Code
"Everyone is at a different level. If I keep practicing, I'll level up too!"
GAME COMPLETE!
You have the tools to be a Master Glitch Fixer for life.
System Reboot Sheet System Reboot
Level 6: Final Debug Protocol
MASTER-DATA: 006-FINAL
Master Level
"Use your 4-step reboot protocol to fix any glitch in the game. You are now a Master Glitch Fixer!"
1
Catch It
What is the sneaky thought?
2
Name It
Which Glitch is it?
3
Check Facts
Glitch Clues (Feelings):
System Clues (Facts):
4
Rewrite (Change It!)
The New, Balanced, Master Code:
Game Over! You Won!
You are now officially a Master Mind Glitch Fixer.
Master Fixer Certificate Master Glitch Fixer
Player Identified:
Level 6 Complete
This player has mastered the Ultimate Reboot protocol and is officially qualified to fix system bugs for life!
Game Master
SYSTEM
Save Date
Simplified Lesson Guide Level 1: System Check
Start Game
Goal
Kids learn that Thoughts (what they say in their heads) lead to Feelings (how they feel in their bodies).
You'll Need:
• Level 1 Slides
• Fixer Guide Sheet
• Pencils
1
The Big Secret (5 mins)
"Our brains are like computers. Our thoughts are the code. If we think something glitchy, like 'I can't do this,' the game feels bad. If we fix the code, the game feels better!"
2
The Loop (15 mins)
Show the triangle on the slides. Keep it very simple:
Thought
→
Feeling
→
Action
3
Fixer Practice (20 mins)
Hand out the "Fixer Guide." Read the lunchroom example together. Help them find the Glitchy Thought and the Power-Up Thought .
Level 1 Presentation Press Start
Mind Glitch
Fixers
Level 1: System Check
The Secret Code
Your Thoughts are the code for your Feelings.
Bad Code = Bad Level. Good Code = Good Level!
What is a Glitch?
The GLITCH
"I'm bad at this. I'll never learn."
The POWER-UP
"This is hard right now, but I can practice."
Your Fixer Guide
Let's look at the "code" in our own minds!
Fixer Guide Sheet Fixer Guide
Level 1: Thoughts & Feelings
Player Name:
Thoughts are like game code. Let's fix the glitches!
Someone bumps into you in the lunch line.
The Glitch Thought
"They did that on purpose because they are mean!"
Feeling:
ANGRY
The Power-Up Thought
"Oops, it was probably just an accident."
Feeling:
CALM
My Own Fixer Case
Think of something that made you sad or mad today.
What happened?
The Glitch Thought
The Power-Up Fix
Simplified Lesson Guide Level 2: Common Bugs
Scan Level
The Goal: Teach kids that their brain has 2 common "bugs" that trick them into feeling bad.
1
Bug #1: Bad-News-Only
Your brain acts like a filter. It catches the 1 bad thing and forgets the 10 good things.
"I got one math problem wrong. I'm terrible at math!"
2
Bug #2: Always/Never
Using "Danger Words" that aren't actually true.
"Nobody ALWAYS hates playing tag."
How to Teach It:
• Use the slides to show the "Broken Filter" picture.
• Play the "Danger Word" game: Shout "Glitch!" every time the teacher says "Always" or "Never."
• Use the worksheet to fix the bugs in the example code.
Level 2 Presentation Scanning...
Common
Bugs
Level 2: Finding Glitches
Bug #1:
Bad-News-Only
Your brain catches the BAD stuff but lets all the GOOD stuff slip away!
"I made one smudge on my drawing. It's totally ruined!"
Bug #2:
Always / Never
Using DANGER WORDS like Always or Never to make a small problem look huge!
"Nobody NEVER wants to play with me." (Wait, that's not true!)
Bug Hunting!
Open your Bug Report and let's find the errors!
Bug Report Worksheet Bug Report
Level 2: Common Errors
Scan Mode
"Can you find the bugs in these thoughts?"
B1
"I scored a goal, but I missed one pass at the end. I am the WORST player on the team. I'm NEVER going to be good."
Bugs Spotted:
Bad-News-Only
Always/Never
Fix the Code:
B2
"Nobody liked my presentation. My teacher didn't smile at all. I'm ALWAYS failing at school."
Bugs Spotted:
Bad-News-Only
Always/Never
Fix the Code:
FIXER TIP!
Stop using "Danger Words" to feel 100% better!
Simplified Lesson Guide Level 3: Worry Snowballs
Cold Glitch!
The Goal: Teach kids how one tiny worry can roll and roll until it becomes a giant "Disaster Snowball."
1
The Rolling Worry (10 mins)
Start with a tiny problem (forgot to sharpen a pencil). Snowball it into a disaster (failing 4th grade). Kids love the absurdity of this!
2
The Shrink-It Tool (15 mins)
Use the slides to show the 1-10 Scale. Explain that a lost pencil is a 1, not a 10. Reality-check the snowball!
3
Lab Practice (20 mins)
Work through the "Snowball Fixer" sheet. Help them rank problems and "melt" the snowballs back into tiny drops.
Level 3 Presentation Cold Alert!
Worry
Snowballs
Level 3: Melting the Disasters
It Grows & Grows!
Start
"I missed a word..."
Snowball!
"Everyone thinks I'm stupid and I'll fail forever!"
Is it Really a 10?
1 Reality 10
Most glitches are 2s or 3s. Don't let your brain say it's a 10!
Time to Melt!
Open your Snowball Fixer and shrink those worries!
Snowball Fixer Worksheet Snowball Fixer
Level 3: Shrinking Worries
Calibration Mode
The Real-Deal Meter
12345678910
Tiny Hiccup Medium Problem Giant Disaster
"I tripped in the lunchroom. I'm so embarrassed! I'm NEVER going to eat lunch again and NOBODY will ever be my friend!"
How big it FEELS:
10
The Real Score (1-10):
Melt the Snowball (What's one good clue?):
"My friend is playing with someone else. They hate me! I'll never have a best friend again."
How big it FEELS:
9
The Real Score (1-10):
Melt the Snowball (What's one good clue?):
FIXER SECRET!
"Most problems are just tiny snowballs. Don't let them roll!"
Simplified Lesson Guide Level 4: The Me-Glitch
Spotlight Scan
The Goal: Teach kids that they aren't in a "Spotlight"—not everything people do is because of them!
1
The Invisible Spotlight (10 mins)
Explain the glitch where we think we're on stage and everyone is judging us. ("The teacher is grumpy, she must be mad at ME.")
2
The Other Reasons (15 mins)
Practice finding 3 other reasons why someone might be acting a certain way. ("Maybe the teacher didn't sleep well?" "Maybe she's hungry?")
3
Spotlight Fixer (20 mins)
Players use the worksheet to find "Hidden Clues" for why others are acting grumpy or quiet.
Level 4 Presentation Spotlight Detected!
The Me-
Glitch
Level 4: It's Not Always About You!
The Spotlight Error
Thinking that other people's moods or actions are because of YOU .
"The bus driver is quiet. He must be annoyed with me!"
Find Other Clues!
They are TIRED
They are HUNGRY
They are LATE
It's probably their game, not yours!
Turn it Off!
Open your Spotlight Fixer and find the real reasons!
Spotlight Fixer Worksheet Spotlight Fixer
Level 4: The Me-Glitch
Scan Mode
"Sometimes our brain thinks everyone is looking at us! Let's find REAL REASONS for how people act."
01
"The teacher seems grumpy today. She probably thinks I'm a bad student!"
Maybe she...
Maybe she...
Maybe she...
02
"My friend was very quiet at lunch. He must be mad at me for something I said."
Maybe he...
Maybe he...
Maybe he...
Power-Up Found!
Simplified Lesson Guide Level 5: True or False
Fact Check
The Goal: Teach kids that just because they feel something doesn't mean it's true . (Feelings vs. Facts).
1
The Feeling Trick (10 mins)
Explain that feelings are like game music. Scary music doesn't mean there's a monster. Use the phrase: "Just because I feel it, doesn't mean it's a fact."
2
The Fact Hunt (15 mins)
Practice finding "True Clues"—things you can see or hear. Throw out "Feeling Clues"—vibes or guesses.
3
Fact Finder (20 mins)
Players use the worksheet to put glitchy thoughts on trial. They must find 2 REAL facts that prove the glitch is lying.
Level 5 Presentation Reality Check!
True or
False?
Level 5: Facts vs. Feelings
The Feeling Trick
Just because you FEEL it, doesn't mean it's TRUE.
Scary music doesn't always mean a monster is coming!
The Fact Hunter
FEELING
• "I have a bad vibe."
• "I feel like a loser."
• "They look mean."
FACT
• "They said hello."
• "I got an A."
• "It is raining out."
Fact Hunt!
Open your True or False Lab and find the real code!
True or False Lab Sheet True or False Lab
Level 5: Facts vs. Feelings
Admin Mode
"Just because I feel it, doesn't mean it's a fact! Let's check the code."
The Glitchy Thought:
"I'm a bad artist because I made one mistake on my drawing."
The Music (Feeling)
How does this thought feel?
The Reality (Facts)
What is ACTUALLY true?
The Fact-Check Verdict
Write a thought that is 100% true:
Master Rule #5
"Feelings change like game levels,
Simplified Lesson Guide Level 6: Graduation
Final Level
The Goal: Use the 3-step "Fix-It Button" to reboot any thought. Celebrate becoming a Master Fixer!
1
The 3-Step Fix (15 mins)
Review the final 3 steps: 1. Catch the Glitch , 2. Fact Hunt , 3. Power-Up! (The Rewrite). Practice one big case together.
2
The Final Test (15 mins)
Students complete the "Ultimate Fix-It" sheet. They pick any glitchy thought they have and use all their tools to fix it.
3
The Party (10 mins)
Hand out certificates. Have a "Master Fixer Dance" or celebration. Ask: "What's the #1 glitch you're going to keep fixing?"
Level 6 Presentation Final Level!
Ultimate
Reboot
Master Glitch Fixer Graduation
The Fix-It Button
1
CATCH THE GLITCH
2
HUNT FOR FACTS
3
POWER-UP!
The Master Fix:
Glitch Code
"I'm going to mess up and everyone will laugh."
Master Code
"I might make a mistake, and that's okay. People make mistakes all the time!"
GAME WON!
You are officially a Master Glitch Fixer!
Ultimate Fix-It Sheet Ultimate Fix-It
Level 6: Final Boss Fight
STATUS: MASTER LEVEL
System Safe
1
Catch the Glitch
What's a thought that made you feel bad lately?
2
Find the True Facts
What is 100% true? (List 2 things)
3
Power-Up Thought!
Write your new, true code here:
MASTER FIXER
You conquered the game!
Master Fixer Badge Certificate WINNER!
Master Glitch Fixer:
This player has defeated the glitches, melted the snowballs, and successfully rebooted their system!
Game Master
LEVEL
Save Date
