Mindful Explorers

Self-Soothe Phrase

Mindful Explorers Curriculum • Group Materials Page 2 of 2

Assertiveness is the sturdy bridge that can withstand weight without breaking down.

Build Sturdy Bridges

Interpersonal • Card 8

The Blueprint Test

Your friend always borrows your colored pencils but never puts them back, so they are ruined. You want them to stop, but you don't want to fight.

Quickly draft a DEAR MAN or GIVE sentence to address this with them clearly and nicely!

DEAR MAN & GIVE Blueprints

Mindful Explorers Curriculum • Discussion Cards Page 2 of 2

The Mountain Rain

If you are climbing a mountain and it starts raining, getting angry at the sky won't stop the rain. It only drains your climbing energy. Accept the rain, put on your jacket, and keep moving.

SEL Therapy Group • Session 2: Distress Tolerance

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Mindful Explorers

Explorer Debrief

Group Sharing Challenges

Gather with your co-explorers and answer these scenario challenges together. Remember to practice safe sharing.

Group Check-in

What TIPP skill can you practice in the school environment (like before a big test, or when overwhelmed in the hallways)?

Scenario 1

"Your teacher accuses you of copying, but you didn't. Your face gets hot. How do you stop yourself from screaming?"

Scenario 2

"Your best friend sits with someone else at lunch and ignores your text. You are in the Orange Zone (Distress 6). What do you do?"

SEL Therapy Group • Complete your Distress Tolerance Kit Worksheet!

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If Fear urges avoidance, Opposite Action is to Approach the source safely.

The Alchemy Formula

You cannot directly think yourself into a new feeling, but you can behave yourself into one! Action changes biology.

SEL Therapy Group • Session 3: Emotion Regulation

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Mindful Explorers

Sharing Circle

Alchemy Lab Scenarios

How would you use Opposite Action in these tricky situations? Choose a scenario to dissect with your basecamp co-explorers.

Lab Rule

"Opposite Action only works if you commit to it 100% physically. Half-hearted opposite action doesn't shift the emotional chemistry."

Scenario 1

"You failed a chemistry quiz. Sadness urges you to put your head on the desk, ignore your friends, and skip basketball practice. What is the Opposite Action?"

Scenario 2

"You are terrified of presenting your project. Fear urges you to ask to go to the nurse or pretend you forgot your laptop. What is the Opposite Action?"

SEL Therapy Group • Complete your Emotion Alchemy Lab Worksheet!

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The G.I.V.E. Blueprint

Use these guidelines to keep your relationship strong, even when having a hard conversation or setting a boundary:

G Gentle: No threats, no sarcasm, no eye-rolls. Keep a neutral body posture.

I Interested: Listen to their side. Don't interrupt. Keep eye contact.

V Validate: Acknowledge their feelings. "I understand you are tired after practice, but..."

E Easy Manner: Smile, stay lighthearted when appropriate, use a soft voice.

Relationship Preservation

"You can get what you want, but if you burn down the bridge to get it, you'll end up stranded on an island." Balanced communication ensures we stay connected.

SEL Therapy Group • Session 4: Interpersonal Effectiveness

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Mindful Explorers

Group Practice

Bridge Design Challenge

Script a DEAR MAN or a GIVE request for these common school scenarios. Role-play with your basecamp co-explorers!

Assertiveness Check

Were you clear about what you wanted? Or did you apologize for asking? (Self-Respect test!)

Scenario 1

"Your partner in history class isn't doing any of the slides. You need them to do slide 3 and 4 by tomorrow. Script a DEAR MAN."

Scenario 2

"Your friend asks to borrow your brand new hoodie, but you know they lost your last one. Script a firm 'No' while keeping the friendship strong using GIVE."

SEL Therapy Group • Complete your Bridge Blueprint Worksheet!

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