Hidden Trail Slides The Hidden Trail
Session 1: Finding Your Way to the Peak
You are the Navigator!
The School Mountain
Every day, school is like a mountain trail. Sometimes the trail is easy, flat, and sunny.
But sometimes, we hit "Trail Blocks."
Trail Blocks are things that make us want to stay at the base camp (home) instead of climbing.
What's a Trail Block?
Hard tests or big projects
Loud noises or busy hallways
Friendship drama or big feelings
Feeling sleepy or tired
Why do we stay at Base Camp?
To Avoid Bad Feelings
Sometimes we stay home because something at school feels scary, loud, or stressful. We want to feel safe.
To Avoid People/Work
Tests, speaking in class, or cafeteria noise might feel like a huge boulder in our way.
To Be with Family
It’s hard to leave the people we love at home. We stay back to get that extra connection time.
To Do Fun Things
Base Camp has video games, snacks, and pets. Sometimes the "fun" at home is hard to leave!
Navigator Huddle
When you feel like staying at "Base Camp," what is the biggest reason why?
Avoiding Scary Stuff
Avoiding Big Work
Wanting Family Time
Fun Stuff at Home
Mission: Map Your Trail
We are going to use our Trail Maps to mark where we get stuck and what helps us move forward.
Next Step: "My Hidden Trail Map" Activity
Navigator Guide Teacher Resource The Navigator Guide
Session 1: The Hidden Trail (Functional Behavioral Approach)
Teacher/Counselor Guide
Session Objective
Students will identify the specific function(s) of their school avoidance behavior using a mountain-climbing metaphor. This session focuses on the "Why"—shifting from "refusal" to "navigating challenges."
Materials
Hidden Trail Slides
My Hidden Trail Worksheet
Stickers or Markers
1. Welcome & Base Camp (5 mins)
Introduce the group as a team of "Navigators" who are learning to scale the School Mountain. Discuss the concept of "Base Camp" (home) vs. "The Peak" (success at school).
"Navigators, sometimes the path to school feels like it's blocked by big boulders or thick fog. Today, we're going to find out what those blocks are for you."
2. Identifying Trail Blocks (10 mins)
Use the slides to explain the four functions of behavior (Kearney & Silverman):
Negative Affect: Avoiding fear/anxiety (loud halls, separation anxiety).
Evaluative/Social: Avoiding tests, social drama, or teacher judgment.
Attention: Seeking connection with parents/caregivers at home.
Tangible: Staying home for video games, sleep, or snacks.
3. Activity: My Hidden Trail (10 mins)
Students complete the worksheet. Encourage them to be honest—every Navigator has different blocks!
Counselor Tip:
If a student says 'I don't know,' ask them what their 'Perfect Stay Home Day' looks like. If they say 'sleeping and games,' it's likely Tangible. If they say 'no one yelling at me,' it's likely Avoidance.
4. MA Accountability Check-In
Note students who have missed >10% of days. Successful navigation starts with identifying barriers correctly.
Indicator Success Look-Fors (Observation) Functional Insight Student identifies at least 1 "Trail Block" correctly based on recent absences. Engagement Student can explain *why* staying at Base Camp feels safer or better than school. Longitudinal Documentation Intervention participation noted for school-wide absenteeism tracking.
The Peak Path: Session 1 Guide
Functional Behavioral Approach for School Refusal
My Hidden Trail Worksheet Navigator Name:
Expedition Date:
The Hidden Trail
Mapping My Trail Blocks
"Every explorer encounters obstacles. To reach the peak, we first have to map out where the trail gets tricky."
Step 1: My Trail Blocks
Check the "Boulders" that make it hard for you to get to school:
Loud hallways or busy places
Hard tests or school work
Feeling lonely or friendship drama
Saying goodbye to my family
Feeling tired / wanting more sleep
Fun stuff at home (games/TV)
Step 2: Draw Your Hidden Trail
Draw a path from home to school. Draw a BIG boulder where you feel most stuck.
Base Camp (Home)
The Peak (School)
Step 3: Navigator Reflection
When I am at "Base Camp" (home), the thing I enjoy most is:
When I reach the "Peak" (school), I feel proud of myself because:
Gear Up Slides Gear Up!
Session 2: Building Your Navigator Tool Kit
Ready for the Climb?
Map Check
Last time, we found our Trail Blocks.
"If we know what blocks the path, we can pack the right gear to get past it."
Bad feelings = Rain Gear?
Hard work = Climbing Ropes?
Your Navigator Tool Kit
The Anchor
5-4-3-2-1 Grounding
Helps when you feel anxious or overwhelmed by noise.
The Bridge
"Bridge" Objects
A picture or small note from home to keep you connected.
The Compass
Square Breathing
In for 4, hold for 4, out for 4, hold for 4. Calms your heart.
Step 1: Just the First Ascent
Sometimes climbing the whole mountain feels too big. Let's focus on the first 5 minutes.
Check-In Buddy
Who is the first person you see at school who makes you feel safe?
Safe Harbor
Where is one spot at school you can go to take 3 deep breaths?
Navigator Mission: Utility Belt
"A good navigator always checks their gear before the morning climb."
Next: Build Your Navigator Utility Belt
Gear Up Guide Teacher Resource The Gear Guide
Session 2: Building the Navigator Tool Kit (Coping Skills)
Teacher/Counselor Guide
Session Objective
Students will select specific coping tools (regulation, connection, and cognitive) to address the triggers identified in Session 1. Focus on creating a low-barrier "First Ascent" plan.
Accountability
Focus: Re-engagement by identifying a morning 'safe person' and safe arrival routine.
1. The Gear Check (5 mins)
Review "Trail Blocks" from last session. Explain that every explorer needs different gear depending on the mountain. (e.g., A snowy mountain needs a coat; a rocky one needs ropes).
2. Tool Kit Exploration (10 mins)
Model three types of gear (as shown in the Session 2 Slides):
The Anchor (Grounding): Practice 5-4-3-2-1 technique. Use for "Avoidance of Negative Affect" (Anxiety).The Bridge (Connection): Transitional objects (notes, photos). Use for "Attention Seeking" (Separation).The Compass (Breathing): Square Breathing (In 4, Hold 4, Out 4, Hold 4). Use for "Evaluative Avoidance".
3. Activity: Utility Belt (10 mins)
Students choose their top 3 "must-have" tools for their worksheet belt. Draw or write them in.
Discussion Prompt:
"If you feel the morning fog (anxiety) getting thick as you walk to the bus, which tool do you grab first?"
MA Progress Monitoring
Skill Check Level 2 (Developing) Level 3 (Mastery) Coping Selection Identifies 1 functional tool. Identifies 3 tools for specific blocks. Safe Person ID Names any school adult. Names specific trusted school adult.
The Peak Path: Session 2 Guide
Coping Strategies for School Avoidance
Utility Belt Worksheet Navigator Name:
Date:
Navigator Utility Belt
Gear for the Great Climb
Step 1: Pack Your Gear
Choose 3 tools that will help you past your "Trail Blocks." Draw or write them into the pockets below!
Regulation Tool
Connection Tool
Brave Tool
Step 2: First Ascent Plan
My "Safe Person" at school (The Guide):
My "Safe Spot" to breathe (Base Camp 2):
Step 3: Navigator's Motto
What is something brave you can tell yourself when the climb feels hard?
"I can...
"
Trail Keeping Slides Trail Keeping
Session 3: Staying Ready During Summer Basecamp
Protect Your Progress!
Summer Basecamp
Summer is a long time away from the "School Mountain."
If we don't practice our navigator skills, the mountain might look scarier when we come back.
Trail Maintenance
Keep your "Gear" (coping skills) sharp.
Keep your body ready (routines).
Keep your heart connected (friends).
Your Summer Trail Markers
The Morning Routine
Try to wake up and get dressed at a regular time. It keeps your brain in "Navigator Mode" instead of "Sleep Mode."
The Social Bridge
Have a playdate or talk to a school friend! Staying connected makes the Peak feel less lonely in the Fall.
The Skills Check
Practice your Anchor or Compass breathing even when you're happy. It makes them stronger for when you're nervous!
Navigating the "Sunday Scaries"
In August, you might start to feel the "Sunday Scaries" (nervous about school). This is NORMAL!
Navigator Wisdom:
"Being nervous doesn't mean you can't climb. It just means you're getting ready for a big adventure."
Summer Compass Mission
We’re going to map out your summer "checkpoints" to keep you ready for the peak.
Next Activity: The Summer Compass Worksheet
Trail Keeping Guide Teacher Resource Maintenance Manual
Session 3: Trail Keeping (Summer Momentum)
Teacher/Counselor Guide
Session Objective
Students will identify three "Trail Markers" to maintain momentum over summer: Morning Routine, Social Bridges, and Skill Practice. Goal: minimize transition-related anxiety and avoidance.
MA DESE Note
Transitions are high-risk periods. Setting "Day 1 Attendance" expectations is key to preventing chronic absenteeism.
1. Summer Basecamp Concept (5 mins)
"Navigators, summer is our time to rest. But we don't want our 'school muscles' to get weak. Today we plan our Trail Maintenance."
2. The Three Trail Markers (10 mins)
Review these three pillars (refresher for teacher):
Routine:
Wake-up/Dressed times to prevent circadian disruption in Fall.
Social Bridge:
Keeping 1-2 school connections to reduce social isolation triggers.
Skill Practice:
Using "Anchor" or "Compass" tools from Session 2 during summer.
3. Activity: Summer Route (10 mins)
Students complete the worksheet focusing on specific, attainable summer goals.
Teacher Tip:
For students who stay home for "Tangible" rewards (gaming), encourage parents to use gaming time as a "Peak Reward" after a morning productive task.
Progress Monitoring
Risk Check
Does student have a plan to stay in contact with at least one school peer?
Incentive Check
Can student name one specific "Base Camp Reward" they enjoy at home?
The Peak Path: Session 3 Guide
Summer Maintenance for School Re-engagement
Summer Compass Worksheet Navigator Name:
Summer Date:
Summer Compass
Charting My Summer Path
"Explorers use a compass to stay on the right path. This is your plan to stay strong and ready for the Fall!"
Routine Checkpoint
Summer Goals:
Wake up by: ________ AM
Get dressed before: ________ AM
Screen time starts after: ________
Go to sleep by: ________ PM
The Social Bridge
Who is one friend from school you want to talk to this summer?
Plan:
Playdate
Text/Call
Online Game
Skill Sharpening
When I feel the "Summer Sunday Scaries," I will practice this tool:
The Anchor (5-4-3-2-1)
When I'll use it:
The Compass (Breathing)
When I'll use it:
Summit Success Slides Summit Success
Session 4: Your Fall Blueprint
Ready for the Next Peak!
Navigator Review
What we've learned:
We know our "Trail Blocks."
We have our "Utility Belt" tools.
We have our "Summer Compass."
Now it's time for the...
FALL BLUEPRINT
Day 1: The First Ascent
The Morning Start
Packing your bag the night before means one less boulder in your way in the morning.
The First Connection
Who will be the first adult you say "Hello" to at school?
The Reward
What is something special you can do after Day 1 to celebrate your brave climb?
Every Day Counts
Did you know? Being at school every day helps your whole school climb higher!
"Navigators who show up consistently learn the trail better."
"Our team is stronger when every navigator is at the Peak."
Mission Complete!
"You have the map, the gear, and the plan. You are ready to reach the summit!"
Finish Your Fall Blueprint
Summit Success Guide Teacher Resource Success Guide
Session 4: Summit Success (Transition to Fall)
Teacher/Counselor Guide
Session Objective
Students will finalize their "Fall Blueprint," a concrete plan for the first week of school. Focus on confidence, accountability, and specific "Day 1" re-engagement supports.
MA Accountability
Per MA DESE, students missing 10% or more days (typically 18 days) are chronically absent. Day 1 is a critical leading indicator for intervention success.
1. The Final Ascent (5 mins)
"Navigators, today we draw the blueprint for the most important part of our climb: The first week of school."
2. The Blueprint Components (10 mins)
Physical Prep: Night-before packing and early alarms. (Function: Tangible/Routine).Social Bridge: First hello and safe person check-in. (Function: Social/Attention).Reward: "When I finish Day 1, I will..." (Function: Positive Reinforcement).
3. Activity: Fall Blueprint (10 mins)
Students identify a 'Brave Thought' and a 'Safe Person'. Ensure these are realistic and specific school staff members.
Final Indicators & DESE Tier 2 Check
Indicator 1: Student verbalizes 1 functional coping skill (Anchor/Compass) for their primary trigger.
Indicator 2: Student identifies 1 transition support person for Fall entry and notes reward plan.
The Peak Path: Session 4 Guide
MA DESE Chronic Absenteeism Tier 2 Strategy
Fall Blueprint Worksheet Navigator Name:
Target Peak Date:
Fall Blueprint
Confidence Plan for Week 1
Phase 1: Preparation Night
Backpack packed
First Day outfit ready
Alarm set for: ________
Morning routine list ready
Phase 2: Day 1 Morning
My "Brave Thought" for the morning:
"Even though I feel ________, I can still ________."
First person I'll say "Hi" to:
One spot I can go to breathe:
Phase 3: The Celebration
My Day 1 Reward (What I'll do after school):
"Every Day Counts on the Path!"
I commit to being a Navigator who shows up.
READY
