Feeling Detectives Teacher Guide Teacher Guide: Feeling Detectives
Unit 1: The Social Detectives Agency
Week 01
Lesson Objective
Students will identify and label four basic emotions (Happy, Sad, Angry, Worried) in themselves and others. They will learn to use a 1–5 visual scale to measure the intensity of their feelings and identify one "Cool Down Tool" for each high-intensity feeling.
Essential Materials
Feeling Detective Slides
My Feelings Meter (Laminated)
Calming Strategy Cards
Handheld Mirror
1 The Hook: Welcome to the Agency (10 mins)
Teacher Script:
"Welcome, Detectives! Today you are joining the Social Detectives Agency. Our first mission is to investigate 'Internal Clues'. These are the signals our bodies send us to tell us how we feel. Before we can solve problems with friends, we have to know what's happening inside our own bodies!"
2 Direct Instruction: The Feelings Meter (15 mins)
Body Clues: Model "Angry" (tight fists, red face, fast heart). Ask students to check their own bodies in a mirror.The Scale: Introduce the 1–5 meter.
1 (Blue): Tired or Bored (Engine is slow)
2 (Green): Calm and Ready (Engine is just right)
3 (Yellow): Silly or Frustrated (Engine is revving)
4 (Orange): Upset or Angry (Engine is fast)
5 (Red): Out of Control (Engine is overheating)
3 Guided Practice: Strategy Match (15 mins)
Present different "Detective Cases" (scenarios).Ex: "You are trying to build a LEGO tower and it keeps falling down. Where are you on the meter?"
ASD Support Strategies
Predictability:
Use a visual schedule for the lesson steps so students know when the "work" part is over.
Sensory Check:
Allow students to use a fidget while listening to the detective briefing.
Concrete Language:
Avoid metaphors like "down in the dumps." Use "My body feels sad/low energy."
Processing Time:
Wait 5-10 seconds after asking a question before prompting for an answer.
Feeling Detectives Slides Mission: Possible
Feeling
Detectives
Unit 1: The Social Detectives Agency
New Mission Briefing
"A good detective looks for clues."
Today, we are looking for clues INSIDE our bodies!
Look at Faces
Feel your heart
Check your hands
THE FEELINGS METER
How big is your feeling?
1
Low
Tired, Sad, Bored
2
Calm
Focused, Happy, Ready
3
Wiggly
Silly, Nervous, Excited
4
Big
Frustrated, Upset
5
Extreme
Angry, Out of Control
Detective Challenge!
If your body is at a 5...
Face is red
Hands are in fists
Teeth are gritting
What can you do to cool down?
Big Breath
Smell the flower, blow the candle
Wall Push
Push the wall for 10 seconds
Ask for Help
"I need a break, please."
Feelings Meter Tool Detective Name:
Date:
My Feelings Meter
Official Social Detective Tool
5
Out of Control
Angry, Screaming
4
Big Upset
Frustrated, Crying
3
Wiggly
Nervous, Silly
2
Calm
Happy, Ready
1
Low
Sad, Tired, Bored
My Cool Down Toolbox
Star Breathing
Deep breath in, slow breath out.
Wall Push
Push the wall with strong hands.
Quiet Break
Use headphones or a quiet corner.
Ask for Help
Use your words or your card.
Keep this tool on your desk. Use a clip to show how you feel!
Perspective Investigators Teacher Guide Teacher Guide: Perspective Investigators
Unit 2: The Social Detectives Agency
Week 02
Mission Goal
Detectives will investigate the difference between "Talking Thoughts" (speech bubbles) and "Hidden Thoughts" (thought bubbles). Students will learn that two people can see the same thing but have different thoughts about it.
Evidence Needed
Perspective Slides
Thought vs. Speech Worksheet
Large Chart Paper
1 The Briefing: Thought Bubbles (10 mins)
Draw a character on the board with a thought bubble and a speech bubble.Teacher Script: "Detectives, did you know people have thoughts they don't say? These are called Hidden Thoughts. We use clues like eyes and body language to guess what someone is thinking."
2 Investigation: The Same Scene, Different Thoughts (20 mins)
Activity Scenario:
Show a picture of a dog .
Discuss: Both see the same dog. Do they have the same thoughts? Why not?
3 Field Work: Guess the Thought (15 mins)
Students use the worksheet to match "Speech Bubbles" to "Thought Bubbles" based on visual clues (faces).
ASD Support: Hidden Rules
Perspective taking is a "Theory of Mind" skill which is often delayed in ASD. Use explicit modeling . Don't ask "How do they feel?" Instead, say "Look at his eyebrows. They are down. That tells my brain he is feeling angry."
Visual Cue: Hold a physical thought bubble icon over your head when you are modeling "thinking" vs. "talking."
Thought Bubble Investigation Bubble Detective
Thought vs. Speech Investigation
AGENT:
DATE:
Speech Bubble
These are the words we say out loud. Everyone can hear these.
Thought Bubble
These are internal. Only YOU know these until you share them.
1 Case Study: The Recess Plan
"Leo and Maya are at recess. Leo wants to play Tag. Maya wants to swing."
Maya says:
Maya's words...
Leo thinks:
Leo's secret thought...
2 Different Thoughts Challenge
Draw or write what each detective is thinking about the RAIN .
😄
Happy Thought
😟
Sad/Worried Thought
Evidence Collected
Empathy Agents Teacher Guide Teacher Guide: Empathy Agents
Unit 3: The Social Detectives Agency
Week 03
Mission Goal
Agents will practice recognizing the emotional needs of others and taking action. Students learn the "Bucket Filling" analogy: kind acts "fill" buckets, while unkind acts "dip" from buckets.
Supplies
Empathy Slides
Bucket Filler Worksheet
Physical Bucket & Pom-Poms
1 The Concept: The Invisible Bucket (10 mins)
"Detectives, everyone has an invisible bucket above their head. When the bucket is full, they feel happy and safe. When it is empty, they feel sad or lonely. Our job is to be Bucket Fillers!"
2 Empathy Clues: Heart Investigation (20 mins)
Step A: Show a photo of a student sitting alone at lunch. Ask: "What does their bucket look like?" (Empty/Dry).
Step B: Ask: "What could an Empathy Agent do to fill it?" (Invite them, say hello, share a smile).
ASD Support: Concrete Kindness
"Kindness" is an abstract concept. Make it concrete by using Kindness Scripts .
Practice these specific lines:
Use a physical pom-pom dropped into a bucket every time a student uses a script or identifies a bucket-filling act.
Bucket Filler Log Bucket Filler Log
Agent Mission Report
Detective:
Bucket FILLING
Kind acts that make others feel good inside.
• Giving a high-five
• Sharing a toy
• Saying "Thank you"
Bucket DIPPING
Unkind acts that make others feel sad or lonely.
• Leaving someone out
• Calling mean names
• Taking without asking
1 Color the Bucket-Filling Choices:
Helping a friend pick up pencils.
Laughing when someone falls.
Saying "Great job!" to a peer.
2 Draw a picture of YOU being a Bucket Filler:
I filled a bucket by:
Problem Solvers Teacher Guide Teacher Guide: Problem Solvers
Unit 4: The Social Detectives Agency
Week 04
Mission Goal
Students will learn to categorize problems by "size" to determine the appropriate reaction. They will practice the 3-step solving model for small problems: Stop, Think, Act.
Evidence Needed
Size of the Problem Slides
Case File Sorting Activity
Problem Solver Cards
1 Instruction: Size Matters (15 mins)
Define the three sizes of problems using the slides:
Glitch (Tiny): No big deal. I can fix it myself. (Ex: Pencil broke).Little Problem: I might need a minute or a little help. (Ex: Someone took my seat).Big Problem (Emergency): I need an adult NOW. Someone is hurt or unsafe. (Ex: Fire, falling down).
2 The Solving Tool: STOP, THINK, ACT (15 mins)
STOP
Take one breath.
THINK
Is it a Glitch or Big?
ACT
Try a solution.
ASD Support: Matching Reactions
Students with ASD often have "Big Reactions" to "Small Problems."
The Rule: Your reaction should match the size of the problem.
Problem Sorter Activity Case File: Problem Sorter
1
GLITCH
Tiny Problem
I can fix it by myself!
2
LITTLE
Medium Problem
I might need a little help.
3
BIG
Emergency
I need an adult RIGHT NOW!
Investigate & Sort
Draw a line from the Problem to the Correct Size .
My pencil tip broke.
I see smoke in the hall.
A friend said a mean word.
Someone fell and is bleeding.
G
Glitch
L
Little
B
Big
Detective Challenge!
You are coloring and the blue crayon is missing. What size is the problem? ____________________
What can you do? ________________________________________________________________________
Flexibility Force Teacher Guide Teacher Guide: Flexibility Force
Unit 5: The Social Detectives Agency
Week 05
Mission Goal
Detectives will practice "Flexible Thinking" during academic challenges and social changes. Students learn the difference between a "Rock Brain" (stuck thinking) and a "Flex Brain" (resilient thinking).
Supplies
Flexibility Slides
Brain Flexers Worksheet
Rubber Bands & Rocks
1 The Comparison: Rock vs. Rubber Band (10 mins)
Pass around a rock and a rubber band.Teacher Script: "A rock is hard. It doesn't move. When our brain is a Rock Brain, we only want things one way. A rubber band is flexible. It can stretch when things change. Today we are stretching our brains!"
2 Investigation: The Plan Change (20 mins)
Detective Challenge:
Scenario: "You thought it was time for gym, but it's raining, so gym is cancelled."
Rock Brain says: "I ONLY want gym! This is the worst day ever!"Flex Brain says: "I'm sad gym is cancelled, but we can play a board game inside instead."
ASD Support: Change Warnings
Sudden changes can trigger "melt-downs" for students with ASD.
The "Wait" and "Change" Cards: Use a visual "Change of Plan" card to signal when something is different. Practice "Flexible Phrases" like:
Brain Flexers Worksheet Brain Flexers
Agent:
ROCK
STUCK THINKING
I only want it my way. I can't change the plan.
FLEX
FLEXIBLE THINKING
I can try a new way. I am okay with changes.
Flexibility Challenge
Read the plan change. Write or draw your Flex Brain thought!
1
THE OLD PLAN:
Recess is outside on the playground.
THE NEW PLAN:
It's raining. Recess is inside in the classroom.
2
THE OLD PLAN:
You are the first person in the lunch line.
THE NEW PLAN:
The teacher asks a new student to go first today.
3
THE OLD PLAN:
You want to play Tag with your best friend.
THE NEW PLAN:
Your friend wants to play with the blocks instead.
Flexibility Force Active
Social Superstars Teacher Guide Teacher Guide: Social Superstars
Unit 6: The Social Detectives Agency Graduation
Week 06
Mission Goal
Students will review and apply all agency skills: Self-Regulation, Perspective Taking, Empathy, Problem Solving, and Flexibility. The lesson culminates in a graduation ceremony where students receive their official badges.
Graduation Kit
Review Case File Slides
Social Detective Badges
Portfolio Checklist
1 The Ultimate Detective Challenge (20 mins)
Present one "Mega Case" that combines all skills.Scenario: "A friend is crying because they lost a game, and now the teacher says it's time for Math."
Identify feelings: How does the friend feel? How do YOU feel?Empathy: What can you say to the friend?Flexibility: How can you handle the plan change (Math time)?
2 Portfolio Review: My Journey (15 mins)
Have students look through their past 5 weeks of work. Ask them to pick their favorite "Social Tool" (e.g., the Feelings Meter or the Problem Sorter).
3 Graduation Ceremony (10 mins)
Call each student up individually. Award them their "Official Social Detective" badge.Teacher Script: "Detective [Name], for showing kindness and solving problems, I award you this badge. You are now a Social Superstar!"
ASD Support: Generalization
The biggest challenge for students with ASD is generalization (using skills outside the classroom).
The "On-the-Go" Badge: Encourage students to wear their badge or keep a small version of the "Problem Solver" tool in their pocket during lunch and recess. Remind them: "Even off duty, a detective is always looking for social clues!"
Social Detective Badge Certificate Official Social Detective
Graduation Certificate
This badge is proudly awarded to:
For mastering the skills of Self-Regulation , Perspective Taking , Empathy , and Problem Solving .
Agency Director
Class of 2026
Date Issued
On-the-Go Pocket Badge
Cut this out and keep it in your pocket for recess missions!
SOCIAL
DETECTIVE
I can take a breath.
I can guess a thought.
I can fill a bucket.
I can be flexible.
Property of the Agency
Social Case Files Activity Social Case Files
Mission Practice: Week 1-6 Review
Official Detective Cards
Instructions: Cut out these case file cards. Use them for role-playing, small group discussion, or as independent writing prompts. Each case targets a specific Social Detective skill!
Empathy
Case #001: The Dropped Tray
A student in the cafeteria drops their tray and everyone starts laughing. Their face is red and they are looking at the floor.
Detective Mission:
How can you be a Bucket Filler right now?
Perspective
Case #002: The Big Drawing
You think your drawing is amazing and you want to show everyone. Your friend is busy working on a hard math problem and doesn't look up.
Detective Mission:
What is in your friend's Thought Bubble?
Flexibility
Case #003: The Broken Game
It's finally Choice Time, and you go to play with the computer. The teacher says the computer is broken and needs to stay off today.
Detective Mission:
Show your "Flex Brain" in action. What do you do?
Problem Size
Case #004: The Library Bump
In the library, someone bumps into you by accident. Your books fall down, but you are not hurt.
Detective Mission:
Is this a Glitch, Little, or Big Problem?
Regulation
Case #005: The Loud Bell
The fire drill bell goes off and it is very loud. Your heart is beating fast and you feel like screaming.
Detective Mission:
Where are you on the Feelings Meter? What is your tool?
Perspective
Case #006: The New Song
The class is singing a song. You think it's fun, but the student next to you is covering their ears and frowning.
Detective Mission:
Do they have the same thoughts as you? Why?
