Discovery Mission Plan Teacher Guide Mission Plan: Discovery
Lesson 1: Teacher Guide
Mission Objectives
1 Identify 2-3 personal strengths as "Hero Qualities."
2 Define "Self-Advocacy" in student-friendly terms.
3 Translate IEP accommodations into "Power-Up" supports.
Hero Gear Needed
Power Up Slides (Presentation)
My Hero Manual (Worksheet)
Student IEP At-a-Glance (Teacher reference)
Yellow highlighters (for "Power-Ups")
Mission Timeline
10 MIN
The Hook
The Superhero Secret
Ask: "Does every superhero have the same power?" No! Discuss how Batman uses gadgets, while Superman has flight. Explain that students have "gadgets" too—their IEP accommodations. Define **Self-Advocacy** as telling someone exactly what tools you need to do your best hero work.
20 MIN
I-Search
Power Up Search
Review the "Power Up" categories on the slides. Be specific: Instead of "extra time," use "Time Warp." Instead of "graphic organizer," use "Battle Map."
Teacher Note: This is a sensitive moment. Ensure students understand that everyone (even adults) has "power-ups" they use at work.
15 MIN
Manual Entry
My Hero Manual
Hand out the **My Hero Manual Worksheet**. Students fill out their "Origin Story" (strengths) and list their "Top 3 Power-Ups." Circulate and help students identify their specific IEP supports using the superhero terminology.
5 MIN
Debrief
The Hero's Oath
Have students stand and repeat: "I know my strengths, I know my needs, I am the hero of my own learning!" Preview the next lesson: learning the secret signals to ask for these power-ups.
Support & Strategies
Differentiation
For Emergent Writers:
Provide pre-printed "Power Up" icons (a clock for time, a headphones icon for quiet space) that students can glue into their manuals.
For High Flyers:
Have students identify *why* a certain power-up helps them (e.g., "The Time Warp helps me finish my thoughts without feeling rushed.")
Discussion Prompts
"Why do you think superheroes tell their team about their powers?"
"Is a power-up the same as an 'easy way out'? Why or why not?"
"What happens to a hero if they try to do a mission without their tools?"
Power Up Slides MISSION: START!
POWER UP
DISCOVERY
Self-Advocacy Training Lesson 1
What is a Power Up?
A Power Up is a tool, a strategy, or a specific way of working that helps you be your most successful self.
"Every hero needs the right gear for the mission!"
Extra Time
Quiet Spot
Graphic Org
Small Group
Self-Advocacy
Talking about your needs so you can do your best work.
1
KNOW your powers
2
KNOW your signal
3
ASK for help
Identify the Power Up!
"The room is so noisy, I can't think about my math problems."
The Sound Barrier! (Noise-cancelling headphones)
"I have all the ideas in my head, but I don't know where to start writing."
Battle Map! (Graphic Organizer)
Next Step:
Open your Hero Manual and record your powers!
My Hero Manual Worksheet My Hero Manual
Confidential Identity Report
Hero Name:
Date:
Origin Story: My Strengths
Every hero has things they are already GREAT at. List 3 of your natural hero qualities:
Current Power-Ups
Check the Power-Ups you use most:
Time Warp (Extra Time)
The Sound Barrier (Quiet Spot)
Battle Map (Graphic Organizer)
The Translator (Read Aloud)
Backup Team (Small Group)
Other Power-Ups?
Why Use Them?
How does your favorite Power-Up help you complete your mission? (Choose one and explain)
The Signal Training Teacher Guide Mission Plan: The Signal
Lesson 2: Teacher Guide
Mission Objectives
1 Identify appropriate times to "send the signal" (ask for help).
2 Practice 3 specific scripts for requesting accommodations.
3 Understand the importance of "Clear Comms" (eye contact, polite tone).
Hero Gear Needed
The Signal Slides (Presentation)
Script Showdown Cards (Activity)
Scissors (for cutting cards)
Mission Timeline
5 MIN
The Bat-Signal
The Power of the Signal
Ask: "What happens if Batman is in trouble but never turns on the signal?" Discuss how teachers can't read minds. We have to send "The Signal" (use our voice) to get our power-ups.
15 MIN
Comms Check
Clear Communications
Use the slides to introduce the **I-Message Script**: "I am working on [Task], but I need [Power-Up] because [Reason]. May I please use it?" Practice the "Hero Stance": Stand tall, look at the teacher, and speak clearly.
25 MIN
Field Training
Script Showdown
Distribute the **Script Showdown Cards**. In pairs, students take turns being the "Hero" and the "Sidekick" (Teacher). They must choose the right script card for the scenario on the board. Encourage "over-acting" to make it fun and memorable.
5 MIN
Debrief
Signal Check-In
Ask: "When is the best time to ask for a Power-Up?" (Before the struggle becomes a meltdown). Hand out stickers for everyone who completed their "Comms Training."
The Signal Slides Level 2 Training
THE SIGNAL
Mastering Hero Communications
Teachers aren't Mind Readers!
Even the best teachers can't always tell when you need your Power-Ups.
You have to send the signal to get the support you need.
The Hero's Rule:
"Ask before you're stuck, not after you've given up!"
The Hero Script
"Excuse me, [Teacher Name]..."
"I am working on [The Lesson]..."
"But I need [My Power-Up]..."
"Because [Reason]..."
"May I please use it now?"
Eye Contact
Polite Tone
Hero Stance
Script Showdown!
1
"The teacher just gave a long list of instructions, and you've already forgotten step 3."
What's the Signal?
2
"You are supposed to write a paragraph, but your hands are tired and you need to use Speech-to-Text."
What's the Signal?
Field Training!
Time to practice your Showdown Cards with a partner!
Script Showdown Cards Activity CUT THESE OUT!
Script Showdown Cards
Use these cards to practice "Sending the Signal." One person acts as the **Hero** (student) and the other as the **Sidekick** (teacher). Choose the best script for the situation!
Scenario A
The Race Against Time
"There are 5 minutes left in class, but you still have 4 math problems to solve. You are starting to feel panicked."
Script A
"Excuse me, I am working on my math, but I need EXTRA TIME because I'm not finished yet. May I please have 10 more minutes?"
Scenario B
The Sound Storm
"The students near you are talking loudly about a movie. You can't focus on your reading passage."
Script B
"Excuse me, I am trying to read, but I need A QUIET SPOT because the noise is distracting. May I move to the hall?"
Scenario C
The Idea Fog
"You have to write a summary of the story, but you aren't sure which parts are important."
Script C
"Excuse me, I'm starting my summary, but I need A BATTLE MAP (Graphic Organizer) to help me plan. Do you have one?"
HQ Final Mission Teacher Guide Mission Plan: Hero HQ
Lesson 3: Teacher Guide
Mission Objectives
1 Synthesize strengths and needs into a concise advocacy tool.
2 Produce a "Superpower Passport" for transition to middle school.
3 Commit to using self-advocacy skills in future settings.
Hero Gear Needed
Hero HQ Slides (Presentation)
Superpower Passport (Project Template)
Markers, colored pencils, and glue
Mission Timeline
10 MIN
The Briefing
New Headquarters
Explain that next year, students are moving to a new "HQ" (Middle School). They will have many new "Sidekicks" (teachers). How will those teachers know about their powers? Introduce the **Superpower Passport**—their official ID card.
30 MIN
Production
Passport Production
Students work on their Passports. They should use the information from their **Hero Manuals** (Lesson 1) and the scripts they practiced (Lesson 2). Encourage them to decorate their passport to show their personality.
Pro Tip: Take "Hero Photos" of the students or have them draw a self-portrait in the ID slot.
10 MIN
Ceremony
Graduation Ceremony
Have each student stand and share one "Power-Up" and one "Hero Quality" from their passport. Award "Master Advocate" certificates (optional) and congratulate them on being ready for Middle School!
Hero HQ Slides FINAL MISSION
HERO HQ
Transition Training Level 3
A New Headquarters
Middle School is a BIG mission!
More teachers to talk to.
Bigger hallways and classrooms.
Lots of new subjects to master.
YOUR TOOL:
THE SUPERPOWER PASSPORT
Passport Checklist
Identity
Your name and hero portrait.
Power-Ups
Your specific IEP supports.
The Signal
How you ask for help.
BE YOUR OWN HERO!
Your passport shows that you know how you learn best.
"The greatest power is knowing when to ask for backup."
MISSION COMPLETE
Superpower Passport Project Template SUPERPOWER
PASSPORT
Hero Portrait or Photo
Status:
Master Advocate
Secret Identity (Name):
Hero Qualities (Strengths):
MY POWER-UPS
Time Warp
Quiet Spot
Battle Map
Read Aloud
Small Group
A Message to My Teachers:
"I learn best when I can use my power-ups. If you see me struggle, please remind me to..."
Hero of my own learning
