Dragon Tamer Curriculum Guide Dragon Tamer Curriculum Guide
Facilitator's Manual for 12 Sessions of Emotional Regulation
Quick Facts
Audience
Special Education (Grades 3-5)
Duration
12 Sessions (20 min each)
Objective
Help students recognize and manage anger through engaging social stories and role-play.
Preparation
Review the session structure and social stories.
Prepare "Dragon Duel" scenario cards.
Print "Social Story Quest" worksheets for each student.
Ensure individual IEP accommodations are ready.
The 12-Session Quest
1. Spotting the Dragon
What is anger and why do we feel it?
2. Smoke & Sparks
Recognizing body clues (clenched fists, hot face).
3. The Dragon's Cave
Identifying personal triggers.
4. Taking a Breather
Introduction to deep breathing.
5. The Magic Shield
Using "Thinking Skills" to stay calm.
6. Word Weapons
Expressing feelings with "I" statements.
7. Waiting at the Gate
Managing frustration when waiting.
8. Sharing the Treasure
Taming anger during turn-taking.
9. Losing the Battle
Managing anger when losing a game.
10. Asking for Space
Learning to ask for a "Cool Down" break.
11. Dragon Scales
Using an anger meter to gauge feelings.
12. Master Tamer Victory
Review, celebration, and certificates.
The 20-Minute Routine
3 Min
Warm-Up: Settling the Dragon
Greet students, take a deep collective breath, and introduce the daily theme (e.g., "Today we learn about waiting").
5 Min
Introduction to Social Story
Present a scenario using the Slides. Ask: "How might the dragon feel here?" and "What could happen next?"
5 Min
Main Activity: Dragon Duel Game
Students draw scenario cards and role-play calm responses. Use positive reinforcement for "Cool Choices."
5 Min
Quest Worksheet
Students complete the daily section of the worksheet to identify feelings and solutions through drawing or writing.
2 Min
Cool Down: The Dragon's Sleep
Execute the 2-step breathing and reflection. Reinforce one positive takeaway from the session.
Autism-Friendly Tips
Use clear, literal language. Avoid abstract metaphors without explanation. Provide "Wait Time" (5-10 seconds) for students to process questions before prompting.
Success Markers
Watch for students identifying their own physical signs of anger or independently choosing a "Cool Tool" during a frustrating moment.
Taming the Anger Dragon Slides Taming the Anger Dragon
A 12-Session Journey to Master Your Big Feelings
Meet the Anger Dragon
Anger is a big feeling that happens when things feel unfair or hard.
Everyone has an "Anger Dragon" inside. It's okay to feel mad, but we must tame it!
Drawing: Angry Face Dragon
Dragon Smoke Signals
How does your body feel when the Dragon wakes up?
Hot Face
Feeling warm or red in the cheeks.
Clenched Fists
Squeezing hands tight like dragon claws.
Fast Heart
Feeling your heart go boom-boom-boom!
The Dragon's Breath
Breathe In
Smell the flowers
Breathe Out
Blow out the fire
Place your hands on your belly.
Feel the air move in and out!
Dragon Stories
The Taken Toy
A friend takes your toy while you are playing.
What happens in your body?
How can we tame the dragon?
Master Tamer Moment
"I can be the boss of my feelings."
What did I do well today?
What is one calm choice I can make?
Social Stories Worksheet Social Story Quest
Taming the Anger Dragon: Session Activity
Tamer:
Date:
Your Tamer Quest
Read each story below. Think about how to tame the dragon and choose a calm, kind way to handle your big feelings.
1
The Taken Toy
You are playing with your favorite toy, and suddenly a friend takes it away from you.
How do you feel? (Draw or write)
What is one thing you can do to calm down?
What can you say to your friend?
2
Waiting Your Turn
You are very excited to play a game, but you have to wait your turn behind many other kids.
How do you feel while waiting?
What could you do to keep yourself calm?
What is a kind word you can use?
3
Losing a Game
You are playing a game with your friends, and you lose.
What feelings do you have when you lose?
How can you show good sportsmanship?
The Master Tamer Reflection
What is one new way you learned today to help manage your anger?
It's okay to feel angry. The important thing is how you handle it!
Anger Management Game Cards Dragon Challenge Game Cards
Cut along the dotted lines to create your game deck!
The Toy Taker
A friend takes your toy without asking. What can you say instead of shouting?
The Long Wait
The line for the slide is very long. Show us how you can stay calm while waiting.
Game Over
You lose a board game. What is a "Good Sport" phrase you can use?
Noise Alert
The classroom is too loud and you feel mad. Show us how to ask for a break.
Broken Lead
Your pencil breaks during hard work. What is a calm way to get a new one?
Lunch Swap
You forgot your favorite snack. How can you handle this disappointment?
How to Play:
1. One player draws a card. 2. Role-play the situation. 3. Group decides if the choice was "Dragon Tamed" or "Dragon Fire." 4. Use breathing if the dragon wakes up!
Cool Down Techniques Handout The Calm Down Shield
I can tame my dragon
1. Dragon Breathing
Breathe in slow through your nose...
Hold for 2 seconds...
Breathe out slow through your mouth.
2. Mindful Thinking
Think about one thing you learned.
What is a calm choice you can make right now?
3. Gentle Movement
Reach for the stars! Stretch your arms up high.
Give yourself a big hug and squeeze tight.
My Calm Choice Menu
Ask for Space
Use My Words
Take a Break
Taming the Anger Dragon: Reference Guide for Students
Warm-Up Activity Guide Warm-Up Activity Guide
Preparing the mind for Dragon Taming
Purpose
Help students transition smoothly into the lesson while introducing the theme of anger management in a calm and engaging way.
3-Minute Routine
1
Welcome & Settle
Greet students warmly. Ask them to take one deep breath together to "reset" the classroom energy.
2
Theme Introduction
Briefly state the goal: "Today we are learning how to handle anger like a brave Dragon Tamer."
3
Engagement Question
"Has anyone ever felt like a dragon with fire in their belly?"
Keep it light and allow for short sharing or nodding.
4
Calm Movement
Do a "Gentle Dragon Stretch": Reach arms wide like wings, then fold them tight across the chest.
Tips for Success
Keep the pace slow and gentle to ensure comfort.
Use positive reinforcement for students sitting calmly.
Adjust language to meet the specific sensory needs of your group.
Master Tamer Certificate Award Master Dragon Tamer
Certificate of Achievement
This is to certify that
Has successfully completed 12 sessions of Dragon Taming Quest, mastering the skills of breathing, waiting, and choosing calm over fire.
Lead Dragon Tamer (Teacher)
January 17, 2026
Quest Completion Date