Selecting Scenarios Slides Project: Strategy Blueprint
Visual Strategy Guides
Lesson 1: Selecting My Scenario
1 Instructions vs. No Instructions
Mystery Box
A giant bag of LEGO pieces, but no booklet. How do you feel?
The Blueprint
Step-by-step pictures showing exactly where each piece goes. Better?
"When we are stressed or confused, our brains need pictures to find the way."
Essential Question
How can visual cues and technology help us regulate our behavior when words aren't enough?
What is a "Tricky Moment"?
Sensory Load
The cafeteria is too loud and I don't know where to sit.
Transitions
Switching from recess to math is hard for my brain.
Social Rules
I'm not sure how to ask to join a game on the playground.
We call these Target Scenarios.
The Brain Under Stress
Language Fades First
When we are overwhelmed, our "listening" brain struggles to process long sentences.
Images are Instant
The human brain processes images 60,000x faster than text.
Processing Visual Strategy...
Lesson 1 Mission
Identify 3 tricky moments in your school day. Then, pick the one you want to build a guide for.
1. BRAINSTORM
2. RANK
3. SELECT
Scenario Scout Worksheet Project: Strategy Blueprint
Scenario Scout Worksheet
Name: __________________________
Date: __________________________
Step 1: The Brainstorm
Think about your school day. Where do things sometimes get "tricky" or confusing? List three scenarios where a visual guide might help you stay calm and on track.
Scenario Alpha
Example: "Transitioning from the loud gym to the quiet library."
Scenario Bravo
Example: "Ordering lunch when the cafeteria is crowded."
Scenario Charlie
Example: "What to do when I finish my work early and others are still busy."
Step 2: Analysis
Rate each of your scenarios based on how much a Visual Strategy Guide would help you.
Scenario How Stressful? (1-5) How often? (1-5) Alpha ___ / 5 ___ / 5 Bravo ___ / 5 ___ / 5 Charlie ___ / 5 ___ / 5
Step 3: Final Blueprint Selection
Choose the scenario you want to turn into a digital visual guide. This will be your project for the next two weeks.
Approved by Teacher
Scenario Facilitation Guide Teacher Facilitation Guide
Lesson 1: Selecting Scenarios
Helping students identify "Tricky Moments" for visual support.
The Goal
The purpose of this lesson is to help students move from general feelings of "stress" or "discomfort" to identifying specific, observable school scenarios that can be broken down into a sequence of steps.
Key Concept
"If you can't take a picture of it, it's not a scenario yet. Help students get concrete."
Socratic Hook: The LEGO Analogy
Question 1
"How many of you have ever felt frustrated because you didn't know the 'rules' of a situation? Like playing a game for the first time?"
Question 2
"Why do you think LEGO includes books with pictures instead of just a big list of text instructions?"
Guiding Student Selections
Student Might Suggest... How to Refine It (Teacher Prompt) Managing Expectations "I hate the cafeteria." "What is the one specific part that is hard? Is it getting your tray? Finding a seat? Throwing trash away?" Keep it to a 4-6 step sequence. "The cafeteria" is too big. "When I'm angry." "Anger is a feeling. What is the *moment* right before you get angry? Is it when a teacher says 'time to clean up'?" Shift from internal emotion to external event. "Recess is confusing." "Let's focus on one social interaction. How about 'How to ask to play soccer' or 'What to do when the game ends'?" Focus on social navigation scripts.
Blueprint Approval Checklist
Is the scenario specific? (e.g., "Hallway Transitions" vs. "School")
Can this be shown in 4-6 photos?
Does it happen frequently enough that a guide would be useful?
Is it safe and appropriate to photograph the location later?
Storyboarding Slides Phase 02: Planning
Blueprint Storyboarding
Breaking your scenario into a logical sequence.
1 Order Matters
Frame C
Frame A
Frame B
A story doesn't make sense if the panels are scrambled.
The Magic Number: 4 to 6
Too Simple? (1-2 Frames)
Doesn't give enough information to solve the problem.
Just Right (4-6 Frames)
Clear beginning, middle steps, and a successful ending.
Too Complex? (10+ Frames)
Hard to read quickly when you are feeling stressed.
Anatomy of a Blueprint Frame
Caption Goes Here
1. VISUAL (The "What")
2. CAPTION (The "Action")
End with Success
Your very last frame should always show Success. What does it look like when the tricky moment is over?
"I am in my seat ready to learn."
"I have a book and I am reading."
Lesson 2 Mission
Draft your scenario into 4-6 panels on your Blueprint Draft sheet. Sketch what the picture will be, and write a rough caption for each.
Don't worry about "art" yet—just focus on the steps!
Blueprint Draft Worksheet Project Phase: Storyboarding
Blueprint Draft
Scenario: ________________________________________________
Sheet No: SB-02
Scale: 1:1 Social
Frame 01: The Trigger
Action / Caption
Frame 02: Step 1
Action / Caption
Frame 03: Step 2
Action / Caption
Frame 04: Step 3
Action / Caption
Frame 05: Step 4 (Optional)
Action / Caption
Frame 06: Success
Positive Outcome Caption
Technical Specs
- Use first-person language ("I can...")
- Visuals should match school environments
- Keep text under 10 words per frame
Teacher Stamp
Storyboarding Success Guide Teacher Resource: Assessment & Facilitation
Storyboarding Success Guide
Teaching Sequential Logic
Social stories often fail when they are too abstract. Use these prompts to help students identify the "missing frames" in their sequence.
The "Magic Jump"
When a student skips a critical physical step (e.g., Frame 1: I am in gym. Frame 2: I am sitting at my desk).
"Wait! How did you get from the gym to the desk? Is there a hallway step in between that we need to see?"
The "Instruction Overload"
When a student tries to put 5 different actions into a single frame.
"That's a lot of jobs for one picture! Can we split 'wash hands, get tray, and find a seat' into three separate pictures?"
Storyboard Quality Checklist
Frame Count (4-6) The sequence is concise enough for quick viewing but detailed enough to follow.
The "Trigger" is Identified Frame 1 clearly shows the start of the challenge (e.g., the bell ringing, the line forming).
First-Person Perspective Captions use "I" statements (e.g., "I take a deep breath," not "He takes a deep breath").
Positive Success State The final frame shows the student successfully participating or feeling calm.
Common Misconception
Avoid "Stop Doing" language.
Students often want to write "I don't yell" or "I stop running." Encourage them to replace these with active alternatives : "I use my inside voice" or "I walk slowly." The visual should show what they ARE doing, not what they aren't.
Visual Assets Slides Phase 03: Assets
Capturing Visual Assets
Collecting the images for your blueprint.
Visual Noise
Too Much Noise
Blurry, busy background, and too many people. Which part are we looking at?
Clear & Focused
Steady, centered, and shows exactly what the caption says.
Choose Your Style
Real World Photos
Best for: Specific locations (like the exact door of your classroom).
High Context
Graphic Icons
Best for: Actions and feelings (like "taking a breath" or "walking").
High Clarity
"You can mix and match both in your guide!"
The Camera Operator's Rule
1. Point of View
Take the photo from YOUR eye level, not a teacher's. Show what you will see.
2. Crop In
Get close. If the step is "using the keyboard," don't take a photo of the whole room.
3. Steady Hands
Blurry photos are harder for our brains to process when we are stressed.
Asset Safety Rules
No faces of other students. Focus on the place or the object.
Always ask the teacher before taking a photo in a room.
Be a "Stealth Photographer"—don't disturb people working!
Lesson 3 Mission
Look at your Blueprint Draft . Use your Visual Asset Checklist to go out and capture or find the images you need.
Status:
[ READY TO CAPTURE ]
Visual Asset Checklist Worksheet Project Phase: Asset Collection
Visual Asset Checklist
Asset Log: AL-03
Project: _____________________
Use this list to keep track of the images you need. Before you take a photo, ask yourself: "Does this show the exact step in my storyboard?"
Frame Image Subject (What's in it?) Photo or Icon? Status 01
PHOTO ICON
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PHOTO ICON
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PHOTO ICON
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PHOTO ICON
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PHOTO ICON
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PHOTO ICON
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Photo Checklist
No faces in the shot
Camera is held steady
Lighting is bright enough to see
Icon Checklist
Icon is simple and clear
Icon matches the action word
Colors are easy to read
Asset Capture Facilitation Guide Teacher Resource: Field Operations
Asset Capture Logistics
Photo Hunt Protocol
Managing a class of students with cameras/tablets requires clear structure. Use a "Hub and Spoke" model: students check out of the classroom hub with a specific goal, capture 1-2 images, and return to check in.
Privacy Warning
"Remind students: We are photographing *places*, not *people*. If a person is in the way, wait for them to move or focus on the object (e.g., the desk, not the student at the desk)."
Sourcing Images: Facilitation Tips
When to use Photos
Environmental landmarks (The library checkout desk, the red hallway locker).
Specific objects (A student's own sensory toolkit, a specific textbook).
First-person perspectives (The view of the cafeteria from the entrance).
When to use Icons
Abstract feelings (Frustration, calm, focus).
Actions that are hard to photograph (Thinking, waiting, listening).
Privacy-sensitive moments (Social interactions with peers).
Technical Field Notes
Visual Noise Removal
If a photo is too busy, help the student crop the image. Removing the extra floor or ceiling space helps focus the eye on the important part.
Icon Sourcing
Direct students to specific icon libraries (e.g., The Noun Project or Flaticon) to ensure they find "high-contrast" and "simple" visuals that match.
Before the Hunt Checklist
Notify other teachers (PE, Art, Library)
Assign "Photo Buddies" for safety
Set a strict "Return Time"
Check battery/storage on all devices
Digital Assembly Slides Phase 04: Assembly
Building the Digital Guide
Combining images and text for maximum impact.
Speed of Reading
The Wall of Text
Hard to read when you are in a hurry or feeling stressed.
I CAN WALK.
The Clear Prompt
Big font, few words, instant understanding.
Blueprint Typography
Size Matters
Captions should be at least 36pt. If you have to squint, it's too small!
Contrast is King
Dark text on a light background, or light text on a dark background. Never yellow on white!
Design Test:
Can you read this from 5 feet away?
The "I" Voice
This is your guide. The text should sound like your own helpful inner voice.
Don't use:
"The student walks to the desk."
Use:
"I can walk to my desk."
Final Page Layout
IMAGE TAKES 80% OF SPACE
CAPTIONS GO AT THE BOTTOM
Lesson 4 Mission
Draft your final captions on the Caption Crafter sheet. Once they are approved, open your digital tool and start building!
1. IMPORT PHOTOS
2. TYPE CAPTIONS
3. CHECK DESIGN
Caption Crafter Worksheet Project Phase: Production
Caption Crafter
Script ID: CP-04
Project: _____________________
Final Scripting
Before we type in our digital tool, let's polish our words. Remember: Use "I" statements, keep it short (under 10 words), and focus on the positive action .
01
Final Caption (Rough draft from storyboard → Final version)
I feel overwhelmed in the noisy hallway.
02
Final Caption
03
Final Caption
04
Final Caption
05
Final Caption (Optional)
06
Success Caption (The "Ending")
Digital Design Review
FONT SIZE: 36PT+
CONTRAST: CLEAR
IMAGES: FULL SCALE
Digital Assembly Facilitation Guide Teacher Resource: Technical Facilitation
Assembly & Production Guide
Production Pacing
Assembly usually takes two 45-minute sessions. Session 1 should focus on Asset Import and basic layout. Session 2 should focus on Captioning and visual polish.
Tool Selection
The best tools for this project are Google Slides (easy layout), Book Creator (accessibility features), or Canva (icon library).
Digital Quality Control
Design Element The "Stress Test" (Does it pass?) Contrast "Can I read the words if I'm standing 5 feet away from the screen?" Reading Level "Can a younger student understand these steps instantly?" Aspect Ratio "Do the images fill the whole slide, or is there a lot of 'empty white space'?" Accessibility "If using a tablet, are the navigation arrows big enough to tap during a moment of stress?"
Pro-Tip: Audio Accessibility
For students with higher support needs, encourage them to record their own voice reading the captions on each slide.
STEP 1: CLICK INSERT
STEP 2: RECORD AUDIO
STEP 3: DRAG ICON TO CORNER
Common Technical "Glitches"
Image Distortion: Remind students to hold 'Shift' when resizing so their photos don't look "squashed."Layering: Sometimes text gets stuck behind a photo. Show them how to "Bring to Front."Exporting: Ensure students know how to save their work so it can be accessed on a tablet or printed. Beta Testing Slides Phase 05: Launch
Beta Testing & Launch
Refining your blueprint for the real world.
1 The Beta Tester
Finding "Bugs"
Video game designers let people play their games before they sell them to find glitches.
Finding Confusion
We are going to "test" our strategy guides to see if another brain can follow them easily.
Kind, Helpful, Specific
Be Kind
Start with something you like. "I really like the photo you took of the desk."
Be Helpful
Frame it as a question. "Do you think the font could be a little bigger?"
Be Specific
Point to exactly where the confusion is. "Frame 3 is a little blurry."
Receiving Feedback
Feedback is a gift. It helps you make your guide even more powerful for your brain.
"Thank you! I will look at that."
The Test Protocol
1
Show your guide to a peer. Don't explain it!
2
Watch them scroll through it.
3
Ask: "What was the most confusing part?"
4
Ask: "Does the ending feel successful?"
BETA TEST REPORT IN PROGRESS...
Blast Off!
Make your final tweaks. Then, we will export your guide so you can use it whenever you need a blueprint for a tricky moment.
Project Complete
Beta Test Report Worksheet Project Phase: Quality Control
Beta Test Report
Test Log: BT-05
Tester Name: _________________
Designer Being Tested
Scenario Topic
Task 1: The First Glance
Look through the whole guide once without reading the words. Only look at the pictures.
Did the pictures tell the story without the words?
Yes, perfectly
Mostly
I was a bit lost
Task 2: Helpful Feedback
1. The "Bright Spot" (Something you liked)
2. The "Foggy Spot" (Something that was confusing)
3. Design Suggestion (Font, Contrast, or Photo choice)
Usability Scorecard
Are captions easy to read?
Do the steps follow an order?
Is the ending positive?
Is it helpful for stress?
Refinement & Launch Guide Teacher Resource: Final Deployment
Refinement & Launch Guide
Managing the Beta Test
Pair students thoughtfully. Students who struggle with sensory overload might be the best "test pilots" for guides designed for the cafeteria or gym, as they can provide the most authentic feedback on whether the guide is "calming" or "cluttered."
The "Revision Ripple"
Students may feel defensive about feedback. Frame it as "UX Design" (User Experience). A button that doesn't work in a video game isn't the designer's fault, it's just something that needs to be "patched."
Final Deployment Checklist
1
Text Visibility Check
Ensure no text is overlapping with important parts of the photo or icon.
2
The "Stress Response" Test
Read the guide aloud. Does it sound calm? Is it direct? Does it give a clear 'next step'?
3
Export and Access
Save as PDF or shared link. How will the student access this when they are actually in the hallway/gym?
Digital Deployment
Create a "Shortcut" on the student's home screen that leads directly to their PDF. This minimizes the "clicks" needed to find support during a moment of overwhelm.
Physical Deployment
Print as a "Pocket Guide" (4-to-a-page). Laminate the cards and put them on a key ring. This is best for students who do not have 1:1 device access in all settings.
The Launch Celebration
Conclude the project by having students share their "Success Ending" with the class. This reinforces the positive outcome of their strategy guides.
Share-Out
Reflection
Celebration
