My Emotion Volcano Check-in!

Hey there, Emotion Explorer!

Just like volcanoes have different activity levels, our emotions can too! Let's check in with your emotional volcano today. How are you feeling, and what zone is your emotional volcano in?

Circle or point to the zone that best describes how you feel right now:

🟢 Dormant Volcano! (Calm, Peaceful, Ready to Learn)

• My emotional volcano feels like: I'm calm and steady, like a peaceful mountain. My thoughts are clear, and I'm ready for our exploration.
• I'm ready to: Chill out and learn!

🟡 Rumbling Volcano! (Anxious, Annoyed, A Little Restless)

• My emotional volcano feels like: There's a little rumbling deep inside. I might feel a bit worried, annoyed, or have some extra energy. My thoughts might be a bit jumpy.
• I'm ready to: Notice my feelings and find a way to settle.

🟠 Ash Cloud Zone! (Frustrated, Angry, Overwhelmed, Sad)

• My emotional volcano feels like: An ash cloud is starting to form! My feelings are strong, like frustration, anger, or sadness. It's hard to think clearly.
• I'm ready to: Take a deep breath and ask for support to cool down.

What zone is your emotional volcano in today?

What helps your emotional volcano stay calm, or move to a calmer zone?

Volcano Warning Signs Activity!

Be an Emotion Scientist!

Just like real scientists study volcanoes to understand when they might erupt, we can become emotion scientists to understand our own emotional volcanoes! This activity will help you identify the "Warning Signs" (what you feel in your body and mind) and "Eruption Triggers" (what causes your emotions to build up).

Part 1: Spotting Your Warning Signs

Think about a time when you started to feel really angry, frustrated, or sad. What did you notice in your body or in your thoughts before the feeling got really big?

Instructions: Read the list below. Circle any warning signs you notice in yourself when your emotional volcano starts to rumble. Add your own ideas too!

Physical Warning Signs (What your body feels):

• Tummy ache or butterflies in my stomach
• Tight muscles (shoulders, fists, jaw)
• Feeling hot or sweaty
• Fast heartbeat or breathing
• Headache
• Shaking or trembling
• Feeling restless or fidgety

• ---

• ---

Mental/Emotional Warning Signs (What your mind thinks or feels):

• Trouble concentrating
• Feeling confused or foggy
• Wanting to hide or be alone
• Negative thoughts about myself or others
• Feeling overwhelmed or like things are too much
• Feeling irritable or easily annoyed
• Wanting to interrupt or argue

• ---

• ---

Part 2: Identifying Your Eruption Triggers

Eruption Triggers are like the events or situations that make a volcano start to rumble or even erupt. These are the things that cause your emotions to build up.

Instructions: Think about times when your emotions get strong. What are some common things that 'trigger' your emotional volcano? Write down a few examples.

• Example: Someone takes my things without asking.
• Example: I feel misunderstood by a friend or family member.

Discussion with your teacher/group: Share some of your warning signs and triggers. Do others notice similar things? It's okay to feel these things; the important part is recognizing them!

My Volcano Calm-Down Plan!

Name: _________________________ Date: _____________

Instructions: Now that you know about emotional volcanoes, it's time to create your very own Cool-Down Plan! This plan will be your personal 'emergency kit' to help you manage your emotions when your volcano starts to rumble or even before it gets too big.

Part 1: My Personal Warning Signs

Based on our activity, what are your most common 'warning signs' that tell you your emotional volcano is starting to rumble? (Think about what your body feels and what your mind thinks.)

1. What my body feels:
   
   
   
2. What my mind thinks:
   
   
   

Part 2: My Top Eruption Triggers

What are some of the things that most often 'trigger' your emotional volcano to start rumbling?

Part 3: My Cool-Down Strategies (My Emergency Kit!)

What are 3-5 cool-down strategies you can use when your emotional volcano starts to rumble or feel like an ash cloud? These should be things you can do on your own or ask for help with.

• (Hint: Think about deep breathing, moving your body, talking, drawing, taking a break, listening to music, counting, etc.)

1. Strategy:
   
   
   
   • How it helps me:
     
     
     
2. Strategy:
   
   
   
   • How it helps me:
     
     
     
3. Strategy:
   
   
   
   • How it helps me:
     
     
     
4. Strategy (Optional):
   
   
   
   • How it helps me:
     
     
     
5. Strategy (Optional):
   
   
   
   • How it helps me:
     
     
     

My Commitment!

I commit to trying at least one of my cool-down strategies the next time my emotional volcano starts to rumble!

(Draw a picture of you using one of your cool-down strategies here!)

You've got this, Emotion Explorer!

Emotion Eruption? Let's Chill Out with a Volcano Plan!: Teacher's Script

1. Warm-Up: My Emotion Volcano Check-in (5 minutes)

"Welcome, everyone! Today, we're going to become emotion scientists and explore something super cool and powerful: our feelings! Just like scientists check a volcano's activity, we're going to check in with our own 'emotional volcanoes.' Please take a look at your My Emotion Volcano Check-in sheet."

"Which zone best describes how your emotional volcano is feeling right now? Are you in the 'Dormant Volcano' zone (calm and peaceful), the 'Rumbling Volcano' zone (a little anxious or annoyed), or perhaps the 'Ash Cloud Zone' (frustrated, angry, or overwhelmed)?"

(Allow students to choose and briefly discuss. Validate their feelings.)

"That's great. And what helps your emotional volcano stay calm, or move to a calmer zone? Sometimes taking a deep breath or talking to someone helps. What might help you feel more 'Dormant' for our lesson today?"

(Allow students to respond. Offer support if needed.)

2. Objective Intro: Your Emotional Volcano (5 minutes)

"Alright, emotion scientists! Let's get ready to understand and manage our feelings! Today, our mission is: 'I can identify my "volcano warning signs" and use cool-down strategies to manage strong emotions.'"

(Display Slide 1 of the Emotion Volcano Slide Deck.)

"Think about a real volcano. It doesn't just erupt out of nowhere, right? It usually gives off 'warning signs' like rumbling or smoke. Our emotions are similar! They often give us clues before they get really big. By learning these clues and how to 'cool down,' we can stay more in control."

(Display Slide 2 of the Emotion Volcano Slide Deck.)

"As you can see, our feelings can be like a volcano. We have calm times, times when we're rumbling with strong feelings, and sometimes, if we don't catch it, we might have an 'ash cloud' moment. We want to learn to chill out our volcano before it gets to the 'ash cloud' stage!"

3. Core Activity: Volcano Warning Signs (20 minutes)

"Now for our main scientific exploration! We're going to dive into the Volcano Warning Signs Activity. This activity will help you become an expert at spotting your own emotional warning signs and understanding what might trigger your volcano to rumble."

(Distribute the Volcano Warning Signs Activity and display Slide 3 of the Emotion Volcano Slide Deck.)

"First, look at Part 1: Spotting Your Warning Signs. Think about a time when you felt a strong emotion. What did your body feel like? Did your stomach hurt? Were your hands sweaty? What thoughts were racing through your mind? Circle the signs that match what you experience, and feel free to add your own."

(Allow time for students to complete Part 1. Circulate and offer support.)

"Now let's look at Part 2: Identifying Your Eruption Triggers. These are the things that cause your emotions to build up. What are some situations or events that tend to make your emotional volcano rumble? Share an example or two with me."

(Allow time for students to complete Part 2. Facilitate a brief discussion if appropriate, ensuring students feel safe to share without judgment. Emphasize that everyone has triggers, and it's okay.)

"Great job being emotion scientists! Recognizing these warning signs and triggers is the first step to chilling out your emotional volcano."

4. Personal Reflection: My Calm-Down Plan (10 minutes)

"You've done an amazing job identifying your volcano's warning signs and triggers. Now, let's create your personal 'emergency kit' for when those feelings start to build! Please take out the My Volcano Calm-Down Plan Worksheet."

(Distribute the My Volcano Calm-Down Plan Worksheet. Display Slide 4 of the Emotion Volcano Slide Deck.)

"On this worksheet, you'll first write down your personal warning signs and triggers, just like we discussed. Then, in Part 3, you'll choose 3-5 'cool-down strategies' from our slide or come up with your own. These are things you can do to help calm your emotional volcano. For each strategy, write a sentence about how it helps you."

(Review the examples of cool-down strategies on Slide 4. Provide examples if needed: "Taking deep breaths helps me slow my heart down." "Listening to music helps me distract my mind.")

"Remember, this is your plan. Choose strategies that you think will really work for you!"

(Allow time for students to complete their plans. Circulate and provide individual support.)

5. Cool Down: Ash Cloud Exit Ticket (5 minutes)

"Fantastic work on your calm-down plans! Now, as we wrap up our emotion exploration, please grab an Ash Cloud Exit Ticket."

(Distribute the Ash Cloud Exit Ticket. Display Slide 5 of the Emotion Volcano Slide Deck.)

"On your ticket, please write down one 'warning sign' you learned about today and one 'cool-down strategy' from your plan that you think you'll definitely use next time. This helps me see what amazing emotion scientists you've become!"

(Collect tickets as students complete them.)

6. Optional Extension: My Personal Cool-Down Toolkit (5 minutes)

"You've learned so much today about managing your emotions! If you're interested in an extra challenge, I have an optional mission for you: the My Personal Cool-Down Toolkit Project Guide."

"This guide has ideas for you to create a physical or digital 'toolkit' of your cool-down strategies at home. It's like building your own personal volcano emergency response kit! It's a fun way to keep practicing these important skills."

"You all did an incredible job today exploring your emotional volcanoes and building your cool-down plans. Remember, it's okay to feel strong emotions, and you have the power to manage them!"

Ash Cloud Exit Ticket!

Name: _________________________ Date: _____________

Instructions: Before you go, let's do one last quick check-in with your emotional volcano!

1. My Volcano Warning Sign

What is one "warning sign" you learned today that tells you your emotional volcano might be starting to rumble? (Think about what your body feels or your mind thinks.)

2. My Cool-Down Strategy

What is one "cool-down strategy" from your plan that you can use to manage strong emotions?

Thanks for being an amazing Emotion Scientist!

My Personal Cool-Down Toolkit Project Guide!

Hey Emotion Explorer!

You've done an awesome job learning about your emotional volcano and creating a cool-down plan. Now, for an extra mission, you can create your very own Personal Cool-Down Toolkit at home! This is an optional project to help you have your strategies ready when your emotions start to rumble.

What is a Cool-Down Toolkit?

It's a collection of things or ideas that help you calm down when you're feeling strong emotions. It can be:

• A small box filled with calming objects.
• A list of activities you can do.
• A digital folder on a tablet or computer with calming pictures or music.
• A special corner in your room.

Your Mission: Build Your Toolkit!

Step 1: Brainstorm Items or Ideas for Your Toolkit

Think back to your My Volcano Calm-Down Plan Worksheet and the strategies we discussed. What helps you calm down? List some ideas below:

• Example: A soft blanket
• Example: My favorite calming music playlist
• Example: A stress ball
• Example: A notebook for journaling

Step 2: Plan Your Toolkit

Will your toolkit be a physical box, a list, a digital collection, or something else?

My Toolkit Idea:

What will I put in it? (List 3-5 items/ideas):

Step 3: Create Your Toolkit!

Gather your items or create your list/digital folder. Make it your own!

Share Your Toolkit! (Optional)

If you'd like, you can share your toolkit with your teacher or a family member! Explain what's in it and how it helps you manage your emotional volcano.

(Draw a picture of your cool-down toolkit here!)

Great job creating your emotional emergency kit!

Sonic Warm-Up Check-in!

Hey there, Superstar!

Just like Sonic needs to be ready for his adventures, we need to check in with our brains! How are you feeling today, and what zone is your brain in?

Circle or point to the zone that best describes how you feel right now:

🔵 Green Hill Zone Ready! (Happy, Focused, Calm)

• My brain feels like: I'm zooming through Green Hill Zone, collecting rings and ready for anything! My thoughts are clear, and I'm ready to learn.
• I'm ready to: Start my adventure!

🟡 Chemical Plant Zone Jittery! (Excited, Wobbly, A Little Anxious)

• My brain feels like: The platforms are bouncy in Chemical Plant Zone! I might be a little excited or have some extra energy. My thoughts might be moving a bit fast.
• I'm ready to: Take a deep breath and find my focus.

🔴 Labyrinth Zone Confused! (Frustrated, Confused, Overwhelmed)

• My brain feels like: I'm in the Labyrinth Zone and everything is underwater! My thoughts might feel murky or stuck. I might need some help to find my way.
• I'm ready to: Ask for help or take a small break.

⚫ Death Egg Robot Zone Tired! (Tired, Sad, Not Interested)

• My brain feels like: I'm facing the Death Egg Robot, and I'm feeling really tired or a bit sad. It's hard to get my engine running.
• I'm ready to: Rest or get some extra support.

What zone are you in today?

What helps Sonic (or you!) get ready for a new level?

Green Hill Zone Challenge: Path Guide!

Your Mission, Sonic!

Get ready for an adventure! In the Green Hill Zone Challenge, you'll guide Sonic through a special path on the Sonic Challenge Path. Your goal is to collect as many items as possible and reach the end, but you'll need to use your amazing Sonic Brain Power (Executive Functioning skills) to succeed!

How to Navigate:

1. Setup: Place your Sonic marker at the 'Start' on the Sonic Challenge Path. Get your score tracker ready!
2. Take Turns (with your teacher/partner): On your turn, you'll choose where Sonic moves. You can move 1 or 2 spaces at a time, but each move must be connected to a specific 'Sonic Brain Power' challenge!
3. Collect Items: If Sonic lands on a space with items, collect them! Add them to your score tracker.
4. Navigate Obstacles: Watch out for obstacles and tricky spots! If you land on an obstacle, you might lose an item or have to go back a space (teacher's choice to make it flexible!).
5. Reach the Goal: Successfully navigate to the 'Goal Post'!

Using Your Sonic Brain Power - The Challenges:

At each step, your teacher will help you think about which 'Sonic Brain Power' you're using. Here's how each skill helps you on the path:

🚀 Task Initiation: "Ready, Set, Go!"

• How it works on the path: Starting your turn, making the first move, and not waiting too long to decide. It's about getting your engine running!
• Teacher Prompt: "Okay, Sonic, the path's waiting! What's your first move? Ready to start?"

🗺️ Planning: "Which Path, Sonic?"

• How it works on the path: Looking ahead to see the best route. Where are the most items? Which path avoids the most challenges? Thinking a few steps ahead.
• Teacher Prompt: "Before you zoom, let's look at the path ahead. Where do you see lots of items? How can you avoid that tricky spot? Let's make a plan!"

🧠 Working Memory: "Remember Key Information!"

• How it works on the path: Remembering specific rules, the goal, or how many items you've collected. Remembering what happened a few turns ago or what the teacher just said.
• Teacher Prompt: "Great move! Now, how many items do you have? Do you remember the rule about the 'Tricky Path' spaces?"

⚡ Cognitive Flexibility: "Robotnik's Surprise!"

• How it works on the path: Sometimes Dr. Robotnik (your teacher!) might add a new obstacle or change a rule. This skill helps you adapt and change your plan without getting stuck.
• Teacher Prompt: "Uh oh, Robotnik just put a new 'laser barrier' here! Your original plan won't work now. How can Sonic quickly change his strategy to get past it?"

🛑 Impulse Control: "Slow Down, Speedy!"

• How it works on the path: Not just rushing to the next space! Pausing before you move, thinking about your plan, and waiting for instructions if needed. Don't let those items make you too impulsive!
• Teacher Prompt: "Woah, almost zoomed past that! Let's pause for a second. What was your plan for this next section? Did you see that obstacle?"

✅ Self-Monitoring: "Did Sonic Make It?"

• How it works on the path: Checking your own progress. "Am I collecting enough items? Am I navigating challenges? Is my plan working?" It's like checking Sonic's progress bar.
• Teacher Prompt: "How do you think Sonic is doing on this path so far? Is your strategy working? What could you do differently if it's not?"

Sonic Challenge Path: Green Hill Zone!

Instructions: This is a textual representation of a challenge path. Imagine a winding path through the Green Hill Zone, filled with collectible items, obstacles, and special spaces! You can draw this out, use actual markers, or just use it as a visual guide.

Challenge Path Layout:

(Imagine a path from left to right, curving and branching)

START: Sonic's Starting Line! 🏁

• (Place your Sonic marker here!)

Path Segment 1 (Task Initiation & Planning Focus)

1. Item Collection! (Collect 3 Items) 🟡🟡🟡
2. Spring Jump! (Move forward 1 extra space if you plan your jump!) ⬆️
3. Path Split! (Choose: Left for 2 Items, Right for 1 Item & obstacle. Use Planning!) ➡️↩️
4. Obstacle Block! (Avoid by using Impulse Control! If you rush, lose 1 item!) 🤖

Path Segment 2 (Working Memory & Cognitive Flexibility Focus)

5. Memory Challenge! (Remember the last 3 spaces you passed. If you can, collect 2 items! Use Working Memory!) 🧠
6. Rest Stop! (Safe space, catch your breath!)
7. Dr. Robotnik's Surprise! (Teacher: Change the next rule! E.g., "You can only move 1 space at a time for 2 turns." Use Cognitive Flexibility!) 💥
8. Power-Up Panel! (Collect 4 Items! 🟡🟡🟡🟡)

Path Segment 3 (Self-Monitoring & General EF Focus)

9. Tricky Path! (Careful! Pause and check your plan. If you land here without a plan, lose 2 items! Use Self-Monitoring & Planning!) 🔻
10. Bonus Items! (Collect 5 Items! 🟡🟡🟡🟡🟡)
11. Reflect & Adjust! (Teacher: Ask: "Is your strategy working? What would Sonic do next?" Use Self-Monitoring!) ✅

GOAL: Goal Post! You made it! 🎉

Item Score Tracker: Keep track of your items here!

• Total Items Collected:
  
  
  

My Sonic Marker: (Represented by a small object, or drawn icon)

Sonic's EF Adventure: Teacher's Guide

1. Warm-Up: Sonic Says 'How are you feeling?' (5 minutes)

"Welcome, [Student's Name]! I'm so glad you're here for our special Sonic adventure today. Just like Sonic needs to be ready to zoom through challenges, we need to check in with our brains. Let's look at our Sonic Warm-Up Check-in chart. Which zone best describes how you're feeling right now? Are you in the 'Green Hill Zone Ready,' 'Chemical Plant Zone Jittery,' 'Labyrinth Zone Confused,' or 'Death Egg Robot Zone Tired'?"

(Allow student to choose and discuss briefly.)

"That's great. And what helps Sonic get ready for a new challenge? Sometimes taking a deep breath or talking it out helps. What might help you feel more 'Green Hill Zone Ready' for our lesson?"

(Allow student to respond. Validate their feelings and offer support if needed.)

2. Objective Intro: Power Up Your Brain! (5 minutes)

"Alright, let's power up! Today, we're going on an adventure to boost your 'Sonic Brain Power.' Can you say 'Sonic Brain Power'? Awesome! We're going to learn how to use these special brain skills, called Executive Functions, just like Sonic uses his speed and strategy to save the day."

(Display Slide 1 of the Sonic's EF Adventure Slide Deck.)

"Our mission today is: 'I can use my 'Sonic Brain Power' to start tasks, make plans, remember steps, adapt to changes, control my impulses, and check my work.' That's a lot of super skills, right? We'll break them down just like Sonic overcomes challenges!"

3. Core Activity: Green Hill Zone Challenge (20 minutes)

"Now for the main event! We're going to try the Green Hill Zone Challenge! This is an activity where you guide Sonic through a path on our Sonic Challenge Path, collecting items and navigating Dr. Robotnik's challenges. But to succeed, you'll need to use all your amazing 'Sonic Brain Power' skills."

(Place Sonic marker on START. Explain the basic guidelines from the Green Hill Zone Challenge: Path Guide.)

"Here's how we'll use your 'Sonic Brain Power' on the path:

• Task Initiation: 'Ready, Set, Go!' means starting your turn without waiting too long. What's your very first move, Sonic? Blast off!"
  (Prompt student to make their first move. Provide gentle encouragement if they hesitate.)

• Planning: 'Which Path, Sonic?' Before you zoom, let's look ahead. Where do you see lots of items? How can you avoid that tricky spot? Let's make a plan for your next few moves."
  (Guide student to think ahead. Ask open-ended questions about their choices.)

• Working Memory: 'Remember Key Information!' Great move! Now, how many items do you have total? Do you remember the special guideline we talked about for this kind of space?"
  (Periodically ask about previous actions or rules to reinforce working memory.)

• Cognitive Flexibility: 'Robotnik's Surprise!' Oh no! Dr. Robotnik just activated a new laser barrier right here! Your original plan won't work now. How can Sonic quickly change his strategy to get past it? This is where your brain adapts!"
  (Introduce a small, unexpected change and observe how the student adjusts. Offer support to brainstorm new strategies.)

• Impulse Control: 'Slow Down, Speedy!' Woah, almost zoomed past that! Let's pause for a second. What was your plan for this next section? Did you see that hidden obstacle? Taking a moment to think before acting is super important!"
  (If the student rushes, gently interrupt and ask them to reconsider before finalizing a move.)

• Self-Monitoring: 'Did Sonic Make It?' How do you think Sonic is doing on this path so far? Is your strategy working to collect items and avoid danger? What could you do differently if it's not? It's like checking Sonic's progress!"
  (Regularly ask the student to reflect on their own performance and strategy during the activity.)

(Continue facilitating the activity, using these prompts and adapting to the student's engagement and needs.)

4. Role-Play: Sonic's Problem-Solving Scenarios (8 minutes)

(Display Slide 2 of the Sonic's EF Adventure Slide Deck.)

"Wow, you did an amazing job on the Green Hill Zone path! Now let's see if we can use our 'Sonic Brain Power' to help Sonic in some tricky real-life situations. What if..."

"Scenario 1: Sonic needs to find his shoes before a big race, but he can't remember where he put them, and his friends are waiting! He feels a bit rushed. How would Sonic use his Task Initiation to start looking, his Planning to search effectively, and his Impulse Control not to get frustrated and just give up?"

(Allow student to role-play or discuss. Guide them through the EF steps.)

"Scenario 2: Amy wants to invite all her friends to a party, but she keeps forgetting who she's invited and who she still needs to tell. How can she use her Working Memory to keep track and her Self-Monitoring to make sure she doesn't forget anyone?"

(Encourage the student to brainstorm solutions using the EF skills.)

5. Movement Break: Gotta Go Fast! (5 minutes)

"Alright, all that brain power uses a lot of energy! Time for a quick 'Gotta Go Fast!' movement break, just like Sonic! Let's look at our Sonic Movement Break Cards."

"For the next minute, let's:

• Run in place like Sonic speeding through a course!
• Jump up high to collect imaginary items!
• Dodge and weave like you're avoiding Dr. Robotnik's lasers!"

(Lead the student in 1-2 minutes of active movement. Encourage them to really embody Sonic's energy.)

"Great job! You definitely have Sonic's energy! Now let's power down and get ready for our final mission."

6. Reflection: My Sonic Brain Power Score (5 minutes)

"You've used so much 'Sonic Brain Power' today! Let's take a moment to reflect on your journey. I have this My Sonic Brain Power Check-in worksheet for you."

(Distribute the My Sonic Brain Power Check-in and display Slide 4 of the Sonic's EF Adventure Slide Deck.)

"Look at these Sonic Emeralds. They'll help us rate how well you used each skill, from 1 Emerald (a bit tricky) to 5 Emeralds (super speedy and strategic!)."

"How do you think you did today with Task Initiation – starting our challenges? Circle the number of emeralds you think you earned."

(Go through each EF skill: Planning, Working Memory, Cognitive Flexibility, Impulse Control, Self-Monitoring. Encourage honest self-assessment, focusing on effort and learning.)

"Fantastic! What 'Sonic Brain Power' skill do you feel was your strongest today? And which one do you think you want to 'level up' even more next time, just like in a challenge?"

7. Optional Extension: Sonic Mission at Home (2 minutes)

"You've learned so much today, [Student's Name]! If you're up for an extra challenge, I have a special mission for you: the Sonic Mission: At-Home Project Guide."

"This guide has ideas for how you can use your 'Sonic Brain Power' skills at home, like organizing your room or planning out your playtime. It's like taking your EF superpowers out into the real world! No pressure, just a fun extra challenge if you want to keep leveling up your brain."

"You did an amazing job today. Remember, your brain is super powerful, and you can always use your 'Sonic Brain Power' to tackle any challenge!"

My Sonic Brain Power Check-in!

Name: _________________________ Date: _____________

Instructions: Think about our Sonic Challenge Path activity and how you used your amazing brain today! For each skill, color in or circle the number of Chaos Emeralds that shows how well you think you used that skill. Then, write or draw what you did!

1. Task Initiation: Starting My Mission! (Getting started)

How well did I get started on tasks and challenges today?

• 1 Emerald: I waited a long time to start.
• 2 Emeralds: I needed a lot of reminders to start.
• 3 Emeralds: I started with some help or a little push.
• 4 Emeralds: I usually started pretty quickly.
• 5 Emeralds: I jumped right into action like Sonic!

My Score: 💎 💎 💎 💎 💎

What I did to start:

2. Planning: Charting My Course! (Thinking ahead)

How well did I plan my moves and think ahead in the activity or scenarios?

• 1 Emerald: I didn't plan at all.
• 2 Emeralds: I made a plan, but it was hard to follow.
• 3 Emeralds: I planned some steps, but not always ahead.
• 4 Emeralds: I usually thought a few steps ahead.
• 5 Emeralds: I had a super strategy like Sonic planning his path!

My Score: 💎 💎 💎 💎 💎

My planning strategy was:

3. Working Memory: Remembering Key Information! (Keeping info in mind)

How well did I remember rules, instructions, or key details?

• 1 Emerald: I forgot things easily.
• 2 Emeralds: I needed many reminders.
• 3 Emeralds: I remembered some things, but not everything.
• 4 Emeralds: I mostly remembered what I needed to.
• 5 Emeralds: My brain was like a super memory bank for instructions and details!

My Score: 💎 💎 💎 💎 💎

How I remembered:

4. Cognitive Flexibility: Adapting to Robotnik's Surprises! (Changing plans)

How well did I adapt when things changed or when Dr. Robotnik added a new obstacle?

• 1 Emerald: It was very hard to change my plan.
• 2 Emeralds: I got stuck when things changed.
• 3 Emeralds: I could change my plan, but it took a while.
• 4 Emeralds: I usually found a new way when things changed.
• 5 Emeralds: I was super flexible and found new paths like a pro!

My Score: 💎 💎 💎 💎 💎

How I adapted:

5. Impulse Control: Slow Down, Speedy! (Thinking before acting)

How well did I pause and think before making a move or blurting out an answer?

• 1 Emerald: I rushed a lot.
• 2 Emeralds: I often acted without thinking.
• 3 Emeralds: I sometimes paused to think.
• 4 Emeralds: I usually took a moment before acting.
• 5 Emeralds: I had amazing control, thinking before every move!

My Score: 💎 💎 💎 💎 💎

How I showed control:

6. Self-Monitoring: Did Sonic Make It? (Checking my work)

How well did I check my own progress and see if my plan was working?

• 1 Emerald: I didn't check my work at all.
• 2 Emeralds: I only checked if someone reminded me.
• 3 Emeralds: I checked my work sometimes.
• 4 Emeralds: I usually checked how I was doing.
• 5 Emeralds: I constantly checked my progress and adjusted like Sonic!

My Score: 💎 💎 💎 💎 💎

How I checked my progress:

My Top Sonic Brain Power!

Which Executive Function skill do you think was your strongest today? (Circle one)

• Task Initiation
• Planning
• Working Memory
• Cognitive Flexibility
• Impulse Control
• Self-Monitoring

Why was it your strongest?

Level Up Next Time!

Which Executive Function skill do you want to level up (practice more) next time?

• Task Initiation
• Planning
• Working Memory
• Cognitive Flexibility
• Impulse Control
• Self-Monitoring

How will you practice it?

Sonic Movement Break: Gotta Go Fast!

Instructions: Time to get our bodies moving like Sonic! Use these ideas for a quick, energizing break. Your teacher will tell you which ones to do!

🏃‍♂️ Sonic Speed Dash!

• Activity: Run in place as fast as you can, just like Sonic speeding through a course! Try to keep it up for 30 seconds!
• Why it helps: Gets your heart pumping and helps you release extra energy so your brain can focus better later.

🟡 Collect the Items Jump!

• Activity: Jump up and down, reaching for imaginary items above your head! Try to collect 10-15 items!
• Why it helps: Great for coordination and a quick burst of energy.

🚧 Dodge the Obstacles!

• Activity: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Pretend Dr. Robotnik is sending obstacles your way! Lean left, lean right, duck down, and jump over imaginary spikes without moving your feet. Do this for 30 seconds!
• Why it helps: Works on quick reactions and body control.

Teacher Note: Choose 1-2 activities for a 1-2 minute break. Encourage student to really get into the Sonic theme!

Sonic Mission: At-Home Project Guide

Hey Sonic Superstar!

Now that you've powered up your brain with amazing Executive Functioning skills, you're ready for a special Sonic Mission at Home! This is an optional challenge to help you use your 'Sonic Brain Power' in your everyday life, just like Sonic takes on new levels.

Choose Your Mission!

Pick ONE mission from the list below that you want to accomplish this week. It should be a task that uses your 'Sonic Brain Power'!

Mission Options:

1. "Chaos Emerald Room Clean-Up!"

   • Goal: Organize your bedroom or a specific area (like your desk or toy box).
   • EF Skills Used: Task Initiation (starting the clean-up), Planning (deciding where things go), Working Memory (remembering categories).

2. "Homework Tracker Challenge!"

   • Goal: Keep track of your homework assignments for a day or two and make a plan to complete them.
   • EF Skills Used: Planning (scheduling), Working Memory (recalling assignments), Self-Monitoring (checking off completed tasks).

3. "Flexible Fun Time Planner!"

   • Goal: Plan your playtime or free time for one afternoon, but be ready to adapt if a friend calls or the weather changes.
   • EF Skills Used: Planning (creating a schedule), Cognitive Flexibility (adjusting to changes), Impulse Control (sticking to the plan before getting distracted).

Your Mission Plan:

Once you've chosen your mission, use this space to make a quick plan. You can write, draw, or make a bullet list!

My Chosen Mission: ___________________________________________________

Steps I will take (my plan):

What 'Sonic Brain Power' will I use most for this mission?

What might be a 'Robotnik Surprise' (a challenge) and how will I adapt?

Mission Accomplished!

After you complete your mission, tell your teacher or a family member about it! You can also draw a picture of yourself completing your 'Sonic Mission' below!

Congratulations, Sonic! You're a true EF hero!