Student Warning Signals Worksheet

Use this worksheet during the Spotting Student Signals Lesson Plan session to guide your analysis and strategy development.

Part 1: Vignette Analysis

Vignette 1:
Jamal, a sixth-grade student, usually participates eagerly in class but has been silent for the past week. He’s avoiding eye contact, handing in work late, and has started wearing a hooded sweatshirt indoors. During lunchtime, he sits alone and seems withdrawn.

1. Identify at least three warning signs present in Jamal’s behavior:

Vignette 2:
Maria, in ninth grade, has always been punctual. Over the last month, she’s been arriving late or absent frequently. When she does show up, she appears tired, yawns often, and struggles to concentrate. Her grades on recent quizzes have dropped drastically.

1. Identify at least three warning signs present in Maria’s situation:

Vignette 3:
Elijah, a third grader, has begun showing sudden outbursts—crying or yelling—over minor frustrations (e.g., losing a pencil). His teacher has noticed he’s more irritable at home drop-off and seems reluctant to participate in group play during recess.

1. Identify at least three warning signs present in Elijah’s behavior:

Part 2: Developing Preventive Strategies

Choose one of the vignettes above. For that student, propose 2–3 Tier 1 classroom interventions or universal supports you could implement. For each strategy, address:

a. Strategy Description: What will you do, and how will it look in your classroom?

b. Connection to Warning Signs: How does this strategy specifically address the warning signs you identified?

Part 3: Reflection and Next Steps

1. Classroom Environment: List two proactive changes you can make in your classroom routine or culture to help all students feel seen and supported:

1. Additional Supports: What other resources, training, or collaborations might you need to implement these strategies effectively?

Wellness Plan and Guide

1. These indicators are in no particular order. However it is important to recognize when a student may need additional support inside or outside of the classroom.
2. Depending on the student they may be more distracted than normal.
3. This looks like fidgeting, twitching, doodling,

Student Distress Quick Guide

A one-page reference to help teachers and staff promptly recognize and respond to signs of student distress.

Recognizing Warning Signs

Academic Indicators

• Significant drop in grades
• Missing or incomplete assignments
• Difficulty concentrating or frequent errors

Attendance & Engagement

• Frequent tardiness or absences
• Withdrawal from class discussions or activities
• Decreased participation or enthusiasm

Behavioral Indicators

• Social isolation or sitting alone
• Increased aggression or irritability
• Sudden changes in behavior or routine

Emotional Indicators

• Persistent sadness or mood swings
• Excessive worry or anxiety
• Unexpected emotional outbursts or tearfulness

Physical & Health Signals

• Noticeable weight changes
• Frequent complaints of aches or discomfort
• Signs of fatigue (e.g., yawning, drooping posture)

Social & Communication Cues

• Conflict with peers or adults
• Reluctance to interact in groups
• Changes in speech patterns (hesitation, silence)

Immediate Action Steps

1. Document your observations: date, time, location, and specific behaviors.
2. Check in privately with the student in a supportive, nonjudgmental way.
3. Use the Warning Signs Checklist to verify indicators.
4. Implement universal Tier 1 supports from the Student Warning Signals Worksheet.
5. If concerns persist, share your documentation with the school counselor or support team.

Additional Resources

• For a full session plan, see Spotting Student Signals Lesson Plan
• Collaborate with your school’s mental health professionals for next steps

Together, early detection and consistent support can make a real difference in students’ lives.