Squad Norms Poster

Purpose: A bright, engaging poster to display in your Super Self-Control Squad area. It reminds students of the three key norms with simple icons and clear text.

Title: Our Squad Norms

Design Notes:

• Colors: Use the squad colors (#4A90E2, #356BB0, #28538A) for backgrounds or borders.
• Font: Large, kid-friendly font (e.g., Comic Sans, Century Gothic).
• Icons: Place each icon next to its norm in a circle or cloud shape.
• Size: At least 11×17 inches so all students can see it clearly.

Instructions for Use:

1. Print and laminate the poster.
2. Display it at eye level in the group meeting area.
3. Refer to it during sessions when teaching or reinforcing norms.
4. Encourage students to point to the poster when they need a quick reminder.

Follow-up Tip: Before starting each week, have one student read the norms off the poster and give a thumbs-up to show they remember them!

Name Tag Stickers

Purpose: Provide each student with a fun, personalized name tag that also lets them share their favorite animal—helps build rapport and encourages ownership of the group norms.

Template Layout:

┌───────────────────────────────────┐
│ Super Self-Control Squad │
├───────────────────────────────────┤
│ Name: __________________________ │
│ Favorite Animal: ________________ │
└───────────────────────────────────┘

– Size: Approximately 3"×5" rectangles (2 per letter-size page) printed on full-sheet sticker paper or label sheets.
– Border & Colors: Use squad colors (#4A90E2 border, #356BB0 header bar, #28538A accents). Font should be large and kid-friendly (e.g., Century Gothic).

Instructions for Use:

1. Print the template on sticker paper or labels. (2 per page saves paper.)
2. Cut along the outer border to create individual stickers.
3. Distribute one to each student at the start of Week 1.
4. Invite students to write their name and draw or write their favorite animal.
5. Stick them on shirts or lanyards.

Follow-Up Tip:
After the Name Game, display extra blank stickers so students who join late can still participate. Encourage students to look at each other’s favorite animals when they enter the group in future weeks.

Impulse Freeze Game Cards

Purpose: A set of colorful, easy-to-read cards that prompt students to move (“Go”) or stop immediately (“Freeze”) to practice impulse control in a fun, active way.

Card Types & Quantity:

• Go Cards (Green background with a forward arrow icon): 15 cards
• Freeze Cards (Red background with a stop-hand icon): 5 cards

Design Notes:

• Size: 4"×6" rectangles (2 per 8½×11" page) for easy handling.
• Colors & Icons:
  • Go Cards: #4A90E2 border, light green fill, white arrow icon.
  • Freeze Cards: #356BB0 border, light red/pink fill, white stop-hand icon.
• Font: Bold, sans-serif (e.g., Century Gothic, Arial Rounded) at least 48pt for readability.
• Backside (optional): Solid squad accent color (#28538A) with the Super Self-Control Squad logo or text.

Instructions for Use:

1. Print the cards on cardstock or heavy paper. Two cards per page fits best.
2. Cut along the border to separate individual cards.
3. Shuffle the cards and place them face down in a stack or in a container.
4. Explain to students:
   • When a Go card is shown, move around quietly (e.g., tiptoe, sway).
   • When a Freeze card is shown, stop all movement immediately and hold your position.
5. Draw cards one at a time, alternating randomly between Go and Freeze for about 2–3 minutes.
6. Award a Reward Token to each student who freezes quickly and quietly on a Freeze card.

Follow-Up Tip:

• Increase challenge by speeding up the pace of draws or by adding “Shrink” cards (students hug themselves in place) after a few weeks to keep engagement high.
• Storage: Keep cards in a labeled envelope or small box so they’re ready for Week 2 onward.

Positive Pledge Scroll

Purpose: A fun, decorative scroll that students sign to show they agree to follow the Squad Norms. Signing the scroll helps them feel ownership and pride in their commitment to impulse control.

Design & Layout:

• Size: At least 11"×17" or longer (can be several feet long) to create a real “scroll” effect.
• Header: “Our Super Self-Control Pledge” in large, bold, kid-friendly font (e.g., Comic Sans or Century Gothic).
• Body: List the three norms with simple icons beside each:
  1. ✋ Raise your hand before speaking
  2. ⏳ Wait your turn patiently
  3. 👂 Listen to friends when they speak
• Signature Lines: Space below each norm or at the bottom for each student’s name and a small thumbprint or sticker.
• Decorations: Squad colors (#4A90E2, #356BB0, #28538A) border with simple star or lightning bolt icons to keep it playful.

Instructions for Use:

1. Print & Assemble: Print the scroll on newsprint, banner paper, or tape together sheets of butcher or chart paper. Laminate if desired.
2. Display: Hang the scroll in the meeting area at kids’ eye level.
3. Signing Ceremony: After reviewing the Squad Norms, invite each student to come up, trace their hand (or put a sticker/thumbprint) and write their name next to it to show their pledge.
4. Celebrate: Cheer and give each student a quick high-five once they’ve signed.

Follow-Up Tip:

• At the start of each session, unroll the scroll partway, point to one norm, and have a student read it aloud. Then ask the group to give a thumbs-up if they remember it. This review reinforces commitment and keeps the norms top of mind.

Reward Tokens

Purpose: Small, tangible rewards to reinforce moments of quick, quiet self-control. Earning tokens helps motivate students to practice raising hands, waiting turns, and stopping on cue.

Materials:

• Plastic coins, colorful counters, or sticker tokens (20–30 per session)
• A small container or pouch labeled “Squad Tokens”
• A simple token tracking chart or jar for each student (optional)

Design Notes:

• Size & Shape: 1"–1.5" round coins or stickers that fit easily in pockets or on charts.
• Colors: Use squad colors (#4A90E2, #356BB0, #28538A) or bright, engaging hues.
• Labels: If using coins, consider adding a small lightning bolt icon or “+1” sticker to each token to tie it to the Super Self-Control theme.

Instructions for Use:

1. Prepare Tokens: Place all tokens in the Squad Tokens container before the session.
2. Explain to Students: Tell the group: “Whenever you show great self-control—like freezing quietly, raising your hand, or patiently waiting—you’ll earn a token! Let’s see how many tokens we can collect as a team!”
3. Awarding Tokens:
   • During activities (e.g., the Impulse Freeze Game), hand tokens immediately after a student demonstrates the target behavior.
   • For hand-raising and waiting turns, give tokens as you notice students using those skills throughout the session.
4. Tracking & Celebrating:
   • Count tokens at closing time—celebrate each student’s tally or the group’s total.
   • Offer a brief, positive acknowledgment (“Great job, Alex! That’s two tokens for waiting your turn!”).

Follow-Up Tip:

• Token Exchange: After several sessions, let students trade in a set number of tokens (e.g., 10) for a small classroom reward (extra story time, sticker chart sticker, or a special helper privilege). This adds anticipation and teaches delayed gratification.
• Visual Tracker: Create a simple sticker chart for each student next to the Squad Norms Poster. Adding a token sticker when earned helps the group see progress over time.

Mindful Breathing Cards

Purpose: Provide visual cues for first graders to practice a simple, consistent breathing pattern that helps calm their bodies and minds when they feel excited or impulsive.

Card Types & Steps:

• Inhale Card
  • Label: “Inhale”
  • Icon: Upward arrow or expanding lungs
  • Prompt: “Breathe in for 4 seconds”
• Hold Card
  • Label: “Hold”
  • Icon: Pause symbol (⏸️)
  • Prompt: “Hold for 1 second”
• Exhale Card
  • Label: “Exhale”
  • Icon: Downward arrow or releasing air
  • Prompt: “Breathe out for 4 seconds”

Design Notes:

• Size: 4"×6" rectangles (2 per letter-size page) for easy handling by small hands.
• Colors:
  • Inhale: Light blue fill (#AEDFF7) with dark blue border (#4A90E2).
  • Hold: Light yellow fill (#FFF2A6) with gold border (#FFD700).
  • Exhale: Light green fill (#C8E6C9) with forest-green border (#28538A).
• Font: Bold, large sans-serif (e.g., Century Gothic) at least 48pt for readability.
• Icons: Simple, high-contrast icons next to the text to support non-readers.

Instructions for Use:

1. Print on cardstock or laminate for durability.
2. Cut along the borders to create individual cards.
3. Shuffle or arrange the three cards in sequence: Inhale → Hold → Exhale.
4. Model the breathing sequence: show the Inhale card and breathe in slowly for 4 seconds, hold for 1 second on the Hold card, then exhale slowly for 4 seconds on the Exhale card.
5. Have students mimic the sequence as you flip through the cards together 2–3 times.
6. For extra practice, place the cards in a circle and have students move a finger or pointer around the cards, pausing at each step.

Follow-Up Tips:

• Encourage students to tuck a set of cards in their desk or pocket as a “calm-down kit.”
• Use a timer or metronome app set to the breathing counts to support pacing.
• Add a “Smile” end card after Exhale to celebrate completing one full breath cycle.
• Over time, increase the inhale/exhale counts (e.g., 5–1–5) for an added challenge as self-control improves.

Choice Scenario Cards

Purpose: Provide first graders with everyday classroom scenarios that prompt them to practice pausing, thinking of a calm choice, and raising their hand before responding. These cards help reinforce impulse control in a structured, interactive way.

Card Count & Content: 8 Scenario Cards (4"×6" rectangles)

1. “You really want to speak because you have the answer, but a friend is still talking.”
2. “You see a pencil on your friend’s desk and want to grab it without asking.”
3. “You finish your drawing and want to shout, ‘I’m done!’ right away.”
4. “You’re excited to go outside and stand up before the teacher gives permission.”
5. “You’re upset when you lose a game and want to say, ‘That’s not fair!’ loudly.”
6. “You need to go to the bathroom and want to leave your seat immediately.”
7. “You see a toy on the shelf and want to run over and grab it.”
8. “You want to call out ‘Me! Me!’ instead of raising your hand.”

Design Notes:

• Size: 4"×6" for easy handling (2 per sheet).
• Layout: Large, simple font (Century Gothic 48pt+) with a small question-mark or lightbulb icon.
• Color: White card front, squad-blue border (#4A90E2), icon in #356BB0.
• Backside (optional): Solid squad accent color (#28538A).

Instructions for Use:

1. Print on cardstock and cut into individual cards.
2. Shuffle the cards and place them face down or in a container.
3. During the Scenario Practice segment: draw one card and read it aloud.
4. Ask students: “What’s a calm choice?” Give them a moment to think quietly.
5. Invite students to raise their hand to share their calm-choice response.
6. Call on one student to share; award a Reward Token for a thoughtful, hand-raising answer.
7. Continue drawing cards for 4–5 minutes, ensuring each student has a chance to respond.

Follow-Up Tips:

• Visual Support: Attach simple icons or small illustrations for non-readers.
• Challenge Extension: After a few weeks, add two “Bonus” cards with trickier scenarios (e.g., “A friend bumped you and you feel angry”).
• Peer Feedback: Invite classmates to give a thumbs-up when they hear a good calm-choice response.
• Display: Keep used cards on a ring or in an envelope for quick retrieval in future sessions.

Choices Board

Purpose: A visual display that shows various self-control skills students can choose to practice during our Super Self-Control Squad sessions. Letting students pick an action empowers them to take ownership of their impulse control.

Board Layout & Content:

• Title: “My Self-Control Choices” in large, bold font at the top.
• Sections: Divide the board into 4–6 boxes or columns. Each box includes:
  • Icon (simple clip art)
  • Skill Name (bold)
  • Short Description (1–2 words)

Example Skills to Include:

Design Notes:

• Size: At least 11"×17" (tabloid) or larger, so three boys can see and point easily.
• Colors: Use squad palette (#4A90E2, #356BB0, #28538A) for borders and headings.
• Font & Icons: Large, kid-friendly font (e.g., Comic Sans or Century Gothic). Place icons next to skill names in each box for quick recognition.
• Material: Print on poster paper or laminate for durability. Hang at eye level in the meeting area.

Instructions for Use:

1. Display: Hang the board before each session so it’s the first thing students see when they arrive.
2. Introduce: Briefly review each choice at the start—point to the icon and read the description aloud.
3. Selection: When prompted (e.g., “It’s your turn to choose!”), invite a student to point to one skill on the board and name it.
4. Practice: That student models the chosen skill briefly (e.g., takes 4 calm breaths or practices positive self-talk).
5. Rotate: Continue until each student has chosen and practiced at least one skill.
6. Connect: Award a Reward Token after each practice to reinforce their participation and effort.

Follow-Up Tips:

• Student Ownership: Add blank boxes so students can suggest new skills as the weeks progress.
• Portable Version: Create small, individual “choice cards” students can hold and refer to at their desks or in a “calm-down kit.”
• Integration: Remind students to look at the Choices Board when they need a reminder to use self-control during regular class time.
• Seasonal Updates: Swap icons or titles for holidays or seasons (e.g., “Snowflake Pause” in winter) to keep it fresh and engaging.

Behavior Choice Cards

Purpose: Provide students with scenarios that align with our Choices Board skills. These cards prompt them to choose a self-control strategy and practice it by raising their hand and role-playing a calm response.

Card Count & Content

Create 8 cards (4"×6") that describe common impulse situations. Include a small icon matching the related skill on the Choice Board.

1. You really want to speak while a friend is talking.
   • Skill Icon: ✋ (Raise Your Hand)
2. You feel eager to finish your work and blurt out “I’m done!”
   • Skill Icon: ⏳ (Wait Your Turn)
3. You want to grab a classmate’s crayon without asking.
   • Skill Icon: 🗣️ (Positive Self-Talk)
4. You’re excited about recess and start to stand up early.
   • Skill Icon: 🌬️ (Calm Breathing)
5. You lose a game and feel like yelling “That’s not fair!”
   • Skill Icon: 👂 (Listen Quietly)
6. You see a toy at circle time and want to snatch it.
   • Skill Icon: 🤗 (Shrink & Stretch)
7. You need to use the bathroom and begin walking out of your seat immediately.
   • Skill Icon: ✋ (Raise Your Hand)
8. You have the answer and want to shout “Me! Me!”
   • Skill Icon: ⏳ (Wait Your Turn)

Design Notes

• Size: 4"×6" rectangles (2 per page) printed on cardstock.
• Layout: Top: scenario text in bold, large font (48pt). Bottom right: matching skill icon.
• Color: White background, squad-blue border (#4A90E2). Icon color matches skill on the Choices Board (e.g., #28538A for Calm Breathing).
• Backside (optional): Solid squad accent (#356BB0) with “Super Squad!” text.

Instructions for Use

1. Print and cut each card. Shuffle and place face down or in a container.
2. During Behavior Choice Practice, draw a card and read it aloud.
3. Ask: “Which skill will you pick from the Choices Board to handle this?”
4. Have students THINK, then RAISE HAND to share the chosen skill.
5. Call on a student to role-play the calm response using that skill.
6. Award a Reward Token for thoughtful hand-raising and accurate skill use.
7. Repeat for 2–3 cards, ensuring each student has a chance to respond.

Follow-Up Tips

• Student-Generated Scenarios: Invite students to write or draw their own situations on blank cards.
• Visual Cue: Display a small Choices Board icon on each card to reinforce the skill link.
• Extension: After card practice, remind students to refer to their chosen skill during regular classroom activities.
• Storage: Keep cards on a ring or in a labeled envelope so they’re ready for future sessions.

Self-Control Reward Chart

Purpose: A visual chart where students add their earned tokens each session to see the group’s progress toward a shared reward. Tracking tokens as a team fosters motivation, ownership, and pride in practicing self-control.

Design & Layout

• Title: “Super Squad Token Tracker” across the top.
• Columns/Sections:
  1. Session – Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4
  2. Date – Space to write the date of each session
  3. Tokens Earned – A grid or boxes (10 per week) where students place or draw tokens
  4. Cumulative Total – A running tally at the bottom or side showing group progress toward the goal
• Goal Indicator: A marker or bar that shows how many tokens are needed for the group reward (e.g., 40 tokens for a dance party).
• Colors & Fonts: Use squad palette (#4A90E2, #356BB0, #28538A). Large, clear headings and numbered boxes so first graders can see and count easily. Laminate for durability.

Instructions for Use

1. Display: Hang the chart in the meeting area before each session so everyone can see progress at a glance.
2. Record Tokens: After each activity, have students come up one at a time to place their earned token stickers or draw token icons in that week’s “Tokens Earned” section.
3. Update Total: At closing time, count the week’s tokens out loud and write the cumulative total in the “Cumulative Total” area.
4. Celebrate Milestones: When the group reaches key milestones (e.g., 10, 20, 30 tokens), pause for a quick cheer or high-five to reinforce progress.
5. Reward Achievement: Once the goal is met (e.g., 40 tokens), celebrate with the predetermined group reward (extra story time, dance party, special helper privilege).

Follow-Up Tips

• Student-Led Tracking: Rotate a “Token Captain” each week who helps update the chart and announces progress.
• Goal Setting: At the start of Week 1, let students choose their group reward and set the token goal together.
• Visual Booster: Add small stickers or stamps in the header area for each milestone reached (e.g., stars for every 10 tokens).
• Reflection: At the end of Week 4, review the chart as a group—talk about what helped them earn tokens and how they’ll use these skills in class beyond the squad sessions.
  
  
  

Celebration Spinner

Purpose: Add an element of surprise and excitement at the end of each Super Self-Control Squad session. Spinning to choose a fun, quick celebration keeps students motivated and reinforces their impulse-control achievements.

Design & Layout

• Spinner Base: A simple circular spinner divided into 4–6 equal wedges. Each wedge contains one celebration activity and an icon.
• Header: “Today’s Celebration!” at the top in bold, kid-friendly font (e.g., Comic Sans).
• Wedges & Icons:
  • Group Clap (👏)
  • Short Dance (💃🕺)
  • High-Five Chain (✋)
  • Funny Face Contest (😜)
  • Stretch & Yawn (🧘‍♂️)
  • Whisper Cheer (🤫🎉) (optional for a calmer celebration)
• Spinner Arrow: A plastic arrow pointer or paperclip and brad fastener at the center so it can spin freely.
• Colors: Use squad palette (#4A90E2, #356BB0, #28538A) for wedge borders and icons. Fill each wedge with a light pastel shade for clear visibility.

Materials Needed

• Pre-printed spinner (laminated or on sturdy cardstock)
• Arrow pointer and brad fastener (or a paperclip)
• Marker or dry-erase marker to label/spin

Instructions for Use

1. Setup: Secure the arrow pointer at the center of the spinner. Place it on a flat surface or attach it to a poster board.
2. Explain: Say, “We’ve earned tokens and now it’s time for our celebration! Let’s spin to see what we’ll do!”
3. Spin: A student (token captain or volunteer) gives the arrow a gentle spin.
4. Read & Perform: When the arrow stops, read the chosen celebration aloud and do it together as a group (e.g., “Short Dance!”).
5. Enjoy: Keep the celebration brief (30 seconds max) to maintain the 15-minute session timeframe.
6. Transition: After the celebration, cue the Squad Victory Cheer to close the session.

Follow-Up Tips

• Rotate Roles: Let each student take turns spinning the arrow in future sessions.
• Customize: Change or add new celebration wedges based on student interests (e.g., a quick riddle, silent smile, or whispered secret).
• Record Favorites: Keep a simple tally of which celebrations the group enjoys most and include them more often.
• Portable Version: Create mini-spinners on index cards for each student to spin at their desk during independent calm-down moments.