Think & Solve Squad Facilitator Script

Below is your word-for-word guide for each 30-minute session. Use the exact phrasing, pause cues, and prompts to keep students engaged. Materials are linked for easy reference.

Week 1 – Getting to Know You & the Squad (30 min)

Opening (2 min)
Facilitator says:
"Hello, Think & Solve Squad! I’m so glad to see all of you here. Over the next ten weeks, we’ll learn ways to understand each other better, manage our feelings, and solve problems together. Let’s get started with a fun ice-breaker!"

Ice-Breaker (10 min)

1. Hold up the Ice-Breaker & Norm Flashcards. Say:
   "These cards each have a question or prompt. When I say ‘go,’ pick one, read it aloud, and share your answer. I’ll go first."
2. Model by choosing a card, reading it, and sharing. Then say:
   "Thank you for listening. [Name], you’re up next!"
3. After each share, say:
   "Great story, [Name]! Who’s next?"

Create Group Norms (10 min)

1. Say:
   "Now that we’ve learned a bit about each other, let’s create some group norms—rules that help us feel safe and respected."
2. Point to blank chart paper titled “Group Norms.” Ask:
   "What’s one thing everyone here needs from this group?"
3. Record each suggestion (e.g., ‘One person speaks at a time,’ ‘Respect everyone’s ideas’). Say after each:
   "Great. Anything else?"
4. Aim for 5–7 norms. Then say:
   "Thank you! We’ll follow these every session."

Journal Reflection (5 min)

1. Pass out Reflection Journal Templates. Say:
   "In your journal, answer: ‘Which norm feels most important to you, and how will you support it?’ You have three minutes."
2. Set timer. After three minutes, say:
   "Pens down. Who wants to share one thought? If not, that’s okay—keep it private."

Closing (3 min)
Facilitator says:
"Fantastic first session! Next week, we’ll explore how different people can see the same situation in different ways. Have a great week, Squad!"
Dismiss students.

Week 2 – What’s Your Point of View? (30 min)

Opening & Norms Check (2 min)
Facilitator says:
"Welcome back! Let’s quickly review our norms. Who remembers one?"
Acknowledge answers: "Yes—respectful listening!"

Small-Group Perspective Activity (12 min)

1. Say:
   "I’m handing out Perspective-Taking Cards. In pairs, draw one card. Read the scenario and discuss: What does each person in the scene see, think, and feel? You have five minutes."
2. After five minutes, say:
   "Rotate cards so you tackle a second scenario. You have another five minutes."

Large-Group Share (8 min)

1. Bring everyone back. Say:
   "Who explored a perspective that surprised you? Tell us what you learned."
2. After each share, say:
   "Interesting! How might knowing this help you next time?"

Journal Reflection (5 min)

1. Pass journals. Say:
   "Write one new insight: ‘How did your view change?’ You have three minutes."
2. Set timer. Afterward, say:
   "Great work. Let’s put our journals away."

Closing (3 min)
Facilitator says:
"Next week, we’ll practice noticing feelings through facial expressions and body language. See you then!"

Week 3 – Spot the Feels (30 min)

Opening & Norms Check (2 min)
Facilitator:
"Hi Squad! Which norm helps us pay attention right now?"
(Accept answers: ‘One speaker at a time,’ etc.)

Emotion-Card Identification (8 min)

1. Show each Emotion Face and Body Language Card one by one. Say:
   "What emotion do you see? What gave it away?"
2. After each answer, highlight key cues:
   "Yes—tight lips can mean frustration."

Role-Play Triads (12 min)

1. Group into threes. Say:
   "One person silently acts out an emotion. The other two guess. Rotate roles until everyone goes once. You have eight minutes."
2. After eight minutes, call back:
   "What body language surprised you?"

Journal Reflection (5 min)

1. Pass journals. Say:
   "Recall a time you misread someone’s cues. What happened? Write for three minutes."
2. Timer, then:
   "Pens down. Thank you."

Closing (3 min)
Facilitator:
"Great spotting! Next week, we’ll practice ways to calm down when we feel stressed. Have a peaceful week!"

Week 4 – Keep Your Cool (30 min)

Opening & Review (3 min)
Facilitator:
"Welcome back! Who can describe one emotion cue we’ve learned?"

Introduce Self-Regulation Strategies (10 min)

1. Show Self-Regulation Strategies Handout. Say:
   "Today we’ll try deep breathing, counting backward, and positive self-talk. Let’s practice each."
2. Lead 1 minute of deep breathing:
   "Inhale for 4…exhale for 4…"
3. Lead 1 minute of counting backward from 20.
4. Lead 1 minute of positive self-talk:
   "Say quietly: ‘I can handle this.’"
5. Ask:
   "Which felt easiest? Hardest?"
   (2–3 volunteers respond.)

Pair Share (7 min)

1. Say:
   "Turn to a partner. Choose one strategy and discuss when you might use it. You have five minutes."
2. After five minutes, say:
   "Thank you."

Journal Reflection (5 min)
Pass journals. Say:
"Write: ‘Which strategy will help me most this week, and when will I use it?’ You have three minutes."

Closing (5 min)
Facilitator:
"Awesome practice! Try your chosen strategy at least once before next week. Next session: creative problem solving. See you soon!"

Week 5 – Think Outside the Box (30 min)

Opening & Check-In (3 min)
Facilitator:
"Hi everyone! Who tried a self-regulation strategy this week? Share in one sentence."

Flexible-Thinking Challenge (12 min)

1. Say:
   "We’re using Flexible-Thinking Challenge Prompts. In your group, draw one prompt—like ‘List 10 uses for a paperclip.’ You have three minutes to brainstorm as many as you can."
2. After three minutes, say:
   "Great job! Share your wildest idea."
3. Repeat with a second prompt for another three minutes.
4. Then ask:
   "How did stretching your ideas help you?"

Journal Reflection (5 min)
Pass journals. Say:
"Write: ‘One everyday situation I’ll try to stay open-minded in is…’ You have three minutes."

Closing (10 min)
Facilitator:
"Excellent creativity! Next week: reading the room and tuning into context. Have fun spotting cues!"

Week 6 – Read the Room (30 min)

Opening & Brief Review (3 min)
Facilitator:
"Welcome! Who can remind us why flexible thinking matters?"

Social-Cue Scavenger Hunt (15 min)

1. Say:
   "In small teams, you’ll use the Social-Cue Scavenger Hunt Sheets to spot nonverbal signals in this video/live demo. You have eight minutes."
2. After eight minutes, reconvene. Say:
   "What cues did your team spot?"
   (Call on 2–3 teams.)
3. Ask:
   "How might you adjust your behavior when you see that cue?"

Journal Reflection (5 min)
Pass journals. Say:
"Write: ‘One cue I often miss is… What will I do differently?’ You have three minutes."

Closing (7 min)
Facilitator:
"Great observations! Next session: collaborating on a shared challenge. See you then!"

Week 7 – Teamwork Makes the Dream Work (30 min)

**Opening & Norms Reminder (3 min)**nFacilitator:
"Hello, Team! Which norm helps us work together best?"

Collaborative Challenge (15 min)

1. Say:
   "Using the Collaborative Challenge Kit, each team will build either a bridge or tower in ten minutes. Plan your steps before building. Go!"
2. After ten minutes, say:
   "Time’s up—hands off! Let’s debrief."
3. Ask:
   "What roles emerged naturally? How did you share ideas?"

Journal Reflection (5 min)
Pass journals. Say:
"Write: ‘One strength I bring to a team is…’ You have three minutes."

Closing (7 min)
Facilitator:
"Nice teamwork! Next week: stepping through conflict resolution. Keep practicing being a team player."

Week 8 – When Conflict Strikes (30 min)

Opening & Review (3 min)
Facilitator:
"Welcome back! Who can name one step in our conflict-resolution model?"

Introduce 4-Step Model (7 min)
Show Conflict-Resolution Posters. Say:
"Our steps: 1) Calm down, 2) Define the problem, 3) Brainstorm solutions, 4) Agree on action. Let’s try it."

Role-Play Pairs (12 min)

1. Say:
   "In pairs, pick a mild conflict scenario. Use the poster to guide your role-play. One minute each role."
2. After six minutes, say:
   "Swap roles and repeat."

Group Debrief (4 min)
Ask:
"What felt helpful? What was hard?"

Journal Reflection (4 min)
Pass journals. Say:
"Write: ‘Which step is most important to me?’ You have two minutes."

Closing (4 min)
Facilitator:
"Great practice! Next session: asking questions and advocating for yourself. Enjoy your week!"

Week 9 – Ask & Advocate (30 min)

Opening & Review (3 min)
Facilitator:
"Hi everyone! Who remembers our four conflict-resolution steps?"

Assertive-Communication Role-Plays (15 min)

1. Hand out Assertive-Communication Role-Play Scripts. Say:
   "In pairs, one will ask for something they need; the other will respond assertively. Then switch roles. You have ten minutes."
2. After ten minutes, say:
   "Let’s share a few lines that felt clear and respectful."
3. Ask:
   "How is assertive different from passive or aggressive?"

Journal Reflection (5 min)
Pass journals. Say:
"Write an assertive request you’ll try this week. You have three minutes."

Closing (7 min)
Facilitator:
"Well done! Next week is our final session—time to reflect and celebrate. Keep practicing asking clearly when you need help."

Week 10 – Reflect & Celebrate (30 min)

Opening (3 min)
Facilitator:
"We made it to Week 10—congratulations! Let’s review our journey.”

Group Reflection (12 min)

1. Say:
   "Going around the circle, share one personal highlight from these sessions and one goal you have moving forward."
2. Prompt:
   "I’ll start with mine: I’m proud of how we all learned to spot emotions."
   Then invite each student in turn.

Certificate/ Shout-Outs (5 min)
(Optional) Pass out certificates or say:
"I’d like to acknowledge [Name] for..."
(Brief positive comments for each student.)

Final Journal Entry (5 min)
Pass journals. Say:
"Write your top three takeaways from this group. You have three minutes."

Closing Celebration (5 min)
Facilitator:
"Thank you all for your honesty, creativity, and teamwork. Keep practicing these skills—you’ve got this! Enjoy your day!"

End of Facilitator Script

Use this guide exactly as written to bring consistency and clarity to each session. PDF-print this page or display on a tablet for easy reference.

Think & Solve Squad Handouts

Below are all the printable materials for your 10-week squad. Print as a multi-page packet or cut cards as needed.

Ice-Breaker & Norm Flashcards {#icebreaker-norm-flashcards}

Ice-Breaker Prompts (print 6–8 cards)

1. What’s one goal you have for this group?
2. Share a fun fact about your family or hobby.
3. What was the best part of your weekend?
4. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
5. Name a book or movie you love and why.
6. Share one thing that makes you laugh.

Group-Norm Ideas (print 5–7 cards)

• One speaker at a time
• Respect everyone’s ideas
• Use kind words and tone
• Listen with open body language
• Keep what’s shared here private
• Try your best and embrace mistakes

Perspective-Taking Cards {#perspective-taking-cards}

(Print 8 scenario cards)

1. Two friends both want the last slice of pizza.
2. A student sees someone sitting alone at lunch.
3. A classmate gets a better grade on a test you studied hard for.
4. You and your sibling want to watch different TV shows.
5. A teammate forgot to pass you the ball during a game.
6. A friend arrives late to your meetup.
7. You and a classmate interpret a text message differently.
8. Your teacher gives confusing homework instructions.

On the back of each card, leave space for notes:
• What does Person A see/think/feel?



• What does Person B see/think/feel?

Emotion Face & Body Language Cards {#emotion-cards}

(Print 10 emotion cards)

1. Happy: smile, relaxed posture
2. Sad: downturned mouth, slumped shoulders
3. Angry: furrowed brows, clenched jaw
4. Surprised: raised eyebrows, wide eyes
5. Scared: wide eyes, tense body
6. Disgusted: wrinkled nose, pulled-back lips
7. Embarrassed: blush, eyes look away
8. Excited: bright eyes, animated gestures
9. Calm: steady gaze, relaxed hands
10. Confused: tilted head, furrowed brows

Self-Regulation Strategies Handout {#self-regulation-handout}

(Print 1 handout per student)

1. Deep Breathing
• Inhale slowly for 4 seconds.
• Exhale for 4 seconds.
• Repeat 5 times.

2. Counting Backward
• Start at 20 and count down slowly.
• Focus on each number.

3. Positive Self-Talk
• Whisper or think: “I can handle this.”
• Follow with: “I’ve stayed calm before.”

Try each strategy. Circle your favorite:
[ ] Deep Breathing [ ] Counting Backward [ ] Positive Self-Talk

When I’ll use it this week: ____________________________

Flexible-Thinking Challenge Prompts {#flexible-thinking-prompts}

(Print 10 prompt cards)

1. List 10 uses for a paperclip.
2. Find new ways to eat an apple.
3. Imagine alternative endings to your favorite story.
4. Think of 10 ways to move from here to the door without walking.
5. Name 10 things you could build with 20 popsicle sticks.
6. Invent new toppings for pizza.
7. Think of different jobs a dog could have.
8. List 10 ways to make someone smile.
9. Find creative uses for an empty shoebox.
10. Reimagine a classroom without desks.

Social-Cue Scavenger Hunt Sheets {#scavenger-hunt-sheets}

(Print 1 sheet per team)

Collaborative Challenge Kit Instructions {#collaborative-challenge-kit}

(Print 1 instruction sheet per team)

Kit Contains (per team):
• 20 popsicle sticks
• 10 rubber bands
• 20 paper clips
• 5 index cards
• 2 sheets of tape

Challenge Options:
• Build the tallest tower that stands for 10 seconds.
• Build a bridge that spans at least 12 inches between two books.

Rules:

1. Plan for 3 minutes—discuss roles.
2. Build for 7 minutes.
3. No outside materials.

Debrief Questions:

• What roles did each member take?
• How did you decide on your plan?
• What would you do differently next time?

Conflict-Resolution Posters {#conflict-resolution-posters}

(Print full-page posters or 1 per group)

1. Calm Down
• Take 3 deep breaths.
• Count to 5 slowly.

2. Define the Problem
• Say one sentence: “The problem is…”

3. Brainstorm Solutions
• List ideas without judgment.
• Aim for at least 3 options.

4. Agree on Action
• Choose one solution.
• Say: “We will…” and describe who does what.

Assertive-Communication Role-Play Scripts {#assertive-communication-scripts}

(Print 4 scenario scripts)

Script 1
• Scenario: Ask a friend to stop interrupting you.
• Role A (Asker): “When you interrupt me, I feel unheard. Could you wait until I finish?”
• Role B (Responder): Use an “I” statement and acknowledge.

Script 2
• Scenario: Ask a teammate to pass the ball.
• Role A: “I noticed I haven’t gotten the ball in the game. Could you include me more?”
• Role B: Acknowledge and suggest a plan.

Script 3
• Scenario: Ask a classmate to lower their voice.
• Role A: “It’s hard to focus when it’s loud. Would you mind speaking more quietly?”
• Role B: Respond with respect.

Script 4
• Scenario: Request help from a teacher.
• Role A: “I’m confused about the homework steps. Could you explain #2 again?”
• Role B (Teacher): Offer clear guidance.

Reflection Journal Templates {#reflection-journal-templates}

(Print one booklet or sheet per session)

Name: ____________________ Date: _______________

1. Today’s Topic: _______________________________
2. One thing I learned:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Something that surprised me:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. How I will use this skill:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. My goal before next week:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

End of Handouts

Print and distribute these to students each week, or bind as a squad workbook. Happy facilitating!