🎤 Tone of Voice
Say "Can I play?" in a friendly tone and a bossy tone. What’s the difference?
Friendly tone sounds kind and calm, bossy tone sounds demanding or rude.
You lost a game and now you're yelling. What might have triggered your feelings?
Losing the game made you feel disappointed or embarrassed, and that triggered the yelling.
What’s one way to calm your body when you're mad? Show us!
Take deep breaths, count to 10, or squeeze a stress ball.
What does your body feel like when you’re nervous?
Examples: Sweaty hands, butterflies in tummy, heart beating fast.
Make your funniest "I missed the goal!" face.
Child acts it out—laughter is welcome! “Oh noooOOOoo!” 😆
Why might someone get upset if you yell "I'M JUST ASKING A QUESTION!"?
Because yelling sounds scary or like you're angry—even if you're not! It can confuse or upset others.
You hear your friend laugh and think it’s about you. What could be the trigger?
You thought they were laughing at you, which made you feel left out or embarrassed.
Take 3 deep breaths. Now act like you're a balloon slowly deflating
Nice! Deep breaths and slow movements help your body calm down.
How do you know when you're starting to get really mad?
Examples: Clenched fists, hot face, tense body, loud voice.
Act out slipping on a banana peel during a basketball game.
Child acts it out—encourage exaggeration. “Whoaaa bananaaa slip!” 🍌
Act out saying "stop it" in a silly voice, then an angry voice. What might others feel?
The silly voice makes people laugh or feel safe, but the angry voice can feel threatening or hurtful.
You’re hungry and someone says “hurry up!” Why might that trigger you more?
Being hungry makes everything harder—your body is low on energy, so you react more strongly.
Make up a "cool-down" move like a superhero would. What’s it called?
Example: “Cool Freeze Power!” where you cross arms and breathe deeply.
Pretend you're a robot. Show us what your body does when it's "overheated."
Client acts it out- “Overheated robot shutting down!” 🤖
What’s the silliest sport you can invent? Give it a name!
Examples: “Roller Sneaker Dodgeball” or “Toilet Paper Golf.”
What tone would help you make a new friend on a sports team? Show us!
A friendly, calm tone with eye contact and a smile. Something like, “Hi, can I join?”
Your sibling changes the channel. You scream. What was the trigger?
You felt like your choice didn’t matter, or you were excited about the show. That made you yell.
What’s something you can think that might help when you’re upset?
Examples: “This isn’t forever,” or “I can handle this,” or “I’m safe right now.”
Point to 3 places on your body where you feel emotions.
Examples: Chest, stomach, head—those are common places we feel big emotions.
Tell a joke about a soccer ball that doesn't like to be kicked.
Example joke:) Why did the soccer ball quit the team? It was tired of getting kicked around! ⚽️
You're mad but need help. What’s a good tone to use when asking a coach for a break?
A calm, serious voice. Example: “Coach, I’m feeling overwhelmed. Can I take a break?”
List 3 things that often make you feel really mad or sad.
Client’s own answers, guided if needed Examples: not winning, being ignored, being rushed.
Your heart is racing—what are 3 tools you can use to calm down?
Examples: Deep breaths, ask for a break, drink water, squeeze hands, or move to a quiet spot.
What does your body feel like when you're calm and happy?
Examples: Relaxed body, smiling, soft breathing, steady heartbeat.
Act out a slow-motion funny sports fall—Oscar-worthy acting only!
Child acts it out dramatically—bonus points for sound effects and slow motion!