SEL Puzzle: Training + PD Scripts

First Waves • Longer staff-facing scripts and practice activities

Non‑Negotiables (Fidelity)

  • Same words, every adult. Consistency is regulating.
  • Pointing counts. Speech is not required.
  • Short wins. Stop while it’s successful (30–90 seconds).
  • Never force “BECAUSE” during escalation. Tier 3 “Because” is for calm reflection/planning.

Physical fit reminder: State = tab-right. Tool = socket-left. Bridge pieces (Tier 2 Feeling, Tier 3 Feeling/Because, Tier 1 Spacer) = socket-left + tab-right.

How to Train Staff (10 minutes)

1) Show the routine

Trainer models Tier 1 out loud in 30 seconds.

2) Do a 2‑choice drill

Staff practice offering two tools and waiting.

3) Role-play with “no response”

Staff practice defaulting to a tool without escalating demands.

What to listen for

  • Not a quiz: “Check your body” not “What’s the right answer?”
  • No negotiating: present, wait, deliver.
  • No extra language: avoid explaining during dysregulation.
  • Ends with action: “We do it once.”

Tier 1 (Foundational) — Training Script

Flow: State → Spacer → Tool (3-slot tray)

Teacher: “Check-in time.”

Teacher: “Check your body: Calm or Not Calm.”

Teacher: “Not Calm.”

Teacher: “What helps? Break or Help?”

Teacher: “You chose Help.”

Teacher: “We do it once.”

Coaching note: Tier 1 is about successful choice + follow-through, not feeling words and not explanations.

If no response in ~10 seconds: “I’m choosing SQUEEZE to help your body.” (deliver immediately)

Tier 2 (Supported) — Training Script

Flow: State → Feeling → Tool (3-slot tray)

Teacher: “Check your body: Calm or Not Calm.”

Teacher: “Not Calm.”

Teacher: “Feeling: mad or sad?”

Teacher: “You feel mad.”

Teacher: “What helps? Break or Squeeze?”

Teacher: “We do it once.”

Validation line (optional): “Mad is okay. We can still choose what helps.”

Tier 3 (Transitional) — Training Script

Flow: State → Feeling → Because/Reason → Tool (4-slot tray)

Rule: Use Tier 3 during calm reflection/planning. Do not require “Because” in the moment.

Teacher: “You’re safe now. Let’s look back.”

Teacher: “Body: Not Calm.”

Teacher: “Feeling: pick one.”

Teacher: “Because/Reason: loud or tired? (or DON’T KNOW)”

Teacher: “Next time: what helps? Break or Help?”

Teacher: “We practice once.”

Tier 3 Because/Reason pieces: Too Loud • Too Busy • Need a Break • Tired • It Was Hard • Don’t Know • Changed • Much Energy • Body Tight • Too Close

Quick tool suggestions (offer 2 choices, allow override):

  • Too Loud / Too Busy / Need a Break / Tired: “Break or Help?”
  • It Was Hard / Don’t Know / Changed: “Help or Break?”
  • Much Energy / Body Tight: “Squeeze or Break?”
  • Too Close: “Break or Help?”

Training tip: Keep the Tool piece set consistent (Break/Help/Squeeze). If a team adds additional supports, treat them as a separate “classroom plan” system—not the core First Waves menu—unless you also add matching tool pieces and staff training.

Role-Play Scenarios (5 minutes)

Scenario A (Frozen): Student stares / no response.

Goal: Offer 2 choices, wait ~10 seconds, then default to Squeeze without escalating demands.

Scenario B (Fast escalation): Student is Not Calm and getting louder.

Goal: Do Tier 1 only (State → Tool). Save feelings/because for later.

Common Staff Errors (and the fix)

  • Error: “Tell me why you’re upset.” Fix: “Pick what helps.”
  • Error: too many choices. Fix: show 2 options.
  • Error: negotiating tool choice. Fix: present → wait → deliver.
  • Error: using the puzzle as a demand mid-escalation. Fix: regulate first, reflect later.