Managing Expectations Collection

Our Managing Expectations unit contains a series of videos about Casey's successes and struggles with managing his expectations, along with complementary printables and activities.

What videos are included? 

Casey, The Mind Reader

Chapter 4 of our full 30-Chapter series
Casey and Bridget want to add another friend to their imaginary play game at recess. As Casey approaches Isaac, a friend from last year, he “mind reads” that Isaac isn’t going to like him anymore.
  • Catching negative "mind reading" of what others think
  • Putting thoughts on a scale from Negative to Positive
  • Including others

Timmy the Tiger and Other Broken Toys

Chapter 7 of our full 30-Chapter series
Isaac comes over for a playdate. Casey’s excitement soon turns into frustration when Isaac’s  energy gets out of control and leads to Casey’s room and toys becoming a mess.
  • Choosing the right energy for the situation
  • Adjusting expectations
  • Problem-solving through arguments with friends

Bittersweet Cherries

Chapter 8 of our full 30-Chapter series
Casey’s morning starts out with an unexpected bad moment, and he writes the story that three bad moments equals a bad day. What he doesn’t realize is how this will affect his mood for the rest of his day and the people around him.
  • Taking away focus on negative thoughts
  • Rewriting negative thoughts
  • Recovering from bad moments

Elephant-Snake Venom

Chapter 17 of our full 30-Chapter series
Casey and Bridget have a disagreement during their imaginary play game. The friends use their skills to calm their frustration and problem-solve together. 
  • Navigating friendship conflicts or arguments
  • Problem-solving with friends
  • Understanding Frustration Energy: Acting In vs. Acting Out
  • Adjusting expectations

Testing Day!

Chapter 18 of our full 30-Chapter series
Testing Day is usually Casey’s favorite day of the year because of all the free time you get after you finish your test. However, this year doesn’t go as planned. Can Casey use his skills to deal with the unexpected changes?
  • Adjusting expectations
  • Recovering from bad moments
  • Understanding Frustration Energy: Acting In vs. Acting Out

Game Day

Chapter 25 of our full 30-Chapter series
Casey feels very panicky when his mother reminds him that he will play in today’s soccer game, even though he’s a new member on the team. She teaches him a skill called “Imagine If,” where you imagine yourself as if you’re already a skilled player. This gives him the confidence to get out on the field and try his best.
  • Building confidence by "imagining if"
  • Managing anxiety before a performance or event
  • Giving ourselves the benefit of the doubt
  • Trying new things

Last Day of School

Chapter 29 of our full 30-Chapter series
Casey went to bed so excited for the Last Day of School carnival but is heartbroken when he wakes up to rain. He talks to his mom about managing expectations and tries to stay positive about the day’s events. When an alternative surprise is promised, Casey must continue to stay regulated and manage his ever-changing expectations for the day. 
  • Adjusting expectations
  • Recovering from bad moments
  • Being open-minded to positive possibilities

Printables and Activities

Our printables and activities correlate with our chapter videos. Facilitators can watch the video of their choosing with their group or client, then lead the corresponding activity. Included in this unit are facilitator activity instructions, student worksheets, and take-home activities to reinforce learning. 

Lesson Activities

  • Emotions Pie Worksheet
  • Action! Role-Playing Game
  • Make Your Own Energy Stick
  • Imagine If Worksheet (Partner or Group Activity)

Take-Home Activities

  • Mind Reading (Home Activity 4)
  • Playwriting (Home Activity 7)
  • Emotions Pie Tracking (Home Activity 8)
  • Frustration Energy (Home Activity 17)
  • Ocean Breeze (Home Activity 18)
  • Goal-Setting (Home Activity 25)
  • Expectations (Home Activity 29)

Coloring Pages and Posters (8x11 or 11x14 downloads available)

  • Corresponding coloring page for every video
  • Thought Scale Poster
  • Emotions Pie Poster