A culturally responsive story + skills workbook for kids who feel like they have to stay careful, alert, or “on” all the time.
Some kids have brains that notice everything. Tone. Looks. Shifts in energy. Moments that feel unfair, unsafe, or hard to explain. Sometimes that scanner brain is noticing something real. Sometimes it is trying to protect them. And sometimes, it gets stuck on high alert.
When the Scanner Stays On helps kids understand anxiety, safety, race-based stress, and body signals in a way that is honest, compassionate, and developmentally supportive. Through Chidi’s story, kids learn that their brain is not broken. It is trying to protect them while also needing tools for care, grounding, and support.
This workbook blends storytelling, culturally responsive psychoeducation, somatic regulation, affect labeling, cognitive reappraisal, and supportive reflection for kids and the grown-ups who care for them.
WHAT’S INSIDE
This download includes a kid-friendly story, skill-building activities, and printable practice pages to help kids understand high-alert brains, body signals, safety, stress, and self-care.
This workbook walks kids through Chidi’s story while helping them name what their brain and body are doing, understand why their scanner may stay on, and practice tools for grounding, support, and care.
Kid-Friendly Story
Follow Chidi as he learns about his Super Scanner Brain after a stressful experience.
High-Alert Brain Psychoeducation
Simple language to help kids understand scanning, stress, safety, and body signals.
Culturally Responsive Reflection
Supportive content that acknowledges race-based stress without telling kids their concerns are “wrong.”
Grounding and Body Tools
Activities that help kids notice body cues, name feelings, and care for themselves.
Printable Worksheets
Practice pages kids can use with a parent, teacher, counselor, therapist, or supportive grown-up.
This workbook is for:
Kids whose brains scan for danger, unfairness, or unsafe situations
Kids who feel like they have to be careful all the time
Kids processing stressful or confusing experiences around bias, safety, or being seen as a threat
Parents and caregivers who want supportive language for hard conversations
Teachers, counselors, and therapists looking for culturally responsive, kid-friendly tools
This workbook is a psychoeducational resource and is not a substitute for mental health treatment. If your child is experiencing significant anxiety, trauma symptoms, or ongoing distress, please consult a licensed mental health professional.