The BeCool program uses icons (photo representations) to symbolize COLD, HOT, and COOL responses. Each time a particular response is illustrated, it is paired with the icon that symbolizes that response. In time, students are able to recall the feeling tone of the COLD, HOT, and COOL responses by recalling the icon itself.
These icons will be of special help to the learner who is significantly cognitively challenged, who may be unable to verbalize behaviors associated with acting “COOL” but quite capable of recalling the “sunglasses" icon of the COOL response, the calm tone associated with it, and act accordingly.
The teacher is encouraged to continually refer to these icons and the “feeling tones" they evoke as the specific behavioral components of each response are presented and practiced
The COLD Response Icon
“Shattering ice” is used to represent the COLD response. This “victim-like” response is “passive” and characterized by a retreat from the problem situation into self-pity, self-deprecation and/or self-righteousness. The feeling tone of the passive style is COLD.
The HOT Response Icon
“Flames and explosions” are used to represent the HOT response. This response is “aggressive” and characterized by an angry attack on the person perceived as causing the conflict. The feeling tone of the “acting out” aggressive style is HOT.
The COOL Response Icon
“Clouds” represent the COOL response. This response is characterized by a calm, assertive (but non-threatening) demeanor and a sincere interest in fair resolution of conflict. The tone of the assertive style is COOL.
Additional "COOL" Symbols
In addition to the “Chester with sunglasses" icon, the COOL response is also symbolized by the “sunglasses" alone and with an auditory symbol.
The BeCool "Sunglasses"
In the BeCool series, dark glasses are used to establish a visual metaphor for a “centered, detached state of consciousness. "They "magically” appear whenever our live-action players “stop" to calm down and think through their options. In time, your students will internalize the imagery of the sunglasses and use this imagery to help them learn about emotional control and the calm objectivity required for THINKING and ACTING COOL.
The BeCool “Whistle"
The auditory imagery of a three-tone whistle is used whenever one of the characters in the BeCool series enters the"COOL, " detached state of consciousness. In time, your students will be able to use this 3-tone melody to cue themselves when they need to calm down and think through their options.