Size of the Problem
You can’t find your favorite pencil right before a quiz. What size problem is this, and who can help you solve it?
It is a Glitch / Small Problem. You can solve it yourself by asking a peer to borrow one or looking in your backpack.
If a problem is a "Glitch" (like dropping your water bottle), what should your reaction look like?
A Small Reaction (e.g., saying "Oops," picking it up, and moving on without yelling or crying).
How much physical space should you generally give a classmate or teacher when talking to them in the hallway?
About one arm's length (or an invisible hula-hoop/bubble around them).
Why does it not actually matter if you are first, middle, or last in the line when walking to lunch?
Because everyone arrives at the exact same destination at the same time, and lunch doesn't start until everyone is there.
What does it mean to be a "Rock" vs. a "Rubber Band" when a plan changes at school?
A Rock is rigid and breaks/gets angry when things change. A Rubber Band is flexible and stretches to fit the new plan.
Someone is looking at you in a way you don’t like in the hallway. Is this a Big Problem (Emergency) or a Medium/Small problem?
It is a Small/Medium problem. It feels uncomfortable, but it’s not an emergency. You can use your "screen" to ignore it or walk away.
True or False: It is okay to have a Big Reaction (screaming, slamming doors) if you get a "C" on a test you studied hard for.
False. While it’s okay to feel disappointed (a medium feeling), a Big Reaction doesn't match a Medium problem and can scare others or get you in trouble.
Name two clues that show someone feels you are standing too close to them.
They lean back, step away, cross their arms, avoid eye contact, or look uncomfortable.
What is a piece of "Positive Self-Talk" you can say to yourself when someone cuts ahead of you in line by accident?
(Accept variations) "It's not a big deal," "I'm still getting there," or "I can be flexible."
Your group wants to do a poster project, but you want to do a Google Slides presentation. How do you compromise?
Vote, flip a coin, or combine ideas (e.g., do the poster but use printed slides on it).
What is the main difference between a "Medium Problem" and a "Big Problem (Emergency)"?
A Big Problem involves safety, danger, or injury and requires immediate adult help. A Medium problem needs an adult's help to solve (like a tech issue or a disagreement) but no one is in danger.
What does it mean when someone says, "Your reaction didn't match the problem"?
It means the reaction was way bigger (or way smaller) than the actual situation called for (e.g., crying over a broken pencil).
Is it okay to hug a classmate or touch their hair just because you consider them a friend? Why or why not?
No, not without asking first. Everyone has different comfort levels, and we must always ask for permission before touching someone's body or belongings.
If being first in line is a "Want" and getting safely to the next class is a "Need," which one should we prioritize?
The Need (getting to the next class safely and calmly).
What does "Reading the Room" mean when you walk into a classroom?
Looking at the environment and people's body language to figure out the vibe, energy level, and expectations before you act.
Your Chromebook dies right in the middle of a graded assignment, and you lose your work. What size problem is this?
It’s a Medium Problem. It’s incredibly frustrating, but it can be fixed with the teacher's help.
Name two coping strategies you can use in the classroom to keep your reaction small when you feel a "Big Emotion" bubble up.
(Accept any valid coping skills, e.g., taking 3 deep breaths, using a fidget, asking for a 2-minute break, positive self-talk).
You are standing in a crowded cafeteria line and accidentally bump into the person in front of you. What should you do?
Step back immediately to give them space and say, "Sorry, my bad!" or "Excuse me."
Your teacher chooses a line leader, and it isn't you. What is a "Brain Filter" comment vs. a "Spoken Out Loud" comment for this situation?
Brain Filter (Keep to yourself): "Ugh, that’s not fair, I wanted to lead!"
Spoken Out Loud: "Congrats [Name]!" or saying nothing at all.
A friend is teasing another classmate and expects you to laugh along. What is a social skill you can use here?
Using your moral compass / assertiveness. You can choose not to laugh, change the subject, or calmly say, "That's a bit harsh, let's just play."
You see two students getting into a physical fight in the cafeteria. What size problem is this, and what should you do?
It is a Big Problem (Emergency). You should immediately tell the nearest adult, not try to break it up yourself.
If you realize your reaction was too big for a situation and you upset a classmate, what are the two steps you should take to fix it?
1) Cool down completely, and 2) Give a sincere apology / make a repair.
Define the difference between "Public Space" behaviors (like in the classroom) and "Private Space" behaviors (like in a bathroom stall or at home alone).
Public behaviors are appropriate for anyone to see (talking, eating, sitting properly). Private behaviors are only for when you are alone (fixing clothing, deep grooming, venting loudly).
Name two social benefits of being in the middle or the back of the line instead of the very front.
You get to talk to more friends, you don't have the pressure of leading, you can see where you're going better, and you practice being a supportive team player.
As we head into summer, why is it important to remember that friendships can have "seasons," and what should you do if a friend stops texting back?
People get busy or distracted. Instead of getting angry (Big Reaction), give them space (Personal Space) and try reaching out again later, or focus on other friends.