Think Before You Act
Your friend asks you to lie to a teacher about why they didn’t do their homework. What could happen if you lie, and who could you talk to for advice?
Lying could get both of us in trouble if the teacher finds out. It could also hurt my trust with the teacher. I could talk to a school counselor, a parent, or another trusted adult for advice.
Liam worked hard on his science project, but his friend Emma accidentally knocked it over and broke part of it. Emma says, “It was an accident.” How might Liam and Emma each feel?
Emma: “I had so much fun at the zoo this weekend!”
Liam: “Ugh, I hate math class.”
What was the mistake, and how could Liam respond better?
What has keys but can’t open locks
A piano
You’re in class and realize you forgot to bring your homework. What would you say to your teacher?
“Excuse me, I forgot to bring my homework today. Could I have an extension or bring it in tomorrow?”
You accidentally overhear a classmate sharing a personal secret with a friend. Later, another friend asks if you know anything about it. What are the possible consequences of sharing or keeping the secret?
If I share the secret, it could embarrass or hurt my classmate and damage their trust in me. If I keep it private, I show that I am trustworthy. I could talk to a teacher or school counselor if I feel unsure about what to do.
A new student, Jordan, sits alone at lunch. When a group of classmates walks by, they whisper and giggle while looking in Jordan’s direction. How might Jordan feel?
Teacher: “Okay, class, let’s line up for lunch.”
Noah: “I got a new video game this weekend!”
What was the mistake, and how could Noah respond better?
What can travel around the world while staying in the corner?
A stamp
You’re at a friend’s house, and you feel uncomfortable because the music is too loud. How would you ask them to turn it down?
“Hey, the music’s a bit too loud for me. Could you turn it down a little, please?”
You notice a classmate being teased repeatedly, but you’re afraid that if you step in, the teasing might turn on you. What could happen in both situations, and who could help?
If I ignore it, the teasing might continue or get worse, and my classmate might feel alone. If I step in or tell a trusted adult, I can help stop the bullying and support my classmate. I could talk to a teacher, school counselor, or another trusted adult.
Olivia tells her best friend Mia a secret. The next day, Olivia finds out Mia told a few other people. How might Olivia and Mia feel about this situation?
Sophie: “I was really nervous about my presentation today.”
Ethan (interrupting): “Oh! That reminds me, I have a soccer game later!”
What was the mistake, and how could Ethan respond better?
What has hands but can’t clap
A clock
You’re at the store with a parent and realize you lost your wallet. How would you let them know?
“Mom/Dad, I can’t find my wallet. I think I might’ve lost it. Can you help me look for it?”
You and your best friend get into a big argument, and you’re really angry. You’re thinking about posting something mean about them online. What could be the consequences, and who could you talk to?
Posting something mean online could damage our friendship, make the argument worse, and even get me in trouble at school. If I take time to cool down and talk it out, we might be able to work things out. I could talk to a parent, a teacher, or a trusted friend for advice.
Marcus and his basketball team lose an important game. As they leave the court, Marcus’ teammate, Jake, says, “It’s just a game—who cares?” How might Marcus and Jake feel differently about the situation?
Jack: “Hey, how was your weekend?”
Ava: (Talking for five minutes straight without letting Jack respond.)
What was the mistake, and how could Ava fix it?
What has cities, but no houses; forests, but no trees; and rivers, but no water?
A map
You’re feeling really hungry in the middle of class. How would you ask the teacher for permission to eat a snack?
“Excuse me, I’m feeling really hungry. Would it be okay if I ate a quick snack?”
During a test, you notice your friend cheating and they later ask you not to tell anyone. What are the possible consequences of telling or not telling, and who could you turn to for help?
If I don’t say anything, my friend might continue cheating, and it wouldn’t be fair to other students. If I tell a teacher, it could help my friend learn from their mistake and stop the dishonesty. I could talk to a teacher, a school counselor, or a trusted adult about what to do.
Samantha is excited to tell her parents about her good grade on a test, but when she gets home, they seem distracted and stressed about work. They say, “Not now, Samantha.” How might Samantha and her parents feel?
Olivia: “I was feeling really sad yesterday.”
Mason: “Oh. Anyway, did you watch the new superhero movie?”
What was the mistake, and how could Mason respond better?
What comes once in a year, twice in a moment, but never in a thousand years?
The letter "m"
You’re working on a group project, and you’re confused about a task. How would you ask for clarification from a teammate?
“Hey, I’m not quite sure about this part of the project. Could you explain it to me again?”