be respectful
You cut in front of a classmate in line. Are you being respectful?
No, respect the space of those around you.
You don't like the color of your friends shirt. So you say, "I don't like your shirt." Was that a good decision?
No, it is always a bad decision to make negative comments. Keep those thoughts to yourself. If they ask you if you like their shirt you can be honest but kind by saying, "It's not my favorite color, but I'm glad you like it!"
You and your friend want the same ball. You grab it from them and run away. Did you solve the problem?
No, taking it and running away did not solve anything. Can you think of a way to solve this problem?
You have a lot of energy and are running around the classroom. Is that having a safe body?
No! You could run into someone or something. That is not safe.
Reading is very hard for you and you don't like to do it. So instead of sounding the words out you guess all the words to try and rush through it. Was that trying your best.
No. Guessing is not trying your best. Reading can be hard but YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS! Try your best, if you get it wrong, at least you can be proud that you tried.
Your friend is trying to focus on their work, but you have something funny to tell them. But you know they are focused and don't want to distract them. So you wait until brain break to tell them your funny thing. Are you being respectful?
Yes! Respecting your classmates focus and giving them the chance to work is very respectful.
You have so much energy and need to hit or kick something. So you stomp on the floor in the classroom very loud. It interrupts everyone and scares some of your classmates. Was that a good choice?
No. Remember, if you need to get some energy out or your feeling overwhelmed, ask an adult for a break or go to the break table. They can help you find something to do to get out that energy without disrupting anyone.
You and your friend want to play different games. You know that they usually play what you want, so today you play what they want. Did you solve the problem?
Yes! You compromised, that is a great way to solve a problem!
You start telling your teacher about a video game you played during morning meeting while she was talking. Did you raise your hand?
No. You should not start talking to your teacher without raising your hand. If you do this you are interrupting, and she probably won't be able to respond.
You know that your classmates takes a bit longer to write sentences. So you go as fast as you can to show that you are the fastest writer! Is that trying your best.
No! "Try your best" does not mean "be the best". Trying your best means taking your time and putting in the best effort. The only person you should compare yourself to is your past self!
You want to tell your teacher about something fun you did last night, but she is teaching. You wait until brain break and then tell her all about your fun activities. Were you being respectful?
Yes! Your teacher loves to hear about your day, but it is disrespectful to her and your classmates to interrupt learning. It's great to wait!
You are tired, so you decide not to work. Was that a good choice?
No. If you are tired you can lay down in the tent in the zen zone during break, but you can still do hard things even when you are tired.
You need a pencil. So you sit and wait for your teacher to tell you to get a pencil. Did you solve the problem?
No. If you know you need a pencil, and you know where to get one, you can solve that problem on your own.
No. It's great to dance, but you need to stay in control and be mindful of your surroundings.
You are taking your time on your math test and using all your tools. But the timer goes off and you are not done. Did you try your best?
Yes! It is ok if you take a bit longer and need more time, you are trying your best!
You won a game and are feeling very good! You shout and jump up and down saying, "I won! I won!" Are you being respectful?
No, you are not being respectful of your friends feelings. You need to be a gracious winner, that means being happy, but staying calm and telling everyone it was a good game.
You are at recess and are having fun playing, but you need to go to the bathroom. You really want to keep playing, but you know recess is the time to go to the bathroom. So you stop playing and take a quick bathroom break. Was that a good choice?
Yes! Recess is the perfect time to go to the bathroom. It is disruptive to come in from recess and ask to go to the bathroom right away.
You have trash in your hand. Sometimes at home, you can give it to your parents and they will throw it away for you. But you know that you are at school! You walk to the trash can and throw it away. Did you solve a problem?
Yes! You can take care of your trash on your own.
You are eating a snack during brain break, but you also want to see what your friend is doing. So you walk over to your friend while eating. Is that having a safe body?
No. It is not safe to walk and eat. You could choke and that would be very scary and dangerous.
You made a mistake in your writing. Your teacher shows you and asks you to fix it. You fix the mistake and now you know what to do next time! Did you try your best?
Yes! It is always ok to make a mistake, that is how we learn(remember when we talked about growth mindset)! When you correct your mistake without getting upset, you are showing that you are trying your best.
Your teacher asks a question, tell everyone to respond, and gestures to the whole class to respond. You and all your classmates answer the question without raising your hand. Was that respectful?
Yes! If the teacher asks everyone to respond and gives you a signal to answer the question, you do not have to raise your hand.
Your classmate has been telling you that you are not very good at drawing. You asked them to stop twice and told them it hurts your feelings but they did not stop. So you told the teacher. Was that a good decision?
Yes! Remember, if it is a safety issue, if it could become a safety issue, or if you already tried to solve the problem, it is telling, not tattling. You should get an adult to help.
You were distracted when the teacher was giving directions. You heard her say, "Alright, go ahead and get started!" but you are not sure what you should do. You feel bad that you weren't listening, but you are brave. So you raised your hand and said, "I'm sorry I wasn't paying attention. Can you repeat the direction?" Did you solve a probelm?
Yes! We all zone out sometimes, as long as it wasn't on purpose or you were not talking with a friend, it's ok! If you did not hear the directions, that's a problem, and sometimes the best way to solve a problem is to ask an adult!
You are tipping your chair. You know your teacher says not to do it, but you don't think it's that big of a deal. Are you having a safe body?
No. Tipping your chair is dangerous for you and everyone around you. You could fall forward and hit the table/desk, you could fall backwards and hit the ground or another person. It is not safe!
You are feeling very tried. You are using all your math tools and staying focused but it is very hard since you are sleepy, and you make a lot of mistakes that you normally don't make. Is this trying your best?
Yes! Remember, trying your best means trying to do the best you can in each moment. If you are tired, hungry, sad, or upset, your best may be different then if you are alert, full, happy, or calm. Be kind to yourself!