Things We Can Control
Your pencil breaks. What can you do?
I could get a new pencil, ask for help, or sharpen the pencil.
You lost your favorite pencil. What can you do?
Take three deep breaths, ask for help, go for a walk.
There is a new student in the class. What could you say?
I could say hello, what's you name, would you like to sit with me?
It is the end of the school day. What do you say to your friends or teachers?
I can say goodbye, see you tomorrow (or Monday).
You thought it was going to be a sunny day but now it is raining. What can you do?
I could put on a rain jacket or grab an umbrella.
You are your snack, but you are still hungry; what can you do?
I could ask for another one, wait until lunch, pack an extra for tomorrow.
Your friend is absent today and you are feeling sad. What tools can you use?
I could talk with a staff member, hang out with a different friend, or make a new friend.
You walk into a new classroom. What would you want your new friends to say to you?
I would want them to say hello and invite me to sit or play with them.
It is a long weekend and you will not see your friends for a few days. How do you say goodbye?
I could say "see you in a few days" or "I hope you do something fun over the weekend" or "enjoy your long weekend"
You thought gym class was going to be inside, but Mr.D says we are going outside today. How can you handle the change?
I could bring a sweatshirt, wear bug spray or suntan lotion, and walk with a preferred staff member.
Other kids are having unexpected behaviors, what can you control?
I can control my behavior by asking for a break.
You are going into a new classroom and feeling nervous, what tools can you use?
I could take deep breaths, ask to talk to a teacher, and try to make new friends.
A new student move to town and is staring school for the first time. How could you help them feel welcomed?
I could introduce myself, sit with them at lunch, ask them questions to get to know them, show them around the school, and walk with them to class.
It is the last day before winter break. You won't see your friends and staff members for a week. How would you feel?
I would feel sad because I will not see them everyday day.
It is the end of the day and you get unexpected free time outside. How can you handle the change?
I could take deep breaths, walk with a preferred staff, I can ask to stay in the shade, I could say "It is no big deal, I got this" or "I know other kids really like being outside so I can be flexible"
You're given an assignment, and you do not know what to do; what can you control?
I can have a calm, safe body and do my best, or take a minute before starting.
One of the field trips is canceled due to bad weather, what tools can you use?
I can take deep breaths, ask the teacher to do a fun activity instead or talk to a staff member about feeling sad, plan something else fun to do.
You want to make a new friend but you are afraid your other friend might feel left out, what can you do?
I could spend time with both of them, try and play as a group, take turns.
It is the end of the school year but you will see your friend in summer school. How would you say goodbye?
I could say "I'll see you in a few weeks" or "Enjoy your vacation" or "I'll see you soon"
You are working with a new staff member, how can you handle the change?
I could be helpful. I could be friendly. I could be flexible.
You are going to miss your friends going to high school, what could you control?
I could make them cards, ask for their email address, or hang out with them outside of school.
You're feeling sad that you will not be with the same students and teachers next school year; what tools can you use?
I can take deep breaths, say positive self-statements "It will be okay" "It is okay to feel nervous" "Things change and I am growing up"
You are starting at a new school. How do you make a new friend?
I can say hello and ask questions to get to know my new classmates and teachers.
It is the last day of school. Some of your friends are going to a new school. How do you say goodbye?
I could write a card or sign their yearbook saying goodbye. I could say "I am going to miss you" or "good luck at your new school"
You are starting at a brand new school, and it is a big change. Who or what would help me?
I could ask questions, ask for help, I could take deep breaths, I could tell someone how I am feeling.