Boundaries
What do you do when it’s your last mentoring session, and your 1st grader is sad it’s ending
Say a kind goodbye, remind them of the fun you had, and tell them how proud you are
What should a peer mentor do when a 1st grader is quiet and nervous
Giving the mentee time, using a friendly voice, and asking simple questions
You both want to play different games and can’t agree on what to do
Compromise by taking turns, offering choices, or finding a new activity you both enjoy
What would you do if your time is almost over, but your 1st grader doesn’t want to stop the activity
Give a friendly warning that time is almost up and remind them you’ll see them next time.
What would you say or do when your 1st grader looks sad and doesn’t want to participate today.
Show kindness by asking if they’re okay, listening, and getting an adult to help if needed
What do you do when your 1st grader stands too close while talking or hugs you unexpectedly.
Politely step back, explain personal space, and set a kind boundary.
What should a peer mentor do when their 1st grader is full of energy and having trouble focusing?
Stay calm, use gentle reminders, and find fun ways to help them focus
What do you do when your 1st grader starts running in the hallway or shouting during your meeting
Kindly remind them of the rules and show the right behavior by setting a good example
How do you end the activity without upsetting the first grader?
Give a 2-minute warning, explain that time is almost up, and end with a positive comment about the activity
What do you do if you accidentally say something that hurts your 1st grader’s feelings
Apologize, explain you didn’t mean to hurt them, and help them feel better
What do you do when your 1st grader asks personal questions about your home or family.
Answer politely without sharing too much information.
What do you say when your 1st grader finally remembers to follow directions or share nicely?
Give praise and positive feedback to recognize their effort and encourage them to keep it up
What do you do when your 1st grader refuses to do an activity, saying “That’s boring"?
Encourage them by giving choices, making it sound fun, and staying positive
What do you say if you arrive late for your mentoring session, and your 1st grader is waiting?
apologize politely, start the session quickly, and focus on getting the activity done before the session is over.
What would you do if your 1st grader becomes frustrated with the activity during your mentoring session?
Ask if they’re okay, listen to their feelings, offer encouragement, and tell an adult if needed.
What do you do if you run into your 1st grader on the playground or at a store outside of school mentoring time, and they wave or want to talk.
Say hello politely, keep the conversation short, and remind the student that mentoring happens only during scheduled times.
What do you do if your 1st grader mentions a problem with another student during your meeting?
Listen carefully, stay calm, offer kind advice, and remind them to talk to a teacher if needed
What do you do if your 1st grader keeps looking around the room or talking to friends instead of you?
Gently redirect their attention, use a fun or engaging activity, and stay patient
How would you spend your time if your 1st grader wants to do multiple activities, but there isn’t enough time for all of them
Help them choose one activity, explain the plan, and save the other activities for next time
What do you do if your 1st grader is struggling to do the activity planned.
Encourage them to take a deep breath, try again slowly, and praise effort instead of perfection
What do you do if your 1st grader tries to sit on your lap?
Gently say no, guide them to sit or play nearby, and explain that hugs or sitting on laps aren’t part of mentoring.
What do you do if your 1st grader keeps interrupting while you’re giving instructions or talking
Politely remind them to wait their turn, use calm words, and model taking turns in conversation
What do you do if your 1st grader grabs someone else’s supplies or pushes someone while playing
Calmly tell them to stop, explain why it’s not okay, and guide them to use their own materials or play safely
How would you handle your time if your mentee starts talking about unrelated topics, and the session is slipping away?
Gently remind them to stay on topic, redirect the conversation, and guide them back to the planned activity
What do you do if your 1st grader looks confused or unsure about instructions?
Explain patiently, give examples, use mirroring and ask if they understand.