Every day life problems
You are in the cafeteria at lunch and accidentally spill your drink all over your friend’s tray. Everyone nearby starts looking at you, and your friend seems upset.
Apologize to your friend
Help them clean up
You are writing a story and can't think of what to write about next.
Talk with a friend about your story and get their ideas- if allowed
Ask your teacher for help
Use other strategies that help encourage your creativity
Someone takes your seat, but you were sitting there first.
Find another seat
Nicely ask them for your seat back
Ask your teacher to remind them it was your seat
You are sitting with a new student at lunch, and they seem really quiet and nervous. You’re not sure how to start a conversation.
Ask them a question such as what is their name and what do they like to do for fun
You didn't hear your teachers directions.
Ask a friend- if allowed
Look around the classroom to see what others are doing
Ask your teacher nicely what is expected, you missed what they said
You wake up late for school, how do you get yourself ready on time?
Get ready quickly.
Prepare the night before-clothes picked out, lunch packed, etc.
Don't do things that will make you more late like play a video game
You are doing your homework when your tablet or computer stops working. Your assignment is due the next day.
try to fix the problem - restart the computer or ask a parent/teacher for help
tell your teacher what happened so you can find another way to finish the assignment.
A classmate accidentally breaks your pencil.
Get a new pencil
Tell them it was an accident and you are not upset
Nicely remind them to not break your pencil
Your friend gets picked last in a game and feels sad.
Tell them it doesn't matter if they were picked last, they still get to play
Find another game
Find another way to pick so it's random who gets chosen last
What is the difference between a small problem and a big problem?
A small problem you can solve on your own, maybe using Kelso's choices
A big problem could be something dangerous and would need an adult to help solve
You spill juice on your homework right before you are supposed to turn it in.
Ask for a new paper and quickly copy your answers
Ask your teacher if you can have extra time to fix it
You are in class taking a test and realize you don’t understand one of the questions. The teacher is busy helping another student.
Raise your hand and wait for them to get to you.
You are lining up for recess and someone cuts in front of you. They pretend not to notice when you say something.
Say excuse me
Ignore it
You are playing outside and a group of students are playing a game that looks fun. You want to join but don't know any of them and none of your other friends want to play.
Ask someone "can I join?" or "can I have a turn?"
A teacher asks you to do something you don't want to do.
Ask for a break then do what is expected
Do what they are asking
You are riding your bike with a friend, he fell down and can't get back up.
Call for help
Your teacher asks a question, and you don't know the answer.
Let them know you don't know the answer
Ask a friend for help- if allowed
Look around the room for clues for the answer
You see someone being teased on the playground.
Stand up for them
Go get an adult
Let them know they are not alone
You hear a rumor about a friend that you’re not sure is true.
Tell the person you heard the rumor from not to spread rumors/stop
Stand up for your friend
Ask your friend if it's true
Your teacher reminds you to wait your turn when sharing in class.
Tell them thank you for the reminder
Don't be embarrassed- we all get excited
Ask them privately to remind you to wait your turn if it makes you embarrassed to be told in front of the class
You leave your backpack on the bus.
Tell an adult when you get home- they can call the school to make sure your backpack doesn't get lost
Your class is working on a group project, but one member isn’t helping.
Let your teacher know privately that one student isn't helping
Nicely remind them that it is a group project and that they need to help
Your classmate is being loud and distracting you from your work
Nicely remind them to be quiet
Ignore them
Ask your teacher if you can use headphones while you work
Your friend tells you a secret, but you think they need an adult’s help.
Tell an adult, even if the friend asks you not to- it can be dangerous for them if you keep it a secret
Tell your friend that this is serious and you might need to get an adult involved
Name 4 Kelso's Choices.
Go to another game
Talk it out
Share and take turns
Ignore it
Walk away
Apologize
Make a deal
Wait and cool off