Stop and Think
What can you do before you act when you're feeling really excited or upset?
Stop and take a breath.
What can you take slowly to help your body feel calmer?
A deep breath.
When someone gives you directions and you didn't hear them, what can you say?
"Can you say that again, please?"
What is one kind thing you can say to a friend?
"Good job!" "Do you want to play?" or another kind phrase.
Name TWO feelings that people can have.
Happy, sad, angry, excited, worried, frustrated, etc.
You really want to answer a question, but your teacher is talking. What could you do?
Raise your hand and wait.
Name ONE thing you can do when you feel angry, sad, worried, or overwhelmed.
Take a break, breathe, give yourself a hug, draw, move, or talk to a trusted adult.
You're doing classwork, but your brain keeps thinking about playing. Name ONE thing that might help you get back to your work.
Use a reminder (remind yourself that after you are done with classwork you will get to play!) take an allowed movement break, or do one small step (focus on one small part of your classwork at a time).
Your friend is playing with a toy you want. What can you say to ask for a turn?
"Can I have a turn when you're done?"
You feel sad because your friend doesn't want to play. What could you say to a trusted adult?
"I feel sad. Can you help me?"
Your friend is playing with something that you really want to play with too. What can you do instead of grabbing it?
Ask for a turn.
Your body feels wiggly and full of energy. Name TWO safe ways to get your energy out.
Stretch, ask to take a movement break, do wall pushes, or ask to take a walk.
Your teacher says, "Put away your crayons and take out your book." What are the TWO things you need to do?
Put away crayons, then take out the book
You want to play with a group of kids at recess. What could you say?
"Can I play too?" or "What are you playing?"
Someone takes your pencil without asking. How can you tell them how you feel using respectful words?
"I don't like when you take my pencil. Please ask first."
You're playing a game and someone wins instead of you. You feel like throwing the pieces. Name TWO things you could do instead.
Take a breath, ask for a break, use helpful words, or try again.
You're getting frustrated because your homework is hard. What is a coping skill you could try before giving up?
Take a break, breathe, ask for help, or break the task into smaller steps.
You're sitting in class, and your body really needs to move. What can you do that is safe and works with your classroom rules?
Ask for a movement break, stretch, or use an approved movement tool.
You and your friend both want to play different games. Name TWO ways to solve the problem.
Take turns choosing, combine ideas, compromise, or choose separate activities respectfully.
A classmate keeps touching your belongings after you have asked them to stop. What can you say or do?
Say, "Please stop touching my things," and ask a trusted adult for help if needed.
Pretend you really want to interrupt someone who is talking. Show me how you can STOP, THINK, and CHOOSE what to do next.
*Role-play stopping, considering options, and choosing to wait or politely ask for attention.*
Imagine your anger is at a 9 out of 10. Pick TWO coping skills and show me how you would use them to help your body feel calmer.
Demonstrate two strategies, such as breathing and requesting a break, giving yourself a hug, squishing a squishy, asking an adult for help, etc.
Your teacher gives you THREE directions: "Write your name, get your pencil, and start question one." Tell me or show me what you will do.
Repeat and perform the three steps. Accept visual or verbal supports.
Your friend says, "I don't want to play right now." How could you respond respectfully, and what could you do next?
Respect their answer, say "Okay," and find another activity or person to play with.
Show me how to use an "I feel" statement when a friend cuts in front of you in line. Include how you feel, what happened, and what you need.
"I feel frustrated when you cut in front of me. Please wait behind me."