🐭🐘🌪️ What Size Is It?
Someone accidentally drops your pencil. What size problem is this?
MOUSE
Someone accidentally bumps into you. Should you yell, hit them, or calmly say, “It's okay”?
Stay calm / appropriate reaction
What should you do before reacting to a problem?
Stop and Think
Someone cuts in front of you in line. What could you do?
Calmly tell them you were waiting.
Problem: Someone accidentally bumps you. Reaction: “It's okay.”
Just Right
Your friend doesn't let you join their game. What size problem might this be?
ELEPHANT
You lose a game. Is throwing the game board an appropriate reaction?
NO
True or False: If you are really angry, the problem must be a Tornado.
False
Your sibling changes the TV channel. What could you do instead of yelling?
Ask them to change it back or take turns.
Problem: You don't get the snack you wanted. Reaction: Screaming and throwing things.
Too Big
Someone is seriously injured and needs immediate adult help. What size problem is this?
TORNADO
Someone takes your seat. What could you say instead of yelling?
“I was sitting there. Can I have my seat back?”
What question should you ask yourself about the problem?
“How big is this problem?”
Someone makes a joke about you that you don't like. What could you do?
Tell them to stop, walk away, or get help if needed.
Problem: Someone is repeatedly hurting you. Reaction: Saying nothing and never telling an adult.
Too Small
Your teacher gives you an assignment you don't want to do. What size problem is this?
Mouse/Elephant depending on the situation.
Your friend says something that hurts your feelings. What is a better reaction than immediately yelling at them?
Talk to them or take a break before responding.
What question should you ask yourself about your reaction?
“Does my reaction match the size of the problem?”
You don't get picked first for a team. What could you do?
Accept it, manage your feelings, and participate anyway.
Problem: Someone takes something without asking. Reaction: Calmly asking for it back.
Someone keeps intentionally bullying you after you've asked them to stop. What size problem could this become?
Elephant/Tornado, especially if there is a safety concern.
Why can a reaction be a problem even when the original problem is small?
Because an overly big reaction can make the situation worse.
You feel like screaming because someone took your favorite pencil. What could you do before reacting?
Pause, breathe, identify the problem, and choose a calmer response.
Someone accidentally spills something on your homework. What should you consider before reacting?
Was it intentional? How serious is the damage? What can I do to fix it?
Problem: Your teacher corrects your work. Reaction: “I'M THE WORST! I CAN'T DO ANYTHING!”
Too Big