The Basics
The STOP, OPT, GO visual looks like a
Stoplight
Why is it important to look for situations where you can STOP and use a tool?
Example:
So you can get back on track as quickly as possible. This will help you do better at school and feel better, too.
Problem: Someone sat in your spot.
Option: You push them out of the chair.
What might happen if you choose that option?
Examples:
You get in trouble.
The person pushes you back.
Other people feel uncomfortable around you.
BONUS: What is a better option?
Problem: Too many people are talking loudly around you.
Brainstorm at least 3 options and choose the best one.
Other groups get 50 pts for filling out their worksheet.
What do the words “STOP, OPT, GO” stand for?
STOP
and consider your OPTions
before you act (GO)
There are times when it is expected to be in each of the zones; however, the more I use my tools and stay in the _______ zone at school, the more successful I will be socially (with people) and academically (with school work).
Green
Problem: You caught someone cheating off your paper and it annoyed you.
Option: You listen to your inner coach who tells you to stay calm and take some deep breaths. You talk to the teacher/staff in private and explain what happened.
What might happen if you choose that option?
Examples:
The teacher thanks you for speaking up.
You feel better about staying in control of your body and telling someone.
You can work together to come up with a plan for what to do if it happens again or how you should handle those situations in the future.
Problem: A classmate broke a minor rule.
Brainstorm at least 3 options and choose the best one.
Other groups get 50 pts for filling out their worksheet.
When considering your options (OPT), you should always look ahead to consider what will happen next if you choose that option.
True or False?
TRUE
In order to use tools most effectively, you have to notice when you're in the Yellow Zone so you can STOP to use a tool.
What are clues you’re in the Yellow Zone?
Examples:
You feel less in control.
It’s harder to think clearly or to concentrate.
Your emotions are stronger.
Problem: Someone stole your favorite item.
Option: You take something of theirs and threaten that you won’t give it back until you get your stuff back.
What might happen if you choose that option?
Examples:
They feel threatened and the situation escalates.
You get in trouble for taking their stuff.
People feel uncomfortable around you.
BONUS: What is a better option?
Problem: You were paired up for a project with a classmate you dislike.
Brainstorm at least 3 options and choose the best one.
Other groups get 50 pts for filling out their worksheet.
Why is OPT represented by a yellow light on the stoplight?
Because you want to slow down and think about all of your options.
Give an example of a time yesterday when it would have helped you to STOP and use a tool.
How would your day have changed?
Problem: You were late for class because you were messing around in the hallway.
Option: Apologize to the teacher and do a Sit and Watch.
What might happen if you choose that option?
Examples:
You rejoin the class shortly and move on with your day.
You feel good about how you handled the situation.
The teacher/staff have good thoughts about you.
Problem: Class ran late and it cut into your free time.
Brainstorm at least 3 options and choose the best one.
Other groups get 50 pts for filling out their worksheet.
If you find that the solution you chose is not working, what can you do?
STOP, OPT, and GO again
Identify a trigger that makes you feel in the Yellow Zone. List the clues (feelings, thoughts, and actions) that tell you you’re in the Yellow Zone.
For example:
Trigger: One of your classmates is calling you names.
Clues you're in the Yellow Zone:
Feelings: annoyed, anxious, frustrated or mad
Thoughts: "I hate you", calling them a name in your head, thinking you want to hurt them
Actions: Calling them a name back, clenching fists, clenching your teeth, making rude comments
Problem: A classmate blamed you for something you didn’t do.
Option: You start yelling at them and calling them names.
What might happen if you choose that option?
Examples:
You get into a yelling match with them (no one wins).
Other people in the room feel uncomfortable about both of you.
You escalate into the Red Zone.
BONUS: What is a better option?
Problem: A classmate isn’t sharing.
Brainstorm at least 3 options and choose the best one.
Other groups get 50 pts for filling out their worksheet.