Respect & Authority
T/F: Following a rule you dislike makes you a "follower."
False. Sometimes we have to follow rules we don't like, because rules are usually made to keep people safe and maintain order.
True or False: Using my phone for "just one second" is okay if the teacher isn't looking.
False. If you aren't supposed to have your phone, then it's not ok to use!
Role-Play: A friend asks to borrow your favorite pen, but you don't want them to.
Act it out!
T/F: Using "kind" words is only for little kids in kindergarten.
False. Being kind is a strength and a skill we can all use, no matter what age.
T/F: Taking a deep breath actually changes how your brain feels.
True. Deep breathing can help slow down our heart rate and signal to our brains that we are ok and safe.
Role-Play: Your teacher asks you to put away a drawing, but you aren't finished.
Let's talk about it/ act it out.
What is one reason schools have a "no phone" rule during class?
Phones can cause distractions to learning, and there may be things on phones that are not appropriate for use in school (games, videos, social media).
Conflict: Someone says a rumor about you. Do you (A) Confront them loudly or (B) Talk to them privately later (C) Spread a rumor about them?
Let's talk about it.
Role-Play: You are frustrated because you are losing during a basketball game. What do you say instead of a "bad word"?
Let's talk about it!
Role-Play: You feel your face getting hot because you're angry. Show me one "invisible" coping skill.
Deep breathing, counting to 10 or 100, thinking of a happy thing or place.
T/F: You can disagree with an adult and still be respectful at the same time.
True! Sometimes we will not agree with teachers and other adults, and that's ok. We can express our feelings and thoughts in a respectful way, "Can you help me understand this rule?", "Can I explain what I feel or think?", "Can we talk more about this?"
Role-Play: Your phone vibrates in your pocket during a test. What do you do?
What do you do?
T/F: Being a good friend means you have to agree with everything they say.
False. Sometimes we are not going to agree with our friends, and that's ok! Everyone is entitled to have their own opinion, because we are all individuals.
T/F: The way you say something (tone) is just as important as the words you use.
True! HOW you say something can make a difference. Example, I can say " You're so smart!" or "You're so smart" using a sarcastic tone.
T/F: Counting to 10 is a "waste of time" when you’re already mad.
False. Counting to 10 helps you pause and give yourself time to cool off. Because anger is a "fast" reaction, when we give ourselves time to pause, it helps the anger feel less intense.
Conflict: An adult gives you a consequence you think is unfair. How do you ask to talk about it?
You can say. "I hear what you're saying, but that feels unfair, can we talk more about it?", "I understand there is a consequence, is there a way we can come up with one together?"
If you use your phone after being told not to, who are you really hurting: the teacher or yourself? Why?
Let's talk about it!
Role-Play: A group of friends is excluding someone. How can you "stand up" without being "mean"?
Let's talk about it.
Conflict: Someone "roasts" you in the hallway. How do you respond without using "trash talk"?
Lets talk about it! You can chose to ignore, you can say "Whatever, I don't care what you say."
Name 3 physical signs your body gives you before you lose your temper.
Some signs can be: making a fist, heart beating fast, head hurting, breathing fast, stomach hurting, ringing in your ears.
Role-Play: An adult is wrong about something. Show how to correct them without getting in trouble.
What would you say or do?
True or False. Having your phone locked away in the morning is a personal attack by the school staff.
False. All phones are collected every morning, so all students have to hand in their phones, it's not personal.
Conflict: You and a friend both want to be the leader of a project. How do you decide?
You can be the bigger person and let them lead. You can draw a name out of a hat, rock paper scissors, or decide to work on the project together equally as leaders!
Role-Play: Apologize to a peer for a mistake without saying "I'm sorry, BUT..
"I'm sorry I called you a mean name, it wasn't nice."
Create a "Cool Down Plan": What are 3 steps you can take when you feel a 10/10 anger level?
Example: 1. Count to ten, take a walk/ get away, and get some water/ bathroom break to cool down.