Big, Medium, or Small?
You break the lead on your pencil during a test.
Small Problem.
If you spill a small splash of water on your desk, should your reaction be a Small Reaction (stay calm, wipe it up) or a Big Reaction (scream and run out)?
Small reaction.
You can't find your favorite jacket after lunch. What is the best first step?
Check where you last had it, or ask a teacher/staff member to help you look.
You can't find your eraser. Reaction: You throw your chair across the room. Is this a match?
No! The reaction is too big for a small problem.
You forgot your lunch money at home, but you are at school.
Medium Problem.
You get an answer wrong on a worksheet. What is a "Just Right" reaction size?
Small Reaction (take a breath, erase, and try again or ask for help).
You feel frustrated because a computer game isn't loading. What is a good coping strategy?
Take 3 deep breaths, count to 10, or ask for help.
You get a paper cut. Reaction: You ask the teacher for a small bandage. Is this a match?
Yes! A small problem gets a small reaction.
You see smoke coming out of a trash can in the hallway.
Big Problem.
The fire alarm goes off at school. What is the appropriate reaction?
Big Reaction / Urgent Reaction (stop what you are doing immediately, stay calm, and follow teacher instructions out of the building).
You see someone being bullied or hurt in the hallway. What should you do right away?
Get an adult or teacher immediately.
Someone faints in the gym. Reaction: You quietly sit down and ignore it. Is this a match?
No! This is a big/unsafe problem, so sitting quietly is too small of a reaction—you need to alert an adult immediately.
A classmate takes the seat you wanted at lunch.
Small Problem.
Your group partner isn't sharing the materials during class. Should your reaction be to yell at them or politely ask them to share/tell the teacher?
Answer: Politely ask them to share or tell the teacher (Medium/Calm Reaction).
You accidentally drop your lunch tray on the cafeteria floor. What should you do?
Tell a cafeteria worker or teacher, clean up safely with help, and get a replacement tray.
Your phone battery dies at school. Reaction: You roll your eyes, put it in your backpack, and charge it when you get home. Is this a match?
Yes! A small problem gets a calm, small reaction.
You fell down the stairs and cannot move your leg because it hurts very badly.
Big Problem.
A peer accidentally bumps into your shoulder in the hallway. What is the right reaction size?
Small Reaction (say "excuse me" or keep walking; no need to push or get mad).
Someone in class is making noise and distracting you during independent work. What can you do?
Put on noise-canceling headphones, politely ask them to stop, or ask the teacher to move seats.
You lose your school ID badge. Reaction: You take deep breaths, tell your teacher, and go to the office to figure out what to do next. Is this a match?
Yes! A medium problem handled with a calm, appropriate medium reaction.