Recess Expectations
You see a classmate sitting alone during recess. What’s the right thing to do?
Invite them to join your game or ask if they want company.
What should you do when the teacher is giving directions?
Listen respectfully and keep your eyes on the teacher.
During a group activity, one person wants to go first. What’s a fair way to decide?
Take turns or vote as a group. (Rock, Paper, Scissors)
You feel frustrated after getting a math problem wrong. What should you do?
Take a breath, try again, and ask for help if you need it.
If you are stuck on a problem or confused about a question, how many people should you ask for help before the teacher?
Three!
You and a friend both want the same ball. What should you do?
Take turns or find a fair way to decide, like rock-paper-scissors.
You’re done with your work but the rest of the class is still working. What should you do?
Stay quiet and do an early finisher activity without distracting others.
Someone in your group has a different idea than you. What should you do?
Listen to their idea and talk it through as a group. Don’t ignore them.
You feel sad but don’t want anyone to know. What’s something you can do to feel better at school?
Talk to a trusted adult or use a calming strategy like deep breathing.
You notice a classmate playing a game during class. What should you do?
Focus on your work or let the teacher know if it keeps happening.
A competitive game you’re playing gets too serious and kids start arguing. What should you do to help keep things safe and fun?
Remind others it’s just a game and help reset the rules or take a break.
Your pencil breaks during a lesson. What’s the best way to fix it without causing a disruption?
Pick a new pencil from the basket or ask a neighbor for a pencil.
One person is doing all the work while others just sit back. What can you do to fix this?
Speak up and suggest that everyone gets a part to work on.
You got into a small argument with a friend and now you’re both upset. What’s a good way to make things better?
Talk to a trusted adult or use a calming strategy like deep breathing.
What are the behavioral expectations in the hallway?
Walk quietly, stop at stopping points, and no large groups. Do not disturb other classrooms.
Someone breaks a recess rule and gets hurt. Now everyone is blaming each other. What should you do when the teacher asks what happened?
Tell the truth respectfully—even if it means someone gets a consequence.
You get frustrated with an assignment and feel like giving up. What should you do before asking for help?
Take a deep breath, reread the directions, and try your best before asking.
Your group can’t agree and it’s slowing things down. What’s a good strategy?
Take a quick vote or ask the teacher for help if needed.
Arguing won’t make it better.
You’re feeling angry but don’t want to get in trouble. What’s a smart way to handle your anger in class?
Use a coping strategy like breathing, drawing, or asking for a quick break..
What should your desk look like at the end of the day?
All papers put away, throw away all food, Chromebooks in the cart, neat, chair stacked.
A group of students keeps leaving someone out at recess every day. What’s the right way to speak up or get help without making the situation worse?
Talk to the group kindly about including others. If it doesn’t change, quietly let a teacher know so they can help.
You notice a classmate is always blurting out and interrupting lessons. You’re getting annoyed. What’s a respectful way to deal with it?
Focus on your own behavior, and if it continues, talk to the teacher privately instead of reacting in class.
A group member keeps getting distracted and not helping. You’ve already reminded them nicely. What should you do next?
Tell the teacher calmly and explain what’s going on so they can support the group.
You’re feeling overwhelmed during the school day and it’s hard to focus. What should you do to stay in control and get support?
Ask for a break, write down your feelings, or check in with your teacher.
If you did not finish your daily classwork, what are you expected to do?
Finish it at recess or take it home to finish.