Size of the Problem
Sarah can’t find her favorite pen, which she always uses for writing, and she’s upset because she has a test coming up.
Small, Medium, Big?
Small
Emma finds out that her classmates, including her close friend Zoe, are going to the movies together, but they didn’t invite her. Emma feels left out.
I feel ___ when ___ because ___.
I feel upset and lonely when I don't get invited to hang out with you guys because I thought we were all friends and I don't want to be left out.
Jake and Noah are assigned to sit at the same desk, but they disagree about how they should arrange their supplies. Jake likes to keep everything organized neatly, while Noah prefers a more relaxed approach with his books and papers scattered around.
They decide to have one side of the desk be for Jake’s organized materials, while the other side can be a little more flexible for Noah. They also agree to keep shared materials in a section of the desk that is tidy and easy for both to access.
You are having difficulty understanding the concepts being taught in Algebra.
Ask the teacher for help, ask a peer for help, go to Extended School Day, go to Homework Club.
Danny sees 5 students fighting at recess and his name is getting thrown into the mix. He isn't sure what to do.
Small, Medium, Big?
Big
Two classmates, Ethan and Maya, are assigned to work on a science project together. Maya ends up doing most of the work, and Ethan doesn’t contribute much. Maya feels frustrated, while doesn’t care about the project as much. This causes tension between them as the project deadline approaches.
I feel ___ when ___ because ___.
I feel frustrated when I end up doing most of the work because the deadline is getting closer and I have too much on my plate.
During recess, Olivia and Maya want to play different games. Olivia wants to play soccer, but Maya insists on playing basketball. Both are passionate about their choice and are unwilling to change.
After a bit of negotiation, they decide to play a quick round of soccer first, then switch to basketball afterward. They agree to divide their playtime equally so everyone gets a chance to enjoy both games.
You are feeling excluded from your group of friends and are struggling to understand why.
Talk to your friends (active listening, "I-feel" statements), peer mediation, seek assistance from an adult if needed.
Noah feels overwhelmed with all his assignments and activities after school. He’s having trouble balancing homework, sports, and his social life, causing his anxiety to rise.
Small, Medium, Big?
Medium
Jake hears from a few classmates that his friend Tyler has been talking behind his back. Tyler supposedly said something hurtful about Jake’s appearance. Jake confronts Tyler, but Tyler denies it, claiming the gossip was exaggerated. This leads to a strain in their friendship and confusion among their classmates.
I feel ___ when ___ because ___.
I feel upset and confused when I hear that you are talking badly about me behind my back because we are such close friends and I don't want to lose you.
Ava is planning her birthday party and invites her friends, Emma and Zoe. Ava wants to have a movie marathon, but Emma prefers to go bowling, and Zoe wants a pool party. All three girls have different ideas about what they want.
They agree to split the party into two parts. They start with a movie marathon at Ava’s house and later go bowling for an hour. Zoe suggests they all go for a swim at a nearby pool afterward to wrap up the celebration.
Create a pros and cons list.
You overheard someone talking badly about your friend. You are unsure if you should tell your friend about this or not. What are the pros and cons of you telling your friend?
Think about the possible benefits and challenges of each choice. What are the advantages? What could be some downsides? Consider the impact your decision could have on your school life, friendships, and well-being.