Size of Problems
Zone of Regulation
Flexibility
Empathy
I-messages
1
Is a tornado hitting a neighborhood an example of a big problem, medium problem ,or small problem?
big problem
1

I am feeling like I need to move, I am fidgeting in my seat, stand up constantly and wiggle around while the teacher is giving the lesson.  What color zone am I in?

YELLOW


BONUS...what are some strategies for helping me to focus?

1
What is flexibility?
being ok with change
1
What does empathy mean?
putting yourself in someone else's shoes; feeling what they are feeling
1

What is an I-message?

Saying how you feel without blame.

2
Someone cutting in front of you in line- big, medium or small problem?
small problem
2

I don't feel like doing work today, I have my head resting on my desk and my eyes are closed.  On the bus ride to school I was crying.  What color zone am I?

BLUE


BONUS...what are some strategies I can use to help me stay regulated?

2

I'm excited to watch my favorite TV show after dinner. My TV show is cancelled because the president is giving a speech. I push the buttons on the remote control over and over again trying to find my favorite show. When I can't find it, I throw the remote across the room. Does this reaction demonstrate flexibility?

NO
2

Devin has lived in Florida his entire life and just moved to South Carolina and now goes to school at Knightsville. He doesn’t know anyone. How would you feel if you were Devin?

Respond using empathy

2
What is the formula for an I-message?
When you ___, I feel ____. I would like you to ____.
3
a problem that affects 1-2 people, lasts short amount of time, no danger, you can solve the problem yourself and calm yourself
small problem
3

I am feeling grouchy, my face is burning hot, I got into an argument with my best friend because they wanted to play with someone else during recess.  What color zone am I?

RED


BONUS...What are some things I can do to help calm myself down?

3

I ask the teacher if I can go get a drink of water. The teacher tells me I have to wait until after we are done with this activity. So, I crumble up my paper, fold my arms, mumble under my breath, and refuse to complete my work. Does this show flexibility?

NO

3

Sierra was excited to go to the birthday party, but got in trouble and her mom told her she would not be able to go. How would you feel if you were Sierra?

sad, disappointed, mad

3

Someone takes something from you without asking.

When you take something without asking, it makes me feel disappointed and hurt. Next time, can you please ask me first?

4
problem that impacts a lot of people, not a quick or clear solution, lasts a long time, solution takes a group of people to solve, danger may be involved
big problem
4

1. Excited

2. Sad

3. Mad

4. Happy

4

I have to do my math problem over again because I made a mistake. I tell myself, "It's ok to make a mistake. That's how we learn." I do the math problem over. Is this being flexible?

YES

4

Scott was really excited to see the latest Star Wars movie. But, his brother Joey told him the ending. How does Scott feel? How should Joey respond?

Respond using empathy

4
Someone borrowed your crayon and it was broken when you got it back.
When you return my crayon broken, it makes me feel like you don’t respect my stuff. Next time, please return my things the way they were.
5

Which ones are a big deal and which ones are little deals? a) Your friend believes in the Loch Ness monster, but you do not. b) You are not picked to go first in an activity. c) You stub your toe. d)You break your leg.

A. little

B. little

C. medium

D. BIG

5

1. Excitement

2. Sad (Disappointed)

3. Surprise

5

During recess, we play a game of kickball. When it's my turn, I kick the ball and someone from the other team catches it. The teacher says that I'm out and my team loses the game. What can I do to be flexible?

student response may vary

5

Jasmine got upset when the class didn't get to go outside like they were supposed to. She began to yell and ended up throwing a chair. How do you think rest of the kids in the class feel when they saw Jasmine did this? What could Jasmine have done instead?

Use problem solving and empathy

5
Someone told a lie about you. Someone is playing around and bumps you when you are trying to write.
When you lie, it hurts my feelings. I would like you to tell the truth. When you bumped into me, it made me feel angry. Next time, can you please say sorry?