Counselora · Classroom lesson
Choosing a calming action that helps
Grades 3–5 · Ready-made original
Learning goal
Choose a short pause and one small next step.
Materials
The student page below and a pencil.
Opening question · 3 minutes
“What pause and next step could help?”
A school situation · 5 minutes
A made-up student, Jules, has tried three times to fold a paper shape and it keeps opening. Jules feels frustrated and wants to crumple the paper. The class still has time to work.
One possible response · 4 minutes
Rest hands, then ask to see one fold again.
Practice · 10 minutes
What pause and next step could help?
1. A puzzle has no picture showing the finished shape. Jules feels frustrated.
2. A student is stuck on a drawing and keeps erasing the same line.
Possible answers
1. Pause and ask, “Could I see the picture or try one piece with you?”
2. Set the pencil down briefly, then ask for an example of that line.
Student page · 5 minutes
Use the ready-to-print student page at the end of this lesson. Students may write, draw, or give an answer aloud.
Exit question · 3 minutes
“Choose one of the stories. What could the student say or do first?”
Student page to print
Choosing a calming action that helps
Write, draw, or say your answer. You may pass.
An example
A made-up student, Jules, has tried three times to fold a paper shape and it keeps opening. Jules feels frustrated and wants to crumple the paper. The class still has time to work.
What pause and next step could help?
One possible response: Rest hands, then ask to see one fold again.
1. A puzzle has no picture showing the finished shape. Jules feels frustrated.
What pause and next step could help?
2. A student is stuck on a drawing and keeps erasing the same line.
What pause and next step could help?
One sentence to keep
Choose one story above. Write the first thing the person could say or do.