Respect Reflection Prompts

Use these questions to think deeply about a recent challenging interaction and explore how you can practice respect and self-management. Take your time with each response.

1. Describe a recent moment when you felt disrespected or found it hard to show respect. What happened?

1. What emotions did you experience during that moment? How did these feelings influence your reaction?

1. Identify the behaviors (both yours and the other person’s) that contributed to respect or disrespect in this situation.

1. What personal triggers emerged for you? Was there a specific word, action, or tone that escalated your reaction?

1. If you could go back and choose a different response, what two respectful actions or words might you use instead?

1. Which self-management strategy (e.g., pause and count to five, deep breathing, walking away) will you practice next time? Why do you think it will help?

1. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes: What feelings or needs might they have had in that moment? How can social awareness guide your next interaction?

1. Write a personal commitment statement: One respectful action you’ll practice and one self-management strategy you will use when you feel challenged.

One-on-One Coaching Script (10 minutes)

Teacher: “Thank you for taking the time to reflect. Now we’re going to dig into what happened and practice strategies that can help you stay respectful and calm.”

1. Identify Triggers & Emotions
   Teacher: “Let’s start by looking at your reflection. You wrote that you felt [insert student’s emotion, e.g., ‘frustrated’] when [student’s situation reminder]. Can you tell me more about what exactly triggered that feeling?”
   • If student hesitates: “Was it a particular word, tone of voice, or action that caught you off-guard?”
   • Follow-up: “How did your body feel in that moment? Where did you notice the tension?”
2. Connect Triggers to Self-Management Strategies
   Teacher: “Now that we’ve named the trigger, let’s think about what could help you in that spot. What could you do the moment you notice that same trigger again?”
   • Prompt ideas if needed: “You might try pausing and counting to five, taking three deep breaths, or stepping back for a moment.”
   • Teacher (modeling): “For example, I might say to myself, ‘Stop. Breathe. Then I’ll choose my words.’ How might you word that for yourself?”
3. Brainstorm Respectful Responses
   Teacher: “Next, let’s pick one respectful action or phrase you could use when you feel triggered. What comes to mind?”
   • Encourage two options: “Maybe you want to say, ‘I feel upset right now. Could we pause for a minute?’ Or you could choose to listen quietly until you calm down.”
   • Follow-up: “Which of those feels most natural for you? Why?”
4. Role-Play Scenario
   Teacher: “Let’s practice. I’ll play the other person, and you’ll practice your respectful response. Remember to use your calming strategy before you speak.”
   • Teacher (as peer): “You’re always failing; why can’t you just get it right?”
   • Student: “[Pause/breathing] I feel [emotion] when I hear that. Could we talk about what went wrong?”
   • Teacher: “Great—nice calm tone. Let’s switch. I’ll try your strategy next.”
   • Repeat as needed with gentle coaching between tries.
5. Reflect on the Role-Play
   Teacher: “How did that feel? What was easy or hard about pausing and using your phrase?”
   • Follow-up: “What might you adjust next time to make it even smoother?”

Teacher (Transition to Commitment): “You did an excellent job working through this. Let’s move to your Commitment Card and capture the respectful action and self-management strategy you want to practice.”

Commitment Card

You’ve reflected and practiced respectful responses. Now capture your personal commitment below.

1. Respectful Action I Will Practice:

2. Self-Management Strategy I Will Use:

3. My Signature: ______________________ Date: __________