Calm Communication Lines

Introduction (Warm-up)

"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something really important: how we respond when things happen that might make us feel strong emotions, like frustration or anger. Has anyone ever felt that instant urge to say or do something without really thinking it through?"

"It's totally normal to feel that way! Our brains are super fast, but sometimes our 'instant reactions' aren't the best choice. Today, we're going to learn and practice how to be 'Response Ready!' This means we'll learn to pause and think, so we can choose a calm and helpful response."

Introducing 'Pause, Think, Choose!'

"Look at our My Quick Response Guide. We have a super strategy for being 'Response Ready.' It's called Pause, Think, Choose!"

"First, Pause. This means taking a quick breath, maybe counting to three in your head. It gives your brain a chance to catch up with your emotions. Can everyone try a quick silent pause with me? (Pause for 3 seconds)."

"Next, Think. While you're paused, quickly ask yourself: 'What's really happening here?' and 'What do I want to happen next?' Do I want to make things worse, or better?"

"And finally, Choose. This is where you pick a calm, helpful way to respond. It might be with words, or sometimes it might be with an action like walking away or taking another deep breath."

Scenario Discussions (Using My Quick Response Guide Slides)

Scenario 1: Accidental Bump

"Let's look at our first scenario on the My Quick Response Guide. Imagine you're walking in the hallway, and someone accidentally bumps into you. Your impulse reaction might be, 'Hey! Watch it!' But what's a 'Response Ready!' way to handle it?"

"The guide suggests: 'Oh, sorry! Are you okay?' or a simple nod. Why do you think these responses are more helpful than yelling at the person?"

"Exactly! It prevents a small accident from becoming a big problem. It shows empathy."

Scenario 2: Unkind Words

"Now, for a tougher one. Someone says something unkind to you or about you. Your impulse might be to say something mean back, right? But what's our 'Response Ready!' strategy here?"

"The guide suggests: 'That wasn't kind,' or ignoring them and walking away. Why is it powerful to choose not to engage in a back-and-forth argument?"

"That's right. You're taking control of your own feelings and not letting someone else's unkindness dictate your actions. What other calm responses could you use if someone says something unkind?"

Scenario 3: Frustrating Task

"Our last scenario: You're working on something, maybe a math problem or a writing assignment, and you feel super frustrated, like you just want to give up or throw your pencil across the room. What's that impulse telling you to do?"

"And what's our 'Response Ready!' option? The guide suggests: 'I need a moment to think,' or 'Can I get some help with this?' How does a calm response, like asking for help, actually help you succeed in this situation?"

"Fantastic! It helps you get unstuck and shows resilience. Remember, it's okay to feel frustrated, but it's important to choose how you respond to that feeling."

Transition to Game

"You've all shared some excellent insights! Now, it's time to put our 'Pause, Think, Choose' strategy to the test with our Scenario Solution Spin game! This will give us a chance to practice being 'Response Ready!' in a fun way."

Conclusion (Cool-Down)

"Alright, amazing work today, everyone! Before we wrap up, I'd like each of you to share one 'go-to' calm and constructive response that you learned or practiced today. One response you think you can really use in the future."

"Wonderful! Remember, becoming 'Response Ready' is a skill, and like any skill, it gets easier with practice. You are in control of your responses, and by choosing to respond calmly and constructively, you make your day – and the days of those around you – much better. Keep practicing, and I'm proud of your effort today!"

Scenario Solution Spin

Objective

To practice applying the "Pause, Think, Choose" strategy to generate calm and constructive responses in various social scenarios.

Materials

• A spinner with numbers 1-6 OR a 6-sided die.
• Scenario cards (provided below).
• My Quick Response Guide (for reference).

How to Play

1. Set Up: Place the scenario cards face down in a pile. Have the My Quick Response Guide visible for reference.
2. Take Turns: Players take turns spinning the spinner or rolling the die.
3. Draw a Card: The player draws the top scenario card.
4. Encounter the Scenario: Read the scenario aloud.
5. Pause, Think, Choose: The player must then demonstrate or state how they would respond to the scenario using the "Pause, Think, Choose" strategy. They should articulate their thought process if possible.
   • Pause: (e.g., "I'd take a deep breath.")
   • Think: (e.g., "I'd think about what would make this situation better, not worse.")
   • Choose: (e.g., "I'd choose to say...")
6. Group Feedback: The rest of the group and the teacher provide supportive feedback on the chosen response, discussing if it was calm, constructive, and effective. Encourage positive reinforcement and constructive suggestions.
7. Keep Playing: Continue taking turns until all scenarios have been addressed or time runs out.

Scenario Cards

(Cut these out or write them on individual slips of paper)

Scenario Card 1

Your friend accidentally spills water all over your drawing during art class.

Scenario Card 2

Someone in your group project isn't doing their share of the work, and you're worried about your grade.

Scenario Card 3

During a game, another student makes a comment that you feel is unfair or directed at you.

Scenario Card 4

You are trying to explain something, but another student keeps interrupting you and talking over you.

Scenario Card 5

Someone accidentally takes your pencil/pen off your desk, thinking it's theirs.

Scenario Card 6

You are working on a tricky puzzle or brain-teaser and are getting very frustrated because you can't solve it.

Scenario Card 7

Someone tells a joke that you don't find funny and makes you feel uncomfortable.

Scenario Card 8

Your teacher gives you a direction, but you didn't quite understand it, and you feel embarrassed to ask again.

Scenario Card 9

Another student starts complaining loudly about something trivial, and it's distracting you from your work.

Scenario Card 10

You accidentally make a mistake during a class presentation or while answering a question in front of everyone.

Scenario Card 11

Someone cuts in front of you in line, and you were almost at the front.

Scenario Card 12

You disagree strongly with something another student says during a class discussion.