Minds On
What would you do?
How might people respond to a difficult situation?
Some people might react quickly while others take time to consider what is happening and then react.
Scenario cards
Choose one of the following scenario cards.
Consider the situation. How might a person in each of the scenarios react?
You can record your thinking digitally, orally, or in print.
Pause and Reflect
Pause and reflect
Could the reaction you chose affect others in a negative way? If so, what could be changed to make sure it didn’t?
Record your thoughts using a method of your choice.
Action
Reacting to situations
We can’t always control how we feel about things, but we can control how we react to them!
Self-regulation is when we are able to control the way we react to people and situations. How we react can have negative results or positive results. What happens after we react depends on the reaction we choose.
When we take responsibility for our actions, we take charge of our lives! A simple way to approach a challenging situation is to follow a plan.
The 3-step process
Let’s explore a way to approach difficult situations.
This strategy is a 3-step process that allows for a plan to be made that works towards an appropriate reaction.
The following image displays the 3-step strategy.
Step 1: Situation – what is the event or situation that is happening?
Step 2: Emotion – what is the emotion(s) that I am feeling?
Step 3: Strategy – what can I do to make sure the result is positive?
Let’s examine this process more closely.
Press the tabs to learn about each step.
The situation can be positive or negative.
For example, a positive situation may be if you are successful on a new task at school. A negative situation may be losing a favourite item.
There are many emotions to feel. Sometimes we feel more than one at a time. It helps to recognize how you are feeling when you encounter a situation.
Now that you understand the situation and recognize your emotions, it’s time to deal with the situation.
Pause. Take a breath. Choose a way to respond that will resolve the situation in a positive way.
If you aren’t sure of how to choose a positive solution, ASK!
If you encounter a difficult situation at school, speak to a teacher or coach. If the situation happens at home, speak to an adult you trust. There are also agencies available to help you decide by telephone or online.
Try It
Try it out!
Apply the 3-step process to the following scenario to achieve a positive outcome!
Scenario
Student A can’t seem to find their favourite pencil case. They checked inside their desk and all around the classroom – even outside during recess. They notice that Student B is using a glitter pen just like the one they had in their pencil case.
What would you tell Student A to do to resolve the situation in a positive way?
Record your thinking using a method of your choice.
My strategies
There are many strategies you can use to ensure things end positively.
Choose 4 of the following strategies that you could use when faced with a challenging situation.
| think about something funny | take 10 deep breaths |
| count backwards from 10 to 0 | sit quietly and relax my muscles |
| take a break away from the situation | put a puzzle together |
| talk it out with someone you trust | have a snack |
| use putty | exercise |
Pause and Reflect
Pause and reflect
If you are in a situation where you find yourself feeling angry, what can you do to manage your anger? If you need help, who can you ask for help?
Record your thinking using a method of your choice.
Joe’s reaction
Consider how Joe reacts to not getting what he wants in the following How Do You Feel? video.
What other options did Duane offer to help Joe resolve the situation in a positive way?
How did Joe’s reaction affect himself and others?
Record your responses using a method of your choice.
It happens online too!
Situations happen online just like they do in-person. One difference is that online situations can sometimes be anonymous – you may not know who you are chatting to or playing a game with.
To be safe online, complete the following steps when a difficult situation arises:
- stop the chat or game and tell an adult
- use privacy tools
- if it is someone you know, follow up in person
How you react to things applies to online situations as well.
Have a plan or strategy in place to help you resolve issues in a positive way. You can use the same 3-step process we learned about for online situations:
SITUATION – EMOTION – STRATEGY
Pause and Reflect
Pause and reflect
If someone does something online that you disagree with or that is intrusive, what could you do?
Record your thoughts using a method of your choice.
Consolidation
Game on!
“Duck, Duck, Goose” is a game played by younger students. This game promotes self-regulation by having them wait their turn to be chosen. Having to wait for their turn allows students to practise skills that develop patience.
Task
Create a game that promotes self-regulation.
Consider the strategies discussed and design a simple game that encourages students to practise the skill you’ve chosen.
You may share your game in digital, audio, or print form.
Reflection
As you read through these descriptions, which sentence best describes how you are feeling about your understanding of this learning activity? Press the button that is beside this sentence.
I feel…
Now, record your ideas using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.