Every Friday Division 9 & 10 get together to work on Second Step. Second Step is a program that teaches children skills for social and academic success.

Our topic is:  Emotional Management.

This weeks lesson:  Handling Waiting.

Lesson concepts:

• Calming Down Steps can help you manage feeling excited or impatient while waiting
• Finding quiet things to do that won’t distract others also helps you wait

Here is a story about waiting:

Piggy has a surprise for Gerald. But he’s going to have to wait, and wait, and…..wait some more.

He is supposed to be waiting quietly, but he just can’t stay still!

Think, turn, tell: How does Gerald feel?  Is he excited?

Excited is a strong feeling? Does Gerald need to calm down?

Calm_Down_Poster

Let’s use the poster to help Gerald:

First, put your hands on your tummy. Say “Stop! I am feeling excited.”

Now practice the Calm-Down Steps.

• Take some deep, slow breaths that make your belly move out.
• Counting also helps you calm down.  Let’s practice counting backward from 10.
• Use positive self-talk (“I can be patient” “I can wait”).

Think, turn, tell: What is something quiet Gerald could do while he waits that would not distract others?

Here are some ideas:

• Make up a story in your head. Make sure you give lots of details about the main character.
• If you have paper and crayons, draw a picture for a friend.
• Count and sort your toys.

When you have to wait and you are excited or impatient, it can be very hard. What can help you wait? Calming down. Using self-talk. Think about something else. Or do something that will not distract others. If we all know how to wait calmly, it helps everyone!

Remember to go to Ms. Quin’s Blog for week five of music and movement activities.

http://sd41blogs.ca/quin-music/