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: Problem Solving

This weeks lesson:  Inviting Others to Play

Lesson Concepts:

• When you see other kids being left out of play, it is important to notice and have empathy for them.
• Inviting others to play is a caring thing to do.
• Playing with others is a way to get to know them.

Today we are going to listen to a book called Strictly No Elephants.  This is story about a little boy and his  pet elephant who are being left out of the Pet Club.

We are going to use the Problem-Solving Steps to see how the little boy solved his problem.

Say the problem.  The little boy was excluded from the Pet Club because no elephant are allowed.  He sees a little girl with a pet skunk who wasn’t allowed in either.  How do you think that they felt about being left out?

Think of solutions.  The little boy invited the little girl to start their own Pet Club.

Explore consequences.  What could happen if they started their own Pet Club where all were welcome?

Pick the best solution.  They made a lot of new friends.

Today you learned about noticing other children who are not playing with anyone.

• You thought about how it feels to be left out. This is called having empathy.
• You considered inviting other children to play with you.
• You learned that when you play with people, you get to know them.

What are some things you can say to invite others to join in your game?  “Do you want to play?”  “Come and play with us.”

Next time you notice others being left out, invite them to play.