These four simple steps help very young students learn to manage their anger and avoid conflict.
1. Stop.
2. Say.
3. Think.
4. Choose.
Step 1. Stop
When you notice that you are feeling angry, you need to stop what you are doing. Say whatever it takes to stop the action and give you a chance to talk it out.
Examples:
Say: "Stop", or "Wait, let's talk about this", or "Hey, let's stop and talk."
Step 2. Say
This step means that both people get a chance to say how they feel and what they need in order to feel better.
Examples:
The person who wants a crayon could say, 'I feel angry when I can't have the crayon. I need the crayon to finish my picture.' The person who has the crayon could say, 'I feel angry when I am using the crayon and someone takes it. I need to finish my drawing.'
Step 3. Think
In this step, you need to think of at least three things you could do to fix the problem.
Examples: * They could share the crayon. One person could finish using it and then give it to the other. * They could find another crayon. * Someone could use a different color crayon.
Step 4. Choose
In this step, you and your partner choose a solution that you both agree will work and do it.
Examples:
Let's say that in the crayon problem they decide to find another crayon. How might that sound?