Students discussed and reflected on strategies for dealing with times when they had to wait.
Students responded to an Elephant and Piggie book called "Waiting is not easy!" It was a simple picture book with a message that some things are worth waiting for. Piggie makes the Elephant wait all day to see the stars at night, which is frustrating at first but in the end it's worth the effort and patience. The teacher asked students to reflect upon times when they needed to wait, asked what they did when they were waiting, what thoughts they had, and what they did when they were younger and had to wait. The teacher hoped that students would see that they have more strategies for keeping calm and patient when waiting now that they are older.
Many students agreed that waiting is not easy; they gave many examples, including “waiting for the computer to load.” Some of them said while they were waiting for something, they asked their parents if it was time yet, over and over. Some had good waiting strategies (e.g., do something else) and a few had some thinking strategies they had learned: e.g., think nice thoughts, keep positive (tell myself: it will be my turn soon).
In a safe, supportive environment, I can share my ideas and accomplishments, and accept responsibility for my actions.
I can use strategies that increase my feeling of well-being and help me manage my feelings and emotions. I can connect my actions with both positive and negative consequences. I make decisions about my activities and, with support, take some responsibility for my physical and emotional well-being. I can express my wants and needs and celebrate my efforts and accomplishments.