We have been working with the children on how to take initiative and be a positive member of our school environment. Our goal is to prepare the children to be good citizens in our Roth community and when they go out into the community in which they live.



Following Instructions

1. Look at the person.
2. Say “Okay”
3. Do what you’ve been asked right away.
4. Check back
Example:
Parent: “Bill please take your shower and get ready for bed.”
Bill: “Okay”
Bill: “Mom I took my shower and I am ready for bed.”
Parent: “Great job! Now you may watch your television show.”



Accepting Criticism or a Consequence

1. Look at the person.
2. Say “Okay”
3. Stay calm.
Criticism Example:
Teacher: “Tammy I am so glad that you wanted to turn your report in early. However I know it could be a little neater. Why don’t you take the next few days and turn it in with your neatest handwriting.”
Tammy: “Okay” (staying calm)



Accepting a Consequence

1. Look at the person.
2. Say “Okay.”
3. Stay calm.

Example:
Teacher: “Melanie, you were using class time to write a note to your friend. A better choice would have been to work on your assignment. Now you will be walking for 5 minutes during recess, while thinking of how to better use your class time.”
Melanie: (staying calm) “Okay.”



Greeting Others

1. Look at the person.
2. Use a pleasant voice.
3. Say “hi”, “Hello”, or use appropriate greeting.

Teaching children not to talk to strangers is important. However, it is also important to teach children how to greet others. Greeting someone with a pleasant voice may be the best part of that person’s day.
Mrs. Garcia: “Good Morning”
Alison: “Good Morning Mrs. Garcia”. (Look at the person and use a pleasant voice)



Disagreeing Appropriately

1. Look at the person.
2. Use a pleasant voice.
3. Tell why you feel differently.
4. Give a reason.
5. Listen to the other person.

Sally: Okay at recess we have to practice our jump rope routine meet me by the playground.
Mindy: Sally I would like to play something else today. We have been practicing everyday for 2 weeks, and I really want to play hopscotch today instead.
Sally: Well, I guess that is okay. I just really want to get it down perfect. What if we practice every other day?
Mindy: I think that is fair. I’ll meet you tomorrow so we can practice. Would you like to play hopscotch with us?



Accepting “No” for an Answer

1. Look at the person.
2. Say “Okay.”
3. Stay Calm
4. If you disagree, ask later.

Example:
Child: “Mom, may I please have some ice cream?”
Parent: “No, you will spoil your appetite for dinner.”
Child: “Okay”
Child: “ Mom I ate my dinner and I cleared my plate from the table. May I please have some ice cream for desert?”



Getting the Teacher’s Attention

1. Look at the teacher.
2. Raise your hand and stay calm.
3. Wait until the teacher says your name.
4. Ask your question.

Mrs. Dean: Does anyone have any questions?
Sally: Looks at the teacher raising her hand staying calm, quiet and seated.
Mrs. Dean: Yes Sally, what is your question?
Sally: (hearing her name) May we work with a partner?



Having a Conversation

1. Look at the person.
2. Use a pleasant voice.
3. Listen to what the other person says.
4. When there is a break in the conversation, ask a question or share your thoughts.

Remember when having a conversation it is about listening and responding. It is not only an opportunity to be heard, but also an opportunity to listen and learn from others.

Example:
Blair: “Hi Arianna. How was your weekend?”
Arianna: “I had such a good weekend! I went to the museum and saw lots of interesting things like bones, mummies and artifacts.”
Blair: “I like going to the museum too. I always learn something new when I visit, maybe we could go together sometime.”
Arianna: “That would be great! See you later.”



Making an Apology

1. Look at the person.
2. Use a serious voice, sincere voice.
3. Say, “I’m sorry for or “I want to apologize for.”
4. Explain how you plan to do better in the future.
5. Say “Thanks for listening”

Example:
Michael: “Sara, I’m sorry for hurting your feelings. I am going to work on saying nice things, or nothing at all. Thank you for listening.”