Introduction
In today’s fast-paced world, it is important to teach children the concept of waiting and the importance of using safe hands. Waiting is an essential skill that helps children develop patience and self-control. Safe hands, on the other hand, means keeping our hands to ourselves and not grabbing or touching others inappropriately. By teaching these skills, we empower students to navigate social situations effectively, maintain healthy relationships, and manage their emotions.
No-Prep Activity: The Waiting Game
This simple activity requires no preparation or materials and helps students practice waiting and using safe hands. To begin, have the students stand in a circle. Explain that one student will start by gently tossing an imaginary ball to someone else in the circle. The person who “catches” the ball must wait for three seconds before tossing it to another person. During this time, they should practice using safe hands by keeping their hands to themselves and not reaching for the ball before it is their turn. Encourage students to use calming strategies, like deep breaths or counting, while they wait. Continue the game for several minutes, allowing each student multiple opportunities to practice waiting and using safe hands.
Discussion Questions
- Why is it important to wait our turn and use safe hands in social situations?
- How can we stay calm while waiting for something we want?
- What are some strategies we can use to help us wait patiently?
- How do you think others feel when we use safe hands and wait our turn?
- Can you think of a time when you had to wait for something? How did you handle it?
Related Skills
Teaching students about waiting and safe hands supports the development of several other essential social-emotional skills, such as:
- Self-regulation: Learning to manage emotions and behaviors in various situations.
- Empathy: Understanding and respecting the feelings of others.
- Conflict resolution: Addressing disagreements in a respectful and effective manner.
- Communication: Expressing thoughts and feelings clearly and assertively.
Next Steps
If you’re interested in exploring more activities and resources to teach waiting, safe hands, and other social-emotional skills, sign up for free samples at Everyday Speech. Here, you’ll find a wealth of materials designed to support educators in fostering a positive learning environment and promoting students’ social-emotional growth.
