Introduction

As educators, one of our primary goals is to help students develop the necessary skills to navigate social situations and maintain focus in the classroom. One such skill that is especially important for students in special education is learning how to stay calm and focused when others around them are not following the rules. This skill is a key component of Social-Emotional Learning, and it can significantly impact a student’s ability to succeed in school and beyond. In this blog post, we will discuss an easy, no-prep activity to teach this valuable skill, along with discussion questions and related skills to further support student growth.

No-Prep Activity

This activity, called “Calm in the Storm,” requires no preparation or materials from the educator. To begin, have students sit in a circle. Explain the concept of staying calm and focused when others aren’t following the rules. Then, ask one student to volunteer to be the “Calm Center” of the circle. The Calm Center’s job is to remain focused and serene, despite the distractions around them.

Next, instruct the other students to create distractions, such as talking loudly, tapping their feet, or making other noises. The Calm Center must practice staying calm and focused amidst the chaos. After a few minutes, have the students stop the distractions, and ask the Calm Center how they were able to maintain their composure. Finally, rotate the role of the Calm Center among the students, allowing each of them to practice this valuable skill.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it important to stay calm and focused when others around us are not following the rules?
2. What strategies did you use to remain calm and focused during the “Calm in the Storm” activity?
3. How can staying calm and focused when others aren’t following the rules help you in school and in other social situations?
4. Can you think of a time when you were able to stay calm and focused despite distractions? How did it make you feel?
5. What other situations might require you to stay calm and focused, even when others around you are not?

Related Skills

Teaching students to stay calm and focused when others aren’t following the rules is just one aspect of Social-Emotional Learning. Here are some other related skills that can benefit students in special education:

• Self-regulation: The ability to manage one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in different situations.
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, which can help students better navigate social situations.
• Active listening: Paying close attention to what others are saying, which can improve communication and relationships.
• Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and maintain a positive outlook, even in challenging situations.
• Conflict resolution: The ability to resolve disagreements and find solutions that work for everyone involved.

Next Steps

Teaching students to stay calm and focused when others aren’t following the rules is an essential skill that can greatly impact their success in the classroom and beyond. To help support your students’ growth in this area, we invite you to sign up for free samples of this skill and others related to Social-Emotional Learning. By incorporating these resources into your teaching, you can empower your students to develop the skills they need to thrive in a variety of social situations.