Introduction

Students often encounter situations where the actions of others can be distracting or annoying. It is important for them to learn how to handle such situations in a calm and polite manner. In this blog post, we will discuss an effective approach for addressing distracting behaviors, using an example of Liz and Madison. We will also provide a no-prep activity, discussion questions, related skills, and next steps for implementing these concepts in your classroom.

No-Prep Activity

Role-Play Scenarios: Pair up students and give them different scenarios where they have to address a distracting behavior. For example, one student is humming loudly while the other is trying to read. The students should practice staying calm, politely asking the person to stop, explaining why it is bothering them, and thanking the person after they stop. After each scenario, students can switch roles. This activity helps students practice their communication skills and reinforces the importance of remaining calm and polite in such situations.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it important to remain calm when addressing someone’s distracting behavior?
2. How can you ensure that your request is polite and respectful when asking someone to stop a distracting behavior?
3. What can you do if the person continues with the distracting behavior after you have asked them to stop?
4. How can practicing these skills benefit the overall classroom environment?
5. Can you think of a time when someone’s actions distracted you? How did you handle the situation?

Related Skills

Developing the ability to address distracting behaviors is closely related to several other important skills:

• Active Listening: Paying attention, showing empathy, and understanding the other person’s perspective are key components of active listening. This skill helps students to better understand the needs of others and respond appropriately.
• Conflict Resolution: Learning to address distracting behaviors is a part of conflict resolution, which involves finding a peaceful and mutually beneficial solution to disagreements or problems.
• Self-Regulation: Managing emotions and staying calm during difficult situations is an essential aspect of self-regulation. Students will develop better self-control and resilience as they practice addressing distracting behaviors.
• Assertiveness: Assertiveness is the ability to express oneself and one’s needs in a clear, respectful, and confident manner. By practicing this skill, students can effectively communicate their concerns without being aggressive or passive.

Next Steps

Helping students develop the ability to address distracting behaviors is an essential part of Social-Emotional Learning. To further support your students in this area, we encourage you to sign up for free samples of the discussed skill and others at Everyday Speech Sample Materials. These resources can assist you in creating a more inclusive, respectful, and productive classroom environment for all your students.