Introduction
Teaching young children the importance of waiting and using safe hands is essential for their social-emotional development. In this blog post, we will discuss how to introduce these concepts to kindergarten students in a fun and engaging way. By learning these skills, children will be better equipped to handle situations where they must wait for something they want and interact positively with their peers.
No-Prep Activity: The Waiting Game
The Waiting Game is a simple activity that requires no preparation or materials from the educator. To play, have the students sit in a circle. Explain that the objective of the game is to practice waiting and using safe hands. One student will start by saying, “I am waiting for…” and name something they would like to wait for, such as a toy, a turn, or an event. The next student will continue with, “I am waiting for…” and name something different. The game continues around the circle until every student has had a chance to practice waiting. Remind the students to keep their hands in their laps (safe hands) while they wait.
Discussion Questions
- How did it feel to wait for your turn during The Waiting Game?
- Why is it important to use safe hands when we are waiting?
- What are some strategies you can use to stay calm when you have to wait?
- How can using safe hands and waiting help us make friends and play well with others?
- What are some situations where you might need to use safe hands and wait?
Related Skills
In addition to waiting and using safe hands, there are other related social-emotional skills that can benefit kindergarten students. These include:
- Sharing: Learning to share toys and materials with others.
- Patience: Developing the ability to tolerate delays and frustrations without getting upset.
- Self-regulation: Managing emotions and behaviors in accordance with social norms.
- Communication: Expressing needs and wants effectively through words and gestures.
- Empathy: Understanding and being sensitive to the feelings of others.
Next Steps
Now that you have a better understanding of how to teach waiting and safe hands to kindergarten students, consider exploring more resources to support their social-emotional learning. Sign up for free samples of various skills and activities at Everyday Speech. By incorporating these valuable lessons into your classroom, you can help your students develop the foundational skills they need for successful social interactions and emotional well-being.
