Introduction

Asking for permission is an essential skill that young children need to learn in order to develop positive social interactions and relationships. By teaching PreK students the importance of seeking permission before using items or participating in activities, educators can help them understand the value of respecting others and their belongings. This blog post will explore a simple, no-prep activity for teaching the skill of asking for permission, along with discussion questions and related skills to further enhance the learning experience.

No-Prep Activity

This activity, called “May I Use It?”, requires no preparation or materials from the educator. It is designed to help students practice asking for permission in a safe and controlled environment. Follow these steps to conduct the activity:

1. Ask the students to sit in a circle, with the educator sitting among them.
2. Begin by explaining the importance of asking for permission before using someone else’s belongings or participating in certain activities.
3. Choose an object in the classroom, such as a book, a toy, or a piece of equipment. Hold it up and ask one of the students, “May I use this [object]?”
4. After receiving permission from the student, demonstrate using the object appropriately and then return it to its place.
5. Continue the activity by passing the object to the next student in the circle, encouraging them to ask the same question and wait for permission before using it.
6. Repeat the process until all students have had a turn to ask for permission and use the chosen object.

By practicing this skill in a group setting, students will become more comfortable with the concept of asking for permission and learn to respect the belongings and wishes of their peers and educators.

Discussion Questions

After completing the “May I Use It?” activity, use these discussion questions to further engage the students and reinforce the importance of asking for permission:

1. Why is it important to ask for permission before using someone else’s belongings or participating in an activity?
2. How did it feel when someone asked for your permission to use the object? How did it feel when you asked for permission from others?
3. Can you think of a time when you didn’t ask for permission and it caused a problem? What could you have done differently?
4. What are some other situations where you might need to ask for permission?
5. How can asking for permission help you build positive relationships with your classmates and teachers?

Related Skills

Teaching the skill of asking for permission is just one aspect of social-emotional learning. Other related skills that can help students develop strong social-emotional competencies include:

• Active listening
• Respecting personal boundaries
• Sharing and taking turns
• Empathy and understanding others’ feelings
• Conflict resolution and problem-solving

Next Steps

Now that you have learned about the importance of teaching the skill of asking for permission, we encourage you to explore other social-emotional learning activities and resources. To get started, sign up for free samples of various skills and activities designed for students of all ages. By incorporating these skills into your curriculum, you can help your students develop the tools they need to navigate the complexities of social interactions and build healthy relationships throughout their lives.