2nd Grade Lesson: Assertiveness

We started a new lesson in 2nd grade today! We are learning about assertiveness with a program called "Be Cool." The materials use the words "hot," "cold," and "cool" as kid-friendly terms for aggressive, passive, and assertive. (I did not emphasize the official words a great deal during the lesson, so if you ask your child what assertiveness is, they may give you a blank look. :)) The program also uses the symbol of putting on sunglasses to help you act, look, and think "cool."

We watched a short video clip about two boys who have a conflict in the classroom, and demonstrate what it means to act hot, cold, and cool. Then we discussed the video and why it works best if we try to act cool. We also did a group activity to sort out specific characteristics of being hot, cold, and cool. The classes today did a great job identifying why it is good for us to act cool- I was really impressed with the ideas they shared!

The "Be Cool" program does not go into details over how to calm yourself down when you are mad- it mostly shows the kids taking slow breaths, thinking the problems through, and then using the "cool" strategies listed below. To calm down initially, the students may use some of the ideas from our last lesson about things to do when they feel sad/mad/or bad, like think of happy things, sing a song in their heads, count to 10, tell themselves something positive, take a vacation in their imaginations, etc.

Assertiveness is a skill that will serve our children well throughout their lives in school, at work, in relationships, and with peers. I tried to communicate to the kids that it does not only come into play when we are angry or during a conflict, it also can be part of our daily communication and interaction with people over simple things. The program does emphasize that if you are in danger, you should leave the area immediately and get help from a grown-up (not use the "cool" ideas).

If you'd like an overview, here are the phrases that were part of the sorting task!

HOT
Yell
Hit or kick
Fight or argue
Say disrespectful words
Threaten
Make a mean face
Think that if you do not fight back, you are a wimp
Throw, slam, or break things
Say things like “You are always mean! You never listen to me! It is all your fault!”

COLD
Give up

Don’t say anything
Head down
Eyes looking at the ground
Think there is nothing you can do
Think “Poor me, why does this always happen?”
Mutter or talk too quietly so no one can understand you
Act super sad
Don’t answer people when they try to help your or ask you questions

COOL
Take slow breaths
Stay calm
Talk respectfully
Listen to the other person
Apologize
Suggest taking a break or doing something else
Explain your side
Try to make things right and fix the problem
Say things like “I feel sad when you call me names. Please stop.”

As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to let me know anytime. I will see Ray, Frith, Hamner, Johnson, Singley, Horst, Smelley, Phillips, and Bowlin's classes this week. All other 2nd grade classes will take place next week.

Thank you for reading! We are glad you are here!