What's Your PROBLEM?!

It's the middle of Drama and Ms. S is directing friends on stage. Your pencil has rolled under the risers. You should...

• Go through the back of the risers and crawl underneath to get it.

• Wait until we transition to games or until after class to get the pencil.

• Raise your hand until Ms. S calls on you.

• Loudly state your pencil has run off.

Answer explanation

If it's the middle of Drama, we do not need a pencil. Your pencil can wait for a transition off the risers or- better yet- it can wait until after class.

Another teacher has come in to get some friends for testing. We must pause our activity to let them out. While you wait to continue, you should...

• Sigh loudly and roll your eyes... can we hurry this up already?

• Start talking to your neighbor about your day.

• Get out a book and read.

• Continue focusing on Ms. S becuase she's still teaching, even if there is a pause.

Answer explanation

Interruptions will happen. We need to treat these like transitions. Remember CPR, especially the R (refocus)!

The Music class is working on drums, and we can hear it through the walls. You should...

• Do your best to ignore the distractions and focus on Drama.

• Raise your hand and ask Ms. S "WHAT'S THAT??!?!"

• Pretend you have a potty emergency, take the pass and go peek through the Music window.

• Start clapping along with that crazy, funky beat!

Answer explanation

Music class is noisy. We are also noisy in here! It's important to do our best to focus on DRAMA noise, not MUSIC noise.

We are in Drama circle and we have just finished our lesson activity. Ms. Salais says it's time for pack up and line up procedure. You should...

• Quietly begin walking to the risers and get your stuff.

• Talk to your neighbor quietly until Ms. S calls your riser.

• Have a nap.

• Quietly wait for Ms. S to call your riser before walking to your spot.

Answer explanation

Being quiet is always good (unless we're performing)! Remember, Ms. S will start ALL transition. Waiting at a level zero voice for instructions will always result in good class flow.

You just sat down for Drama class. You look at your pencil, and you're not sure if you should ask to exchange it for a new one. Which of these might pencils need to be exchanged?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Speaking of pencils, which do you think are appropriate for class use?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Answer explanation

A pencil that is shorter than your pointer finger can probably be retired. Take it home or throw it out. You can use mechanical pencils, but if you play with them I will not allow you to use them.

It's almost time for Drama. You go to your cubby and realize you forgot to give your friend their eraser after you borrowed it. You should...

• Wait until a passing period or recess to give it back.

• Take it to Drama, ask Ms. S for the pass during games and go find your friend.

• Keep it, MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

• Call the police and turn yourself in, you CRIMINAL!

We're watching a video, and suddenly you get the feeling you're... urp... going to throw up. You should...

• Raise your hand (if you can) and say you're going to barf.

• Try to hold it in...

• Jump off the risers and run out the door.

• Carefully step off the risers and barf in the trash.

The kids sitting in front of you keep talking to each other. Every time Ms. S turns around, they stop. When she looks back at the stage, they talk again! You should...

• Whisper to them they should be quiet.

• Ignore them.

• Raise your and and tell Ms. S what's happening.

• Yell "Stop Talking!"

Answer explanation

Mind

YOUR

Own

Business

A kid in your class keeps making faces at you, poking you with a pencil and trying to distract you. You should...

• Throw something at them.

• Tell them to stop.

• Raise your hand and report to Ms. S you are being bothered.

• Try to ignore them.

Answer explanation

Ignoring people is a sure way to get them to stop being annoying, but one of my rules is we respect each other. If someone is bothering you ON PURPOSE, you can tell me if you're not able to tune them out.