What should I do?

You're working on a math problem and can't figure out the answer. You've tried three times and feel like giving up. You can feel your face getting hot and your hands starting to ball into fists. What would be the BEST way to handle this situation? Choose the most appropriate response:

• Crumple up your paper and throw it

• Use your calm-down strategies (deep breathing, counting) and raise your hand for help

• Put your head down and refuse to work

• Yell out "This is too hard!"

During recess, someone cuts in front of you in line for the slide. You were waiting patiently, and now you feel angry. What should you do first?

• Push them out of the way

• Take three deep breaths and calmly tell them you were in line first

• Start crying and run away

• Yell at them immediately

Your group is working on a project, but no one is listening to your ideas. You feel ignored and upset. Choose the best response:

• Stop participating and play with your pencil instead

• Use your "I feel" statement: "I feel frustrated when I can't share my ideas"

• Take the group materials and work alone

• Tell the teacher your group is mean

The teacher announces it's time to switch from your favorite activity to math. You're not finished with what you're doing and feel anxious about changing tasks. What's the most helpful response?

• Hide under your desk

• Use your break card and take 5 deep breaths at the calm-down corner

• Keep working and ignore the teacher

• Start arguing with the teacher

During a test, you notice your heart beating faster and your thoughts getting jumbled. You're having trouble focusing on the questions. What should you do?

• Look at your neighbor's paper for answers

• Use your visualization technique (happy place) and take slow breaths

• Start doodling on your test paper

• Leave the room without permission

Your regular teacher is absent, and the substitute is doing things differently than you're used to. The change in routine is making you feel nervous and frustrated. What's the best way to handle this?

• Tell the substitute they're doing everything wrong

• Use your coping skills (deep breathing), and remember it's just for today

• Leave the classroom without permission

• Refuse to follow any of the substitute's directions

The cafeteria is extra noisy today, and you're feeling overwhelmed by all the sounds. Your hands are covering your ears. What should you do?

• Start screaming to block out the noise

• Use your break pass to go to your designated quiet space

• Throw your food on the floor

• Run out of the cafeteria

Your partner keeps erasing your work because they think their way is better. You can feel yourself getting angry. What's the most appropriate response?

• Grab the paper and rip it up

• Take a deep breath and explain how you feel using "I" statements

• Start erasing their work in revenge

• Tell everyone not to be their partner anymore

You can't find your favorite pencil that you need for the assignment. You feel panic starting to build up. What should you do first?

• Accuse someone of stealing it

• Use your calming strategies and ask to borrow one while you look

• Refuse to do any work without your pencil

• Dump out your entire desk in frustration

The computer program you're using keeps freezing, and you're getting really frustrated because you might lose your work. What's the best way to handle this?

• Hit the computer keyboard

• Raise your hand calmly and ask for teacher help

• Start crying and give up

• Yell at the computer