Can I Handle This or Do I Need Backup?
TARGET:
6-8 years
INTENSITY:
15–20 min / 2x per week
LEARNING GOAL
Developing Emotional Awareness When Interacting with Others
PEDAGOGICAL INTENTION
Finding Solutions Based on Everyone's Emotions
Target SKILLS
Socio-emotional Intelligence
Co-Intelligence Human-Human
Agency and Autonomy
Complex Reasoning
Critical Thinking
MATERIALS
Decision tree poster
Scenario cards
DETAILED PROCEDURE
Gather the whole group together in a circle for this activity. Explain calmly to the children: "Part of growing up is knowing which problems you can solve yourself and which ones need an adult."
Step 1
Teach the decision tree: Is anyone in danger? → Get an adult immediately. Is it a misunderstanding? → Try solving it together first. Has it happened more than once? → It's time to involve an adult.
Step 2
Apply to 6 scenarios.
Step 3
Say gently to the children: "Getting an adult when you need one is not tattling. It's smart problem-solving."
Step 4
Key distinction: telling to get someone in trouble vs. telling to keep someone safe.
Step 5
Step 6
Step 7
Step 8
Step 9
Step 10
PROGRESS INDICATORS
The child correctly applies the decision tree to 6/6 scenarios.
The child explains the difference between tattling and reporting.
The child uses the decision tree independently in a real situation.