Help, Space, or Just Be There?
TARGET:
6-8 years
INTENSITY:
20 min / 2x per week
LEARNING GOAL
Developing Emotional Awareness When Interacting with Others
PEDAGOGICAL INTENTION
Identifying Others' Emotions
Target SKILLS
Socio-emotional Intelligence
Co-Intelligence Human-Human
MATERIALS
Scenario cards
Three-response menu cards
DETAILED PROCEDURE
This activity works best one-on-one, or with one child at a time within a small group. Explain calmly to the child: "When someone is upset, there are three main things you can offer: help, space, or just your presence. Getting it right matters."
Step 1
Use these scenarios: someone crying alone / someone snapping at everyone / someone quiet and withdrawn.
Step 2
For each: what does this person probably need - help (doing something), space (stepping back), or presence (being near without speaking)?
Step 3
Say gently to the child: "The most important thing isn't doing the right thing - it's reading what's actually needed."
Step 4
Practice asking: "Do you want help, space, or company?"
Step 5
Step 6
Step 7
Step 8
Step 9
Step 10
PROGRESS INDICATORS
The child correctly identifies the appropriate response for 4/5 scenarios.
The child uses the 'help, space, or company?' question in a real situation.
The child stops themselves from defaulting to one response for all situations.