In our recent What’s the Buzz lessons, students have been exploring the important skills of sharing and taking turns, two foundational behaviours that help children build trust, strengthen friendships, and navigate social situations with confidence. These skills help children develop empathy, strengthen relationships, build fairness and trust and grow resilience. As children practise these behaviours, they begin to understand that communities function best when everyone feels valued and respected.
HOW WE'RE LEARNING THESE SKILLS
During the lesson, students engaged in discussions and activities that encouraged them to reflect on what successful sharing looks and feels like. They explored questions such as:
- · How can we make sure everyone enjoys the activity?
- · What can we say if we would like a turn?
- · How do we show kindness and fairness when others want the same thing we do?
Through role-play, stories, and guided practice, students gained a clearer understanding of how to share time, materials, and space in ways that feel good for everyone.
USING ASSERTIVE COMMUNICATIONS
A key part of the lesson focused on assertive communication by helping students learn to speak up for themselves using care, strength, and poise.
Students role played:
- · Using clear, confident words
- · Making requests politely but firmly
- · Setting respectful boundaries
- · Expressing needs without hurting others’ feelings
This skill is essential not only for sharing and turn-taking, but also for navigating misunderstandings or moments of frustration.
WHEN THINGS DON'T GO AS EXPECTED
Even with the best intentions, challenges happen. Someone forgets to share, a turn feels too short, or a game doesn’t unfold the way a child imagined. Some strategies for these moments may include:
- · Taking deep breaths to calm down
- · Asking for help from a trusted adult
- · Using assertive words such as, “I’m still using that,” or “Can I have a turn when you’re finished?”
- · Remembering that problems can be solved when we stay calm and kind
Amy Parker
JUNIOR SCHOOL CURRICULUM & INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
