Pause–Plan–Respond
Choose real or fictional examples. Skip private details; never include passwords, medical information or contact details.
Learning goal: Separate a trigger, feeling, possible response and likely consequence.
A feeling can arrive quickly; a response can still be chosen. Imagine a classmate interrupts your idea, your group changes the plan or a game rule seems unfair. You do not have to ignore the feeling. Practice a pause that makes room for a constructive next move.
- Choose one school scenario from the cards.
- Separate the trigger from the feeling.
- Compare two responses and likely results.
- Rehearse one constructive response and a support backup.
1. Scenario cards
Circle one card to investigate. Add a trigger and possible feeling beneath it.
2. Response laboratory
Write the trigger and feeling first. Compare choices rather than judging the feeling.
| Trigger + feeling | Possible choice | Likely consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Choice A | ||
| Choice B | ||
| Constructive choice I select |
Pause–Plan–Respond · Practice & next steps
Continue your ideas from page 1. Write, draw, use symbols or ask someone to scribe. Share only what you choose.
3. Pause, plan, respond
Choose a pause that works for you, then practice your words.
My next step
In a future disagreement, my first pause will be…
Optional stretch · Grades 6–8
Identify a response that protects both your boundary and the group’s goal. Explain an unintended consequence to watch for.