Fun with Character: Be A STAR
Stop, Think, And then React is what the acronym stands for.
Explain that sometimes when we lack self-control, we do not stop a moment to consider our reactions. Later, we often regret our response. Taking a little time to think first can save embarrassment later. To practice this thinking, divide the class into small groups. Each group will create a “quiz” for a different group. They will create a scenario that describes an event that someone can react to appropriately or inappropriately. They will then give a good and a bad reaction. Give an example to get them started, such as: When Stella was putting on her coat, she knocked over a few books on the top of a stack of books on her desk. A good reaction would be to pick them up and move on. A bad reaction would be to knock over the rest of the books. Some options for this exercise would be having each group write out a scenario, role-play the scenario, or sketch the scenario. When the activity is completed, remind them to always “Be a S.T.A.R.!!
To process this activity, ask these or similar questions:
Was it fun to write up these quizzes?
Did you start with a bad reaction or a good reaction to write your quiz?
Did you think anyone would choose the bad reaction?
When you have time to think about something calmly, would anyone ever choose the bad reaction?
Do you think the examples that you saw in this exercise will help you remember to be a S.T.A.R.?