Bus Boss Teacher Guide Bus Boss
Teacher Guide
Time
10 Minutes
Audience
Elementary
Objective
Self-Control
Why This Lesson Matters
The school bus is a high-energy environment where safety is paramount. By teaching the "Circle of Control," we empower students to manage their own actions—like staying seated and speaking quietly—regardless of external distractions or delays. This reduces conflict and keeps everyone safe.
Materials Needed
Bus Boss Slides (with video link)
Bus Boss Quiz (1 per student)
Pencils
Approach
Restorative Practices & Active Learning: Focusing on personal responsibility and community safety through guided reflection.
Step & Time Teacher Actions & Prompts 01
Introduction
2 mins
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Hook the students by asking: "Who has ever felt frustrated when the bus is late or someone is being loud?"
Introduce the **Circle of Control**: "We can't control the bus route or the weather, but we can control ourselves. Today we're learning how to be the 'Boss' of our own behavior."
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02
Video Viewing
3 mins
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Play the **Circle of Control Activity For Kids** video from the slide deck.
"As you watch, think about one thing the video mentions that you can use on the bus tomorrow morning."
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03
Discussion
3 mins
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Guided Questions:
What are things we **can't** change on the bus? (Route, traffic, weather, other kids' words).
What **can** we control? (Our volume, staying in our seat, our hands).
How does focusing on our own circle help the bus driver?
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04
Quiz & Closure
2 mins
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"Now, let's see what you remember about staying in your control circle."
Distribute the **Bus Boss Quiz**. Collect for review to check for understanding.
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Bus Boss Quiz Bus Boss Quiz
Circle of Control Edition
Name:
Date:
1
Which of the following is something you can control on the bus?
The bus route
Staying seated
The weather
2
What should you focus on to have a safe bus ride?
Things you cannot change
Things you can control
Everything around you
Be a Bus Boss
Draw one way you show self-control while sitting in your bus seat.
Bus Boss Answer Key Bus Boss
Answer Key
1
Which of the following is something you can control on the bus?
Staying seated
Incorrect options: The bus route, The weather (these are external factors).
2
What should you focus on to have a safe bus ride?
Things you can control
Incorrect options: Things you cannot change, Everything around you (this leads to anxiety/distraction).
Grading Tip
The drawing section on the student quiz is for qualitative assessment. Look for drawings that show the student sitting properly, keeping hands to self, or using a "quiet mouth." Use this to start a quick individual conversation with students who might struggle with bus behavior.
Bus Boss Slides Be a...
BUS BOSS
"Mastering the Circle of Control on your ride to school."
What's in your circle?
Inside
Everything YOU choose to do and say.
Outside
Things you can't change, like the bus route or other people.
Watch & Learn
Pay attention to how the circle works!
Embedded media
Think: How does this help us on the bus?
The Bus Brainstorm
Bus Route
Traffic
Weather
YOUR CHOICES
Quiet Voice
Safe Hands
Staying Seated
Your Mission
Next time you're on the bus, remember:
YOU are the boss of your circle!