Grumble Free Teacher Guide
Teacher Resource
Grumble Free Crew
Teaching emotional acceptance and flexibility (Pre-K to K)
Duration: 20-25 Mins
Group: Circle Time
Core Objectives
- • Identify feelings of disappointment when they don't get their first choice.
- • Practice the phrase: "You get what you get and you don't get upset!"
- • Demonstrate positive behaviors (smiling, saying "okay", continuing to play).
Preparation Checklist
- A classroom puppet named "Grumby" (or any standard hand puppet).
- One blue crayon and one red crayon.
- Printed copies of the Classroom Activity Cards.
- The Grumble Free Anchor Chart posted on the wall.
The Hook: "Meet Grumby" (5-7 Mins)
Bring out the puppet (Grumby) looking very slouchy, hiding behind your back or looking down at the ground.
Teacher: "Boys and girls, this is my friend Grumby. Grumby, can you say hello?"
Grumby: (Sighs heavily, mutters in a grumbly voice) "No. I'm too grumpy. I don't want to talk right now."
Teacher: "Oh dear! Grumby, what happened? Why are you so sad?"
Grumby: "We were coloring pictures, and I wanted the RED crayon. But Miss Sarah handed me the BLUE crayon instead! It's not fair! I wanted red! My whole day is ruined!"
Teacher: "Grumby, getting a different color is disappointing, but is your whole day really ruined? What do you think, class?"
Ask the class: "Have you ever wanted one thing, but got something else instead? How did it feel?" Let 2-3 children answer, then acknowledge their feelings (it is okay to feel sad or mad!).
Teacher Tip: Make it Alive!
Give Grumby an exaggerated "grumble voice" and dramatic movements. Let him throw a tiny, funny "puppet temper-tantrum" by spinning around or shaking his head. Pre-K kids respond wonderfully to physical comedy, which helps them see how silly overreacting looks in a safe, humorous way.
Grumble Free Crew • Instruction & Practice Page 2 of 2
Direct Instruction: The Secret Phrase (5 Mins)
Introduce the anchor chart strategy. Point to the three visual steps as you teach them to Grumby and the class:
1
Deep Breath
In like a flower, out like a candle.
2
Say The Phrase
"You get what you get & don't get upset!"
3
Keep Playing
Smile and find something fun to do.
Teach the chant with movements:
- "You get what you get..." (Hold hands open in front like receiving a small gift)
- "...and you don't get upset!" (Put hands on hips and shake head with a big, playful smile)
Guided Practice: The "Accept or Grumble" Game (10 Mins)
Use the printed Classroom Activity Cards. Show a card to the children and Grumby. For each scenario, ask: "Is this a time to GRUMBLE, or is this a time to ACCEPT?"
Scenario A
"We get green cups at snack time, but we wanted purple."
Have children lead Grumby: "Deep breath... Chant... Smile and drink your juice!"
Scenario B
"We sit at the yellow star table, but we wanted the blue triangle table."
Ask children: "What can we say to Grumby to help him feel okay?"
Closing & Cool-Down (3 Mins)
Wrap up by having children complete the "Happy Helper Heart" coloring and reflection page at their tables. As they work, walk around and ask: "What do we say when we don't get our favorite color?" Encourage them to repeat the chant.
Common Pitfalls
Children might think feeling sad is forbidden. Remind them: "It's completely okay to feel disappointed! But we can keep our bodies calm and still be kind friends."
Differentiation
For younger students: Use colored cards to visual-cue. For older K students: Have them act out scenarios and give Grumby advice in their own words.
Grumble Free Classroom Activities
Name:
Date:
PRE-K & K
Grumble Free Badge
Trace the magic words, color the shield, and practice being a calm leader!
I am a Helper!
I get what I get,
and... and I don't get upset!
Circle the face of a Grumble-Free leader!
Angry
Okay & Happy
Screaming
Parent & Teacher Note: Keep this shield posted somewhere visible. Use the rhyme at dinner or transitions to gently redirect disappointments before they turn into tantrums.
PAGE 1
Classroom Activity Cards Page 2 of 2
Activity Guide: Cut & Play
Cut along the dashed lines to make 4 situation cards. Hold a card up during circle time. Ask students to practice taking a breath, pointing to the card, and chanting: "You get what you get and you don't get upset!"
Snack Time
Green Cup
The Green Cup
"I wanted the purple cup today, but Miss Sarah handed me a green cup."
Free Play
The Toy Truck
"The red truck is being used. I have to play with the little blue truck instead."
Seating
The Star Table
"I wanted to sit at the flower table, but my name tag is on the star table."
Art Center
The Brown Paper
"We ran out of shiny white drawing paper. I got a sheet of brown construction paper."
Grumble Free Crew • Student Activity Packet PAGE 2
Grumble Free Anchor Chart
Grumble Free Crew!
What to do when we get a different choice:
1
Stop & Breathe
Smell the flower 🌸 (Breathe in deep),
Blow out the candle 🕯️ (Breathe out slow).
2
Chant the Rhyme
"You get what you get,
and you don't get upset!"
3
Keep on Playing!
Put on a happy smile, look around, and find something fun to create or share!
We can handle disappointment!
A
B
C
