Kelso's Choices Teacher Guide Kelso's Choices Adventure
Empowering Students to Solve Small Problems
30 Minutes
1st Grade
Objective
Students will identify and practice conflict resolution strategies to independently handle "small" problems.
Preparation & Materials
Kelso's Choices Printable Cards
Role-play Scenario Cards
Kelso's Choices Game Board
Ethics For Kids Video Link
Teaching Tip
Remind students that "big" problems (safety concerns, hurting) still require an adult's help immediately!
Lesson Flow
1
Introduction (5 mins)
Discuss what conflict means (a disagreement or "small problem"). Introduce Kelso the Frog and his 9 choices for solving small problems independently.
2
Explaining the Choices (5 mins)
Show the Printable Cards . Explain each choice (e.g., "Wait and Cool Off" means taking a breath before reacting). Use simple playground examples.
3
Video & Role-Play (16 mins)
Watch the Ethics For Kids video. Then, divide into small groups. Give each group a Scenario Card .
"Act out your scenario. How can Kelso help solve this problem?"
4
Kelso's Choices Game (10 mins)
Use the Game Board . Students roll a die and move. When they land on a lily pad, they answer a conflict question or act out a choice.
5
Closing Circle (5 mins)
Gather back together. Ask: "Which choice felt the easiest to use?" "Which one might be hard?" End with a positive affirmation: "I am a powerful problem solver!"
Kelso's Choices Adventure Slides Kelso's Choices
Being a Problem Solving Superhero!
Let's Begin!
What is a Conflict?
"A conflict is just a fancy word for a small problem or a disagreement between friends."
Wanting the same toy
Someone cutting in line
Name-calling or being mean
Small vs. Big
Small Problem
You can try two of Kelso's Choices yourself!
Example: A friend is humming while you're trying to read.
Big Problem
Tell an adult right away!
Example: Someone is being unsafe or hurting someone's body.
Ethics for Kids
Video: Ethics For Kids - Right and Wrong
(Teacher: Launch from maranausd.lennylearning.org)
"How do the characters decide what is right?"
Kelso's Wheel of Choices
Go to another game
Talk it out
Walk away
Ignore it
Tell them to stop
Apologize
Make a deal
Wait and cool off
Share and take turns
Your Turn!
Break into groups and practice your choices!
1
Pick a Scenario
2
Choose a Kelso Choice
3
Act it Out!
Kelso's Choices Printable Cards Choice Cards
Cut these out and use them to solve problems!
Go to another game
Talk it out
Walk away
Ignore it
Tell them to stop
Apologize
Make a deal
Wait and cool off
Share and take turns
How to use:
Carry these cards with you or keep them in your desk. When you have a small problem, pick a card and try it! If it doesn't work, try a different one.
Conflict Resolution Discussion Guide Conflict Resolution Discussion
A guide for teachers to lead reflection on the Kelso's Choices role-play activity.
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What is a conflict?
Guide students to understand conflict as a disagreement or problem between people. Use "The Problem Thermometer" metaphor: is it a "small problem" (one you can solve) or a "big problem" (one that needs an adult)?
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Why is it important to solve conflicts peacefully?
Discuss the benefits of peaceful conflict resolution, such as maintaining friendships, feeling safe at school, and creating a positive, happy classroom environment.
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Which Kelso's Choice did you use in your role-play?
Encourage students to share their specific role-play experiences. What was the conflict? Which choice did they try? Did it work? How did they feel afterwards?
Facilitator Note
During the discussion, validate all feelings. Remind students that it's okay to feel frustrated, but it's our *choices* that help us move forward peacefully.
Role-Play Scenario Cards Role-Play Scenarios
Practice using Kelso's Choices to solve these small problems!
1st Grade SEL
The Lego Block
You are building a tall tower with Legos. A friend comes over and takes the special blue block you were just about to use.
What will you do?
The Humming Bird
You are trying to focus on your drawing, but the person sitting next to you is humming very loudly and it's making it hard to work.
What will you do?
The Line Cutter
It's time for recess! You are standing in line waiting to go outside, and someone runs up and pushes in front of you.
What will you do?
The Teaser
Someone on the playground is making a silly face at you and giggling whenever you walk by. It's making you feel annoyed.
What will you do?
The Book Snatcher
You found your favorite book in the library. While you are showing it to a friend, another student grabs it and walks away.
What will you do?
The Crayon Crisis
You and a partner are coloring a poster. Both of you want to use the red crayon at the exact same time.
What will you do?
Kelso's Choices Game Board Kelso's Adventure Board
Roll a die, move your piece, and solve the problem!
Start
Act out: "Talk it out"
Safe Space! Take another turn.
Tell someone to "STOP" kindly.
Small or Big? Someone is hurting.
Move to another game.
Splash!
"Ignore it" - How do you look?
Wait and cool off. Take a deep breath.
Say "I'm sorry" for a small mistake.
Small or Big? Your toy is broken.
"Make a deal" - Swap colors!
Kelso's Pad
Share and take turns with a book.
"Walk away" - Show how you leave.
Name one friend you can talk to.
Star Power! Go ahead 2 spaces.
Who is an adult you can tell?
Use a brave voice to say "STOP."
Deep End!
Finish!
Need a die and tokens to play. Help your friends if they get stuck!