Conscious Discipline Monthly Guides
August Support Guide • Grades 4–6
Ready, Set, Connect
Conscious Discipline Composure & Perception
Classroom Discussion Bank
Choose & Discuss
Use these questions during your homeroom time. Select 1-2 prompts at a time to build peer safety and trust:
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- "What does a safe classroom look like, sound like, and feel like to you?"
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- "How does greeting someone by name change how we start our day?"
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- "When your body or mind feels stressed, where do you feel it first?"
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- "What is one quick way to compose yourself when a transition feels chaotic?"
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- "What does integrity mean to you, and how do we show it when no one is watching?"
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- "How does your personal composure help other people in this room feel safe?"
4. Fast Activities (5–10 Mins) Choose One
Connect Handshake Blueprint
Partners design a 3-step greeting (bump, tap, wave) with eye contact.
Calm S.T.A.R. Partner
Face partner, take 3 shared deep breaths, matching each exhale.
Commit Goal Anchor
Turn to a peer and state one safety or composure goal for today.
Celebrate Praise Pass
Pass a silent high-five around the circle with a warm smile.
1. Focus: Composure
Adult Power Perception
Child Skill Composure
Structure Greetings
Life Skill Regulation
PD Focus: Brain State Model. Students must feel safe & connected before they can execute and learn.
2. "2-Minute Teacher Talk"
"This year, my primary job is to keep you safe. Your primary job is to help keep it safe. We do this through how we treat each other. It’s okay to have big feelings, and we will learn how to navigate them while keeping our minds and bodies in control."
5. Teacher Power Focus
The Power of Perception
Behavior is communication, not a personal attack. Pause and take three belly breaths to compose yourself before responding to triggers.
Encouragement: Your calm is contagious. By maintaining your composure, you offer students the ultimate gift: a safe, predictable anchor.
August Reflection & Challenge:
What triggers my automatic flight response, and how can I practice conscious pause first?
6. Quick Reset: S.T.A.R. Breathing
Smile, Take a deep breath, And Relax. Expand your belly like a balloon, then exhale slowly.
7. Family Connection
"We are practicing pausing and taking deep breaths before responding to difficult moments to build emotional integrity."
At-Home Challenge: Take three deep breaths together as a family before dinner. Notice how the energy changes!
Kitley Counseling Conscious Discipline Teacher Guides Page 1
September Support Guide • Grades 4–6
Own Your Voice
Conscious Discipline Assertiveness & Attention
Classroom Discussion Bank
Choose & Discuss
Use these questions during your homeroom time. Select 1-2 prompts at a time to build peer safety and trust:
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- "Why is it sometimes hard to say 'no' directly to a classmate? What makes it easier?"
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- "How can you tell the difference between being bossy, being passive, and being assertive?"
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- "What does your body language tell people before you even speak?"
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- "If someone borrows your materials without asking, what assertive words can you use?"
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- "How does setting clear boundaries show respect for yourself and others?"
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- "What is one thing you did today that kept our boundaries strong, healthy, and safe?"
4. Fast Activities (5–10 Mins) Choose One
Connect Name Sparks
Stand in circle; pass a clap. When received, say your name with an assertive gesture.
Calm Balloon Expand
Face partner and mirror their slow hands inflating/deflating like a big balloon.
Commit Limit Painter
Practice clear, calm limits: "I need focus. Please speak quietly during work."
Celebrate Bright Spot
Point to one peer who kept boundaries strong today and say "Thank you."
1. Focus: Assertiveness
Adult Power Attention
Child Skill Assertive
Structure Family Walls
Life Skill Boundaries
PD Focus: Attention. What we focus on, we get more of. Instruct students on what to start doing.
2. "2-Minute Teacher Talk"
"If someone does something you don't like, tell them clearly using your firm, respectful business voice. Say: 'I don't like it when you [action]. Please [alternative].' We don't giggle or scream; we paint clear limits."
5. Teacher Power Focus
The Power of Attention
Shift focus away from what you don’t want. Amplify expected behaviors by describing them out loud.
Encouragement: Every clear boundary you set is an act of love. You are teaching students that safety and respect are non-negotiable.
September Challenge:
Replace "Don't..." with direct, positive directions (e.g., "Walk" instead of "Don't run").
6. Quick Reset: The Balloon
Clasp hands on head, breathing in deeply while inflating your "balloon" hands upwards. Exhale with a "psssssst" as hands drift down.
7. Family Connection
"We are practicing using a direct, calm 'business voice' to set healthy, respectful boundaries with peers this month."
At-Home Challenge: Have your child practice setting a boundary at home using their calm, firm "business voice."
Kitley Counseling Conscious Discipline Teacher Guides Page 2
Oct/Nov Support Guide • Grades 4–6
The Power of Unity
Conscious Discipline Encouragement & Unity
Classroom Discussion Bank
Choose & Discuss
Use these questions during your homeroom time. Select 1-2 prompts at a time to build peer safety and trust:
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- "What is the difference between telling someone 'Good job' and noticing their specific effort?"
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- "How does our Safe Place help our entire community work better?"
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- "How can we encourage a peer who is working hard on a difficult task?"
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- "What makes you feel like an important, valued member of this school family?"
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- "How are our individual goals connected to our success as a whole group?"
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- "Who did you notice showing kindness or optimism today? Let's call them out."
4. Fast Activities (5–10 Mins) Choose One
Connect Eye-Contact Tag
Find a partner silently using only eye contact, then walk over and double fist-bump.
Calm Drain Release
Face partner, tense arms on inhale, slowly release them on exhale with "shhh".
Commit Kindness Contract
Share one specific way you plan to offer support or help a teammate today.
Celebrate Peer Shout-Out
Tell your partner one specific effort you noticed them make and say "I saw you!"
1. Focus: Encouragement
Adult Power Unity
Child Skill Encouragement
Structure Safe Place
Life Skill Kindness
PD Focus: Teaching the Safe Place. Introduce the self-regulation station as a tool for proactive healing, not isolation.
2. "2-Minute Teacher Talk"
"I don't just say 'Good job.' I tell you exactly what you did that helped our school family: 'You held the door so Sarah could carry her poster. That was helpful.' Let's notice each other's efforts."
5. Teacher Power Focus
The Power of Unity
We are in this together. Look past behaviors to see the human need underneath. Transition students from 'troublemakers' to 'students who need support.'
Encouragement: You are building a school family, not just managing a classroom. Your patience is weaving a safety net for every child.
Oct/Nov Challenge:
Introduce the physical Safe Place station to your class and explore the sensory objects together.
6. Quick Reset: Drain Breathing
Extend arms, clench fists. Inhale, tensing arms. Exhale slowly making a "shhhhhh" sound, releasing arms like a running faucet.
7. Family Connection
"We are focusing on notice-based encouragement—calling out specific helpful acts instead of generic praise—to build true interdependence."
At-Home Challenge: Swap "Good job!" for specific praise today (e.g., "I noticed you put your shoes away immediately. That was helpful!").
Kitley Counseling Conscious Discipline Teacher Guides Page 3
December Support Guide • Grades 4–6
Strengthen the Bond
Conscious Discipline Connections & MOY Review
Classroom Discussion Bank
Choose & Discuss
Use these questions during your homeroom time. Select 1-2 prompts at a time to build peer safety and trust:
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- "How does having a specific job in our classroom build trust among all of us?"
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- "What is one major success our class has achieved together since August?"
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- "When holiday schedules change, how can we help each other stay focused?"
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- "How does completing your job successfully make someone else's day easier?"
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- "How does genuine encouragement help us build stronger, longer friendships?"
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- "What are you most grateful for about the classmate sitting directly next to you?"
4. Fast Activities (5–10 Mins) Choose One
Connect Clap Handoff
Pass a gentle, synchronized clap-and-smile to the student next to you in a circle.
Calm Pretzel Pause
Cross arms, link fingers, take three deep breaths while making partner eye contact.
Commit Daily Job Pledge
State to a peer: "I commit to supporting our class today by executing my job."
Celebrate Gratitude Circle
Turn to a neighbor and share one thing you appreciate about them being here.
1. Focus: Connections
Adult Power Encouraging
Child Skill Connections
Structure Class Jobs
Life Skill Teamwork
PD Focus: Encouragement vs Praise. Highlight specific effort instead of making value judgments.
2. "2-Minute Teacher Talk"
"With winter break coming, schedules get busy and energy shifts. In our class, we use our jobs to support one another and keep our school family running smoothly and safely."
5. Teacher Power Focus
Encouragement Language
Notice instead of praise. Praising breeds approval-seeking behavior; noticing builds internal motivation and self-worth.
Encouragement: You are the quiet spark of confidence in your students' lives. Your belief in their effort changes how they view themselves.
December Challenge:
Write 3 simple notes highlighting direct classmate-support efforts.
6. Quick Reset: Pretzel Breathe
Cross arms and feet. Tuck hands toward chest. Tongue on roof of mouth. Take deep breaths for rapid regulation.
7. Family Connection
"We are focusing on keeping routines solid and practicing responsibility using daily class jobs."
At-Home Challenge: Establish a simple daily contribution or "job" for your child at home to build active responsibility.
Kitley Counseling Conscious Discipline Teacher Guides Page 4
January Support Guide • Grades 4–6
Empowered Choices
Conscious Discipline Choices & Free Will
Classroom Discussion Bank
Choose & Discuss
Use these questions during your homeroom time. Select 1-2 prompts at a time to build peer safety and trust:
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- "What is the difference between choosing your own path and being forced into it?"
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- "How can visual rules and reminders help us make independent choices?"
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- "When you have two choices, how do you decide which one is best for your goal?"
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- "What is an impulsive choice you faced today, and how did you navigate it?"
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- "If you make a poor choice, how can you take responsibility and redirect yourself?"
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- "How does owning your choices give you true, lasting power over your day?"
4. Fast Activities (5–10 Mins) Choose One
Connect Double Choice
Offer partner two options (elbow tap or peace sign); partner picks one.
Calm Starfish Trace
Trace your fingers while a partner mirrors your breathing cycle on their hand.
Commit Path Choice
Tell a peer: "For independent work today, my choice is [seat/back table]."
Celebrate Success High-Five
High-five a partner to celebrate making an independent, positive choice today.
1. Focus: Choices
Adult Power Free Will
Child Skill Choices
Structure Visual Rules
Life Skill Impulse Ctrl
PD Focus: Language of Choices. Offer two positive choices to build impulse control.
2. "2-Minute Teacher Talk"
"You control your choices. I cannot force you to learn or be quiet. If you are struggling to focus, you can work in your seat, or stand at the back table. Both choices help you succeed."
5. Teacher Power Focus
The Power of Free Will
Limits with choices decrease power struggles. Offer positive choice within boundaries.
Encouragement: Giving choices empowers, rather than controls. You are molding self-disciplined critical thinkers who own their future.
January Challenge:
When dealing with resistance, offer 2 equal choices: "Pencil or ink. Which works?"
6. Quick Reset: Starfish Breathing
Trace starfish hand: inhale going up, exhale going down each finger.
7. Family Connection
"We are practicing using the language of options and personal goals to build stronger impulse control and self-discipline."
At-Home Challenge: Offer two positive options to complete a task today (e.g., "Brush teeth before or after pajamas?").
Kitley Counseling Conscious Discipline Teacher Guides Page 5
February Support Guide • Grades 4–6
Walk in Their Shoes
Conscious Discipline Empathy & Acceptance
Classroom Discussion Bank
Choose & Discuss
Use these questions during your homeroom time. Select 1-2 prompts at a time to build peer safety and trust:
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- "What does it mean to walk in someone else's shoes? Why is it powerful?"
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- "How can you show a classmate you care about their feelings without talking?"
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- "What is the difference between feeling sorry for someone and having empathy?"
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- "When a peer is having a tough day, how does our 'We Care' center support them?"
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- "How does accepting that everyone is different make our classroom stronger?"
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- "When did someone show you empathy today, and how did it change your mood?"
4. Fast Activities (5–10 Mins) Choose One
Connect Mirror Mirror
Face partner; one does a slow-motion action, the other mirrors it exactly.
Calm Heart Anchor
Place hands over hearts together and silently breathe as one for 10 seconds.
Commit Safe Promise
Tell peer: "If you struggle today, I will support you by listening or space."
Celebrate We Care Circle
Share a common challenge (test stress); partner replies: "I see you, I care."
1. Focus: Empathy
Adult Power Acceptance
Child Skill Empathy
Structure We Care Center
Life Skill Perspective
PD Focus: Language of Empathy. Mirror cues and describe feelings: "Your face looks like [mimic]. You seem frustrated."
2. "2-Minute Teacher Talk"
"Empathy doesn't mean we always agree. It means we try to understand how someone else feels, even if we haven't experienced it ourselves. When someone is hurt, offer support, not judgment."
5. Teacher Power Focus
The Power of Acceptance
Meet students exactly where they are. Stop resisting current development and gain clarity to guide them.
Encouragement: Your empathy is a lifeline. In moments of struggle, your willingness to understand validates their humanity and opens paths to change.
February Challenge:
State the facts silently: "This student is struggling with regulation," not "They are defiant."
6. Quick Reset: Heart Connection
Place hands over heart. Breathe for 4 seconds, thinking of one person you wish well today.
7. Family Connection
"We are practicing using the 'We Care' framework to build active empathy and social support."
At-Home Challenge: When family members feel stressed, try "mirroring" their state: "You seem overwhelmed, it's hard when things fail."
Kitley Counseling Conscious Discipline Teacher Guides Page 6
March Support Guide • Grades 4–6
See the Good
Conscious Discipline Positive Intent & Love
Classroom Discussion Bank
Choose & Discuss
Use these questions during your homeroom time. Select 1-2 prompts at a time to build peer safety and trust:
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- "Why is it helpful to assume a classmate made a mistake rather than did it on purpose?"
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- "How does celebrating someone else’s success change our classroom energy?"
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- "If a classmate is speaking loudly, how can we attribute positive intent to them?"
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- "How can assuming positive intent prevent small disagreements from turning into big fights?"
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- "What is one random act of compassion you noticed or performed today?"
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- "How does seeing the good in others help you see the good in yourself?"
4. Fast Activities (5–10 Mins) Choose One
Connect Compliment Web
Toss a soft object to a peer, share one positive trait you see, then repeat.
Calm Wishing Well Inhale
Close eyes, inhale positive energy, and exhale a "wish you well" silently to a peer.
Commit Reframe Oath
Pledge to peer: "Today, I will assume positive intent when someone makes a mistake."
Celebrate Celebration High
High-five a teammate and shout-out their resilience in reframing a challenge today.
1. Focus: Positive Intent
Adult Power Love
Child Skill Positive Intent
Structure Celebration Ctr
Life Skill Problem Solving
PD Focus: Culture of Celebration. Fosters visibility and community safety through peer-led shout-outs.
2. "2-Minute Teacher Talk"
"When we assume people are trying to make our lives hard, we get angry. But what if we assumed they just didn't know what to do or made an honest mistake? Let's give each other positive intent."
5. Teacher Power Focus
The Power of Love
See behavioral difficulties as a cry for help or a missing skill. Stepping out of reaction keeps you in control.
Encouragement: You are demonstrating unconditional positive regard. In a world full of judgment, you teach children they are worthy of understanding.
March Challenge:
Say to yourself first: "This student is showing me they are struggling to handle this moment."
6. Quick Reset: Wishing Well
Hands on heart. Think of someone absent or struggling, inhale deeply and repeat: "I wish you well."
7. Family Connection
"We are focusing on positive intent this month, teaching kids to assume cooperation first to resolve conflicts smoothly."
At-Home Challenge: When a sibling conflict occurs, assume positive intent: "They made an honest mistake, solve it together."
Kitley Counseling Conscious Discipline Teacher Guides Page 7
April Support Guide • Grades 4–6
Growth Through Action
Conscious Discipline Consequences & Intention
Classroom Discussion Bank
Choose & Discuss
Use these questions during your homeroom time. Select 1-2 prompts at a time to build peer safety and trust:
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- "What makes a mistake different from a bad choice? How do we handle each?"
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- "Why is repairing a connection harder but more helpful than receiving a punishment?"
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- "How do the natural consequences of our actions teach us to be more responsible?"
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- "When a rule is broken, what is our shared goal: to punish or to learn and repair?"
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- "What is a logical consequence that helped you make a better choice later on?"
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- "How does taking responsibility for your actions show maturity as an older student?"
4. Fast Activities (5–10 Mins) Choose One
Connect Partner Solve
Partners stand back-to-back, lock elbows, then sit down and stand up together.
Calm Squeeze & Let Go
Interlock fingers with partner, squeeze gently on inhale, and release on exhale.
Commit Repair Pledge
Share with peer: "If I make a mistake today, I will ask 'How can I repair this?'"
Celebrate Responsibility Call
Fist-bump a teammate and celebrate resolving a conflict with direct accountability.
1. Focus: Consequences
Adult Power Intention
Child Skill Consequences
Structure Class Meetings
Life Skill Responsibility
PD Focus: Language of Consequences. Distinguish between fear-based punishment and responsibility-based logical consequences.
2. "2-Minute Teacher Talk"
"A mistake is not proof you are bad; it is proof you are learning. When a choice hurts someone or breaks a rule, responsibility means asking, 'How do I fix this?' and repairing the harm."
5. Teacher Power Focus
The Power of Intention
Mistakes are teaching moments. Holding empathetic boundaries teaches children accountability over fear.
Encouragement: You are fostering real accountability, not blind obedience. You teach students that they have the power to repair what is broken.
April Challenge:
When a student tattles, coach them to speak directly to their peer to resolve it.
6. Quick Reset: Hand Squeeze
Interlock fingers. Squeeze hands tightly as you inhale, then release fully as you exhale.
7. Family Connection
"We are emphasizing responsibility by framing behavioral errors as opportunities to reflect and complete constructive repairs."
At-Home Challenge: If a mistake is made, focus on repair: "What can you do to make it right with your sibling today?"
Kitley Counseling Conscious Discipline Teacher Guides Page 8
May Support Guide • Grades 4–6
Honoring the Journey
Conscious Discipline Reflection & Closure
Classroom Discussion Bank
Choose & Discuss
Use these questions during your homeroom time. Select 1-2 prompts at a time to build peer safety and trust:
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- "What is one struggle you overcame this year that made you stronger?"
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- "How has our school family supported you when times got tough this year?"
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- "What advice or 'wisdom' would you write down for next year's incoming class?"
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- "How can we keep our routines and connections strong as schedules start to change?"
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- "What is your favorite memory of a community milestone we celebrated together?"
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- "As you prepare for the next grade, what is one connection skill you want to take with you?"
4. Fast Activities (5–10 Mins) Choose One
Connect The Growth Web
Form a circle, toss yarn, and share one way a classmate helped you grow this year.
Calm Gratitude Chest
Inhale deeply, expanding chest with thankfulness for our class, then slowly exhale.
Commit Next-Grade Pledge
Turn to a teammate and share one connection skill you commit to using next year.
Celebrate Collective Victory
Circle up, raise hands high, and shout collectively: "We grew together!"
1. Focus: Closure
Adult Focus Self-Reflection
Child Focus Student Voice
Structure Farewell Rituals
Life Skill Closure
PD Focus: Transition processing. Create solid closures to prevent behavioral spikes as schedule routines dissolve.
2. "2-Minute Teacher Talk"
"We have traveled a long road together since August. It’s completely normal to feel mixed up inside—happy about summer, but sad to leave this class. Let's finish with respect, integrity, and strong connection."
5. Teacher Power Focus
Honoring Your Energy
You made it. Celebrate your resilience and the times you chose composure over reactivity.
Encouragement: Look at how far you have come. You didn't just teach academic lessons; you built a safe community and transformed hearts.
May Challenge:
Write down 3 moments of conscious coaching you are most proud of from this year.
6. Quick Reset: Gratitude Breath
Inhale deeply, expanding your chest with thankfulness for our class. Exhale slowly, releasing stress.
7. Family Connection
"Thank you for partnering with us to build safety, connection, and emotional intelligence this school year!"
At-Home Challenge: Reflect together on growth this year. Celebrate each other's emotional strength and summer goals!
Kitley Counseling Conscious Discipline Teacher Guides Page 9
