Pause And Wonder Visual Guide
Part 1 of 2 5th Grade Desk Reference
PAUSE, WONDER & TALK
Name: ____________________ Stop & Check the Clues
Step 1
Problem Size Meter: How big is this problem?
Match your reaction to the problem size!
🟢 SMALL PROBLEM 1-2 Min Fix
I can solve it myself or let it go!
- • Accidental bump
- • Dropped pencil or papers
- • Someone didn't say hi
👉 Take 1 breath. Assume it was an accident.
🔵 MEDIUM PROBLEM Needs Talk
Needs calm talk or teacher advice.
- • Argument about game rules
- • Feeling left out at recess
- • Teasing that won't stop
👉 Use calm scripts on Page 2. Ask adult if stuck.
🔷 BIG PROBLEM Adult NOW
Emergency! Someone is unsafe or hurt.
- • Physical fighting or injuries
- • Danger or medical emergency
👉 Do not handle alone. Tell an adult right now!
Step 2: Comic Story
Perspective Taking In Action (Small Problem Example)
Follow Panels 1 → 2 → 3
Panel 1: The Bump 💥 BUMP!
Me
⚡
Other Kid
❌ Jumping to conclusions: "He pushed me on purpose!"
Panel 2: Pause & Look 🛑 WAIT...
Wondering
Dropped binder
Running late
🔍 Perspective Taking: "Wait! He's rushing and dropped papers. Accident?"
Panel 3: Talk & Fix 💬 TALK!
Calm Talk
💬
Relieved
✅ Problem Solved: "I'm so sorry! I tripped and didn't see you!"
Turn to Page 2 to wonder about thoughts and choose what to say!
Page 1 of 2
Part 2 of 2 5th Grade Desk Reference
WONDER & COMMUNICATE
Communication Tool Calm Words Work Best
Step 3
Wonder: What could they be thinking or feeling?
Check Their Thought Bubble
Didn't Hear You
The hallway was loud, or they were spaced out.
In a Big Rush
Rushing to the bell, bathroom, or bus.
Sad or Stressed
Having a rough day or feeling overwhelmed.
Total Accident
Tripped, slipped, or hands were full.
Step 4
Communicate: How to talk without yelling
Comic Speech Bubbles
A Check In First
"Hey, are you doing okay? You seemed rushed."
👉 Asks with kindness
B Share My Feeling
"When that happened, I felt hurt. Did you mean to do that?"
👉 Calm I-statement
C Fix It Together
"Can we talk for a minute? I want to tell you what I think happened."
👉 Clears up the mix-up
My Calm Action Checklist
When something upsets me:
1 Check problem size (🟢, 🔵, 🔷)
2 Take 1 deep breath & pause
3 Wonder what they feel
4 Use Script A, B, or C calmly