Spotting Difference Teacher Guide Week 1 Educator Facilitation
Spotting the Difference: Teacher Guide
1st Grade Socio-Emotional Learning • Focus: Accident vs. Conflict vs. Bullying
W1
5 Days • 20 Min/Day
The First Grade "Rule of Three" Framework
1. Accidental Bump
It was an oops! No one wanted to cause hurt. An apology and check-in fixes it fast.
2. Fair Disagreement
Friends disagree on a game or toy. Both sides share feelings and find a compromise.
3. Bullying Behavior
On purpose , happens over and over , and feels unfair/mean .
5-Day Instructional Sequence (15-20 Min Daily)
DAY 1
The Oops Test: Accidental Hurts
Introduce the concept of accidents using slide 2. Teacher models tripping or dropping blocks accidentally. Teach the "Oops & Repair" script: "Are you okay? I'm sorry, that was an accident."
DAY 2
Disagreements vs Hurtful Words
Discuss how good friends sometimes want different rules in tag or want the same swing. Role-play taking turns vs saying hurtful words. Explain that disagreements are normal and workable.
DAY 3
What Makes It Bullying? (The 3 Clues)
Teach the 3 Clues: On Purpose , More Than Once , and Hard to Stop Alone . Use slide 4. Have children practice giving the "Stop, I don't like that" signal with a palm raised.
DAY 4
Scenario Detectives Practice
Distribute the Spotting the Difference Worksheet . Read the scenarios aloud as a class. Guide students to circle the magnifying glass clues and complete their detective drawings.
DAY 5
Weekly Debrief & Safe Adult Map
Circle time reflection: Each student identifies 2 "Safe Grown-Ups" at school (teacher, counselor, recess aide, principal) they can always speak to whenever something feels repeated or unsafe.
Pro-Tip: Avoid labeling a child "a bully." Label the action: "That was hurtful behavior." Page 1 of 2
Teacher Discussion & Practice Kit
Week 1 Scenario Bank & Scripts
Grade 1 Whole-Group
Scenario A ACCIDENT
"Leo turns around quickly in line holding his lunchbox and bumps into Maya. Maya drops her water bottle."
Ask Students: "Did Leo plan this? No! He says 'Oh no, I'm sorry!' and helps pick it up."
Scenario B DISAGREEMENT
"Sam and Nora both want to build with the blue magnet tiles. Sam says, 'I need them all!' and Nora feels mad."
Ask Students: "Are they being bullies? No, they both want the same thing! How can they take turns or split them?"
Scenario C BULLYING
"Every day at recess, two older kids block the slide when Mia approaches and say: 'You can't play, you're weird.'"
Ask Students: "Notice the clues: Every day (repeated), on purpose, makes Mia feel trapped and small. This is bullying!"
Scenario D BULLYING
"A classmate laughs and knocks down Kai's drawings yesterday, today, and again after Kai asked him to stop."
Ask Students: "Kai said stop, but the behavior continued. When it is repeated on purpose, an adult must step in!"
First Grader Response Scripts to Practice
1
When an accident happens: "Whoops! I'm sorry, I didn't see you. Are your knees okay?"
2
When having a disagreement: "I want to use the crayons too. Can I use the blue while you use the red?"
3
When someone is being repeatedly mean: Make strong eye contact, hold up hand: "Stop! That is hurtful. I am going to tell Mr. Davis."
Unit: Kindness Champions • Lesson 1: Spotting the Difference Page 2 of 2
Spotting Difference Slides Kindness Detectives • Week 1
Grade 1
Spotting the Difference!
Is it an Accident, a Disagreement, or Bullying?
Let’s use our heart clues to figure it out together!
🔍 💛 🤝
Clue #1 🩹
The "Oops!" Accident
✓ Nobody wanted to cause any hurt
✓ Someone bumped, tripped, or slipped
✓ They say "I'm sorry!" right away
🙌
What to Say:
"Oops! Are you okay? I'm sorry!"
Accidents happen to everyone. A kind check-in fixes it fast!
Clue #2 🧩
Normal Disagreements
✓ Friends want different games or rules
✓ Both people might feel frustrated
✓ Both friends can talk and take turns
🤝
How to Solve It:
"Let’s take turns! You first, then me!"
Friends can disagree and still stay friends!
Clue #3 🛑
What is Bullying?
Bullying is NOT an accident. It has three big clues:
🎯
1. On Purpose
The person wants to be hurtful or mean.
🔁
2. Again & Again
It happens more than once, day after day.
⚖️
3. Hard to Stop
It feels unfair and hard to stop all alone.
Bullying is never okay in our school. We always tell a teacher!
Detective Quiz! 🕵️♀️
Listen to this story:
"Every single day at the playground, Lucas knocks down Ben's tower and laughs, even after Ben said 'Please stop.'"
A) Accident? Did he just slip?
B) Disagreement? Are they sharing?
C) Bullying! Repeated & on purpose!
Super Helper Rule 🛡️
When Something is Hurtful:
Speak up with a strong voice, then go right to a safe grown-up!
🍎 Your Teacher
🦺 Recess Aide
🏫 Principal
❤️ Family / Grown-up
Kindness Champions keep our school safe for everyone!
Spotting Difference Worksheet Kindness Detective Agency
Spotting the Difference!
Name:
Date:
🩹 Accident (Oops!)
|
🧩 Disagreement (Taking turns)
|
🛑 Bullying (Repeated & mean)
Part 1: Read with your teacher. Circle the correct clue badge!
1. Emma ran fast to tag the base and tripped over Noah's shoes. Noah gasped and helped Emma stand up.
[ ] Accident [ ] Disagreement [ ] Bullying
2. Both Liam and Zoe want the red swings. Liam says "I was here first!" Zoe says "I was next!"
[ ] Accident [ ] Disagreement [ ] Bullying
3. Day after day at snack time, Jay whispers mean names to Oliver and hides Oliver's crackers.
[ ] Accident [ ] Disagreement [ ] Bullying
Part 2: Draw what you do when an "Oops Accident" happens!
When an accident happens, I can say:
⭐ Certified Kindness Detective
Unit: Kindness Champions • Week 1
Upstander Power Teacher Guide Week 2 Educator Facilitation
Upstander Power: Teacher Guide
1st Grade Socio-Emotional Learning • Focus: Helping Peers & Telling a Grown-up
W2
5 Days • 20 Min/Day
The 4 "Helping Hands" Upstander Moves
1. Speak Up
Use a calm, strong voice: "That's mean, stop."
2. Invite In
Turn to targeted peer: "Come play blocks with me."
3. Walk Away
Take the peer's hand and move to another game.
4. Tell Adult
Walk directly to a teacher or aide right away.
5-Day Instructional Sequence (15-20 Min Daily)
DAY 1
Bystander vs Upstander
Teach the definition: A bystander just watches; an upstander chooses to help safely. Introduce the "Helping Hands" cape concept using slide 2.
DAY 2
The Power of Invitation ("Come With Me")
Explain why students don't need to fight or yell. The fastest way to protect a friend is offering an exit: "Hey Liam, come sit by me at lunch!"
DAY 3
Tattling vs Reporting (The Big Difference)
First graders often confuse tattling and reporting. Anchor concept: Tattling is to get someone in trouble; Reporting is to get someone out of trouble or keep people safe.
DAY 4
Helping Hands Worksheet Practice
Distribute Upstander Power Worksheet . Students match real-life challenges with upstander responses and trace their own helping hand pledge.
DAY 5
Classroom Role-Play Theater
Teacher pairs students to act out gentle scenarios using the 4 Helping Hand moves in front of the class. Praise specific upstander words.
Reminder: Never ask a 1st grader to put themselves physically in harm's way. Page 1 of 2
Clarification & Scenarios
Reporting vs. Tattling Anchor Guide
Teacher Reference
🗣️
Tattling (Telling On)
• Purpose: To get someone in trouble.
• Safety: No one is hurt or unsafe.
• Examples: "Jax isn't putting his cap on his marker!" or "Ella walked funny in line!"
🛡️
Reporting (Helping Out)
• Purpose: To keep someone safe.
•
Upstander Power Slides Super Helpers • Week 2
Grade 1
Upstander Power!
How we use our words, hands, and hearts to protect and include each other!
You don't need a cape to be an everyday hero!
🦸♀️ ✋ 💖
Big Word of the Week 👀 ➡️ 🤝
👀
A Bystander
Sees something hurtful happen, but just looks away or stays quiet.
"I hope someone else helps..."
🦸♂️
An UPSTANDER!
Chooses to help! They stand up for kindness, include friends, and get a teacher.
"I can help make things safe!"
When we all become upstanders, nobody has to feel alone!
Our Super Powers ✋
The 4 Safe Helping Moves
🗣️
1. Speak Up
"That's mean. Stop please."
🤝
2. Invite In
"Come sit and play with me!"
🚶♀️
3. Walk Away
Lead your friend to a safe spot.
🧑🏫
4. Tell Adult
Report right away to a teacher.
You can always pick the move that feels safest for you!
Brain Teaser 🤔
Tattling or Reporting?
🚫
Tattling
To get someone IN trouble.
No one is hurt or unsafe. Example: "Liam drew outside the lines!"
🛡️
Reporting
To get someone OUT of trouble.
Someone is hurt, crying, or targeted. Example: "Ella is crying because someone won't let her play."
Reporting keeps people safe. Teachers always want to know!
Power Words 💬
Words We Can Say Out Loud:
✋
"Stop, that's not kind in our school."
Firm Voice
🤝
"Hey friend! Come walk over here with me."
Friendly Voice
🧑🏫
"Mr. Davis, my friend needs your help right now."
Reporting Voice
Practice with your neighbor: Say one of these in a strong, clear voice!
Our Team Promise 🌟
I Am an Upstander!
I choose to notice.
I choose to help.
I choose to be a friend who cares!
We are stronger and safer together!
Upstander Power Worksheet Super Upstander Squad
My Helping Hands!
Name:
Date:
Part 1: Is it Tattling or Reporting? Mark your answer!
1. "Ms. Lee! Jack took two paper clips instead of one!"
[ ] Tattling [ ] Reporting
2. "Ms. Lee! Someone got pushed by the swings and is hurt."
[ ] Tattling [ ] Reporting
Part 2: Draw yourself using a Helping Hand to include or support a classmate!
💡 Idea: Invite a friend to sit together 💡 Idea: Walk to a teacher together
Part 3: Complete your Upstander sentence:
When I see someone who needs help or looks left out, I will:
🦸 Classroom Upstander Shield Award
Unit: Kindness Champions • Week 2
Caring Crew Teacher Guide Week 3 Educator Facilitation
Caring Crew: Teacher Guide
1st Grade Socio-Emotional Learning • Focus: Empathy, Inclusion & Class Promise
W3
5 Days • 20 Min/Day
The 3 Pillars of a Bully-Free Classroom
1. "Heart Glasses" (Empathy)
Looking at a friend’s face and body language to ask: "How would I feel if that were me?"
2. "Open Circle" (Inclusion)
Never saying "you can't play." Always opening the circle on the rug, lunch table, or playground.
3. "Our Promise" (Community)
Taking collective ownership: We protect each other and keep our room a warm, welcoming home.
5-Day Instructional Sequence (15-20 Min Daily)
DAY 1
Putting On Our "Heart Glasses"
Teach empathy using slide 2. Have students make imaginary binoculars with hands to look for classmates who look sad, quiet, or lonely during morning transitions.
DAY 2
The "Always Room for One More" Rule
Address exclusion directly: When someone asks "Can I play?" our default class answer is "Yes! Let's find a way to add you." Model how to add an extra player to tag, blocks, or coloring.
DAY 3
Recess Buddy Bench & Inclusion Habits
Introduce the school playground "Buddy Bench" or designate a classroom "Friendship Corner." Practice walking up to someone sitting alone with a friendly invitation.
DAY 4
Kindness Promise & Badge Creation
Students complete the Classroom Kindness Promise Worksheet . They color their official Kindness Champion badge, sign their name to the promise, and complete the kindness checklist.
DAY 5
Unit Celebration: The Kindness Chain
Culminating ceremony: Each child shares one kind deed they noticed this week. Connect paper chain links around the room to celebrate a bully-free, caring 1st grade community!
Daily Habit: Celebrate "caught being an includer" moments at end of day! Page 1 of 2
Classroom Culture Kit
Inclusion Scripts & Promise Ceremony
Community Ritual
Strategy 1
The "Open Circle" Body Language
Teach children to physically look at their play circle. If shoulders are locked tight, take a step back and turn outward so anyone walking by feels welcome to join.
Phrase: "Let's make room! Step back and open the door!"
Strategy 2
Welcoming a Shy Friend
Teach students that shy peers may not ask to play. First graders can take the first step by extending a specific, low-pressure invite.
Caring Crew Slides Caring Community • Week 3
Grade 1
Caring Classroom Crew!
Building a classroom where everyone belongs, feels safe, and has a friend.
Kindness is our superpower every single day!
🌟 🫶 🌈
Super Skill #1 👓 💖
Put On Your "Heart Glasses"!
✓ Look at your classmate's face
✓ Notice if they look sad or left out
✓ Ask: "How would I feel right now?"
👀
Empathy Means:
Feeling what someone else is feeling in our own hearts!
When we notice feelings, we can stop hurt before it starts!
Super Skill #2 ⭕ ➡️ 🔓
🙅
Closed Circle (Ouch!)
Turning shoulders away and saying "You can't play, we're full."
Makes friends feel sad & left out
🙋♂️
Open Circle (Hooray!)
Stepping back to make room and saying "Come on in, join us!"
Makes everyone feel welcome!
In our classroom, there is always room for one more friend!
Magic Words ✨ 🗣️
When Someone Asks "Can I Play?"
🎉
"Yes! You can build the bridge with us!"
At Center Time
⚽
"Sure! You can be on our kickball team!"
At Recess
🥪
"Come sit right here next to me!"
At Lunch
When we include others, nobody feels alone or targeted!
Daily Actions 🔗 💜
4 Ways to Grow Our Kindness Chain:
😊
Warm Smile
Say good morning to someone new.
🖍️
Share & Care
Offer a crayon or take turns nicely.
💬
Kind Words
"I like your drawing!"
🛡️
Stand Up
Help a friend who needs support.
Every kind choice makes our whole classroom sparkle!
Kindness Champions 🏆
Our Class Kindness Promise
❤️ We use kind words and caring hands.
🤝 We include others and share our games.
🛡️ We stand up for our friends every day.
Congratulations! You are officially a Kindness Champion!
Caring Crew Worksheet Caring Classroom Crew
Kindness Champion Promise
Name:
Date:
Part 1: Check off your 4 Kindness Missions!
🤝
[ ] Invited a friend to play Opened the circle at recess
💬
[ ] Said a kind compliment "I like your artwork!"
🩹
[ ] Helped with an accident Asked: "Are you okay?"
🛡️
[ ] Was an upstander Stood up or told a teacher
Part 2: Decorate and color your official Champion Badge!
🏅 Official Kindness Champion Grade 1 • Anti-Bullying Hero
(Draw your superhero self inside!)
Part 3: Read and sign your promise!
"I promise to look with empathy, include classmates in games, use kind words, and always help keep our classroom safe and happy."
Champion Signature:
🌟 Bully-Free Classroom Community
Unit: Kindness Champions • Week 3
