Definition:

Patience means having self-control, waiting and enduring when one would rather not.

In short:

Stay calm while you wait.

Summary:
This story is a poem about a boy who struggles with anger. His friend Liam gives him good advice - take three deep breaths, count to ten, and think of a happy place. After following Liam’s advice, he feels calmer. He’s able to not react when bullied and overcomes angry feelings when he’s not chosen to be on a team. He’s excited he can control his strong emotions by using the techniques he learned. 

Lesson Objectives: 

1. Students are guided by their teacher to memorize and practice the advice in this story: when angry, take three deep breaths, count to ten, think of a happy place.  

Guiding Questions: 

1. Why was the boy angry at his mom and dad? 
2. What are two things the boy did at school that showed how angry he was? 
3. His friend Liam gave him some good advice - what are the three things he did to be stronger than anger itself? 
4. The boy was tested right away to use the techniques he learned. What happened first when he was on the playground?
5.  Why do you think the bully walked away when the boy ignored him? 
6. How did the boy feel when he wasn’t picked for the team? What did he do about it? 
7. “It’s okay to be angry and upset, too, but it’s up to me on how I respond and what I do.” Can you explain what this means in your own words? 
8. Name two kinds of situations that make you feel angry and explain why. 
9. Practice taking 3 deep breaths. Then count to ten. Do you feel calm after doing that? 
10. Imagine a “happy place” that is just right for you. Where is it, who are you with, and what are you doing there that makes you so happy?