Discipline
Negotiate rules such as turn taking, talking quietly and listening to each other at the beginning of the game. Most are eager to play and will cooperate and encourage others to keep the rules. Model the rules, e.g., waiting silently and patiently for children to listen after having asked them to listen. Suggesting that they will have to come back in the next break will motivate those who do not like giving up lunch breaks to solve problems. Use emotional coaching to help children work through crises. If the group is too unruly, stop the game saying, in a matter of fact manner, ‘Let’s try again next week’. Let the children know you would really like to play the game with them. Ask them what sort of things should help make it easier to play the game next week. Reduce the size of the group and include a child with strong prosocial skills. This prosocial child’s position could be rotated amongst the other children in the class who are keen to be included in a game.