Stop, Walk, Talk & Upstanders

All students are taught the Stop-Walk-Talk procedure in their Life Skills classes. They are taught how to recognize disrespectful and unsafe behaviors. For example, teasing, calling someone names, gossiping, excluding students from an activity, continuous pushing or constant poking are examples of problem behavior. Accidently bumping into someone or politely declining an invitation to play is not. These are conflict situations which can be resolved using a variety of strategies (Peaceful Playground rules – walk away, talk it out, rock-paper-scissors etc.). Students will also be taught the importance of being an “Upstander”. If they see disrespectful behavior, they will be taught how they could respond to be helpful.

1) “Stop” signal: All students were taught the “Stop” signal. Our stop signal requires them to look directly at the other student and use a firm voice to say “STOP”. Students were also taught how to respond if they are given the “Stop” signal. The student receiving the “Stop” signal should immediately stop what he or she is doing, take a deep breath, count to 3, and then go on with their day following our school expectations. Students were reminded that they should stop what they are doing, regardless of whether they agree that they deserved the stop signal or not. By following these guidelines, students show respect for themselves and one another.

2) Walk away: What if a student gives another student the stop signal but the problem behavior continues? Students were then taught to Walk away. When it is not possible to walk away, such as while riding the bus or sitting at their desks, students were taught to ignore the student by looking the other way or turning their body and not responding to them further.

3) Talk: Finally, if students have tried to solve the problem themselves by using stop and walking away, then they can Talk to or report to an adult. Staff have been trained to respond to a student’s request to talk/report.

*When a student is in danger or there is an on-going issue of disrespect, students were taught to skip the Stop-Walk-Talk sequence and report to an adult immediately.