Definition:

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

In short:

Stay calm while you wait.

Summary:

Lewis thinks his mouth erupts like a volcano. He describes what happens when he feels the need to talk and how it gets him into trouble at school and at home. When he has a chance to give a presentation to his classmates, Lewis is interrupted. That night, his mom explains that this is a teachable moment in which Lewis can realize what it’s like to be interrupted. She gives him an idea about how to keep his words in his mouth and he tries it out successfully. Lewis learns that self-discipline and patience bring good results and make us feel better. 

Lesson Objectives: 

1. Teachers guide students in a discussion about why it may be hard to control one’s feelings and words, and how to practice this based on the story.   
2. Students learn about making “I statements” when they want to express how they feel. 

Guiding Questions: 

1. Why did Lewis say that his mouth is like a volcano? 
2. Share about what happened to Lewis when he wanted to say something? 
3. Did you ever feel like that when you wanted to speak? 
4. When someone is rude, that means they are making others feel uncomfortable. Lewis’s mom said he was rude at the dinner table - explain what she meant by that. 
5. Something happened that helped Lewis understand what it felt like to be interrupted. What was it? 
6. Lewis’s mom suggested he try something new to keep himself from interrupting. What was it? 
7. Do you think Lewis felt better about himself when he was able to stop himself from interrupting? Why or why not? 
8. Do you know anyone who interrupts you a lot? How does that make you feel? 
9. Using an “I statement” is a way to tell someone how you feel. Imagine there is someone who always interrupts you. How could you use an “I statement” to let them know that you don’t like it when they interrupt you? 
10. Do you think you’d feel better when you are allowed to say what you want to say without being interrupted, or is it okay with you when someone interrupts you?