Teacher Notes
The first lesson of each of the five BeCool Modules introduces the BeCool process: LOOK COOL, THINK COOL, and ACT cool. If you have purchased more than one module in the BeCool series and have already introduced your students to the BeCool paradigm, you may choose to ignore or spend less time with activities in this lesson related to the process.
Your more capable students will quickly learn the three "styles" of response and the consequences of each. Your more challenged students may have more difficulty. For this group, the goal should be that they become aware that they have a choice in the way they respond to their anger other than running away or expressing it aggressively.
Video Synopsis
Nikki and Faith have agreed to meet at the mall. When Faith doesn't show up, Nikki gets angry. She models three ways to handle her own anger: being COLD or withdrawn, being HOT and angry, and being COOL or assertive by using the 4-Step Assertion.
Introduction
Before viewing the video, discuss the following. Paraphrase and adapt the questions and content to meet the ability level of your students.
What are some of the reasons people get angry at themselves? What are the reasons why people then take it out on others?
Review reasons listed in "Instructional Content"
How many of you have broken an agreement or promise? How many of you have had someone break an agreement or promise?
Yes, it's something that happens to all of us. We don't feel good when we do it and we don't feel good when it's done to us.
It is important to learn to control the anger you feel inside and avoid turning it outwards to someone. Many times, the anger we feel may be Justified, but as you will see in the videos, the COLD and the HODT responses will not help solve our problems, but rather, cause us to act passive and victim-like or aggressive and hostile.
Video Introduction
Nikki is stood up by Faith. This broken agreement makes her angry. We're going to see three ways Nikki can react to her own anger COLÐ or withdrawn, HOT or angry, or COOL.