Ask Ed provides a process for reflection and solution finding.

Any problems identified in the classroom can be entered into the Ask Ed program. This can include students coming late, bad language, not completing set work, choosing inappropriate spots to work, interrupting when others are speaking, bullying – any problem at all.

CLASSROOM

Use Ask Ed when a whole class issue has been identified, e.g. Pack Up Time Routines, Entering the Classroom, Class Discussion Protocols.

‘I have noticed a problem at pack up time, only a few students are assisting. This room is the responsibility of everyone. Lets work through the problem using Ask Ed and generate some ideas.’

The Ask Ed report can be printed and displayed for reference. Email the Ask Ed report to yourself, display on the interactive white board for reference and further discussion, e.g. Did we use the ideas to sort the problem? What worked, what didn't work?

Generate new ideas if required by working through Ask Ed again.

INDIVIDUAL STUDENTS

Use Ask Ed when a student overreacts to a minor problem.

‘l have noticed you are having some problems completing your work, getting to school on time, pushing others, getting organised, working in a group, calling out at inappropriate times - Let’s use Ask Ed to generate some ideas to help with the problem.’

The Catastrophe Scale can help a student put problems in perspective and the generation of ideas will allow control of the situation and a way to react in a positive way.

Introducing the Catastrophe Scale Teaching Tips

Ask Ed Activity
Introduce the Catastrophe Scale concept by using the Ask Ed App to work through problems identified by the students. Alternatively, print the Catastrophe Scale poster or provide materials and time for the students to make a classroom poster of the Catastrophe Scale. Students use strips of paper to record problems they have experienced and then paste them on the poster. This gives students ownership of the resource and the concepts being taught.
Catastrophe Scale Discussion
  • What is a Catastrophe?
  • What can you see on the scale?
  • What is the purpose of the Catastrophe Scale?
  • How can you use the Catastrophe Scale in your own life?
  • Tell me a problem you have experienced and rate it on the scale. Why did you choose that rating?
  • Lets look at the words used on the scale.  Tell me some problems that would fit with the words no problem, not so bad, bad, really bad, terrible, worst ever.
Link The Discussions and Activities With Being Resilient.
Resilience is having the ability to deal with problems and move on in a positive way. Using the Catastrophe Scale language for everyday events helps students understand the concept and contributes to their ability to get over the 'small stuff'. It is very effective in demonstrating that 'over reacting'  to everything leaves you nowhere to go emotionally when the 'big things' happen.

Introducing the Catastrophe Scale Teaching Tips

Ask Ed Activity
Introduce the Catastrophe Scale concept by using the Ask Ed App to work through problems identified by the students. Alternatively, print the Catastrophe Scale poster or provide materials and time for the students to make a classroom poster of the Catastrophe Scale. Students use strips of paper to record problems they have experienced and then paste them on the poster. This gives students ownership of the resource and the concepts being taught.
Catastrophe Scale Discussion
  • What is a Catastrophe?
  • What can you see on the scale?
  • What is the purpose of the Catastrophe Scale?
  • How can you use the Catastrophe Scale in your own life?
  • Tell me a problem you have experienced and rate it on the scale. Why did you choose that rating?
  • Lets look at the words used on the scale.  Tell me some problems that would fit with the words no problem, not so bad, bad, really bad, terrible, worst ever.
Link The Discussions and Activities With Being Resilient.
Resilience is having the ability to deal with problems and move on in a positive way. Using the Catastrophe Scale language for everyday events helps students understand the concept and contributes to their ability to get over the 'small stuff'. It is very effective in demonstrating that 'over reacting'  to everything leaves you nowhere to go emotionally when the 'big things' happen.

Introducing the Catastrophe Scale Resources

Select a button to access resources. Additional resources are available on the Teachers Resource page.

Teaching The Catastrophe Scale
And Introducing The Ask Ed App

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Catastrophe Scale Poster
Click to download

Use the Catastrophe Scale to help manage problems and build resilience.