NOVA Parent Mini-Discussion Guide
Early Elementary Behavioral Series (Ages 6–7)
Illuminating the Path to Excellence
Table of Contents
Introduction
This guide helps parents have short, meaningful conversations with their children to build character, accountability, and positive behavior.
How to Use This Guide
Keep discussions to 5–10 minutes. Talk with your child, not at them. Practice together using the activities provided.
Parent Tips
Keep conversations short, positive, and consistent. Practice skills together and model good behavior. Have fun!
Lesson 1: Words That Hurt
Lesson 1. Words Can Help or Hurt
Introduction
Words are powerful and can help or hurt others.
Discussion Outline
– How words make people feel
– Kind vs hurtful words
– Who controls your words
– Practice better responses
– Family rule
Activity
Draw a heart and add a mark for each kind word. Remove marks for hurtful words.
Action Step
Say 3 kind things daily.
Conclusion
Choose words that help, not hurt.
Questions
– Why do words hurt?
– How can kind words help?
Lesson 2: When I Feel Angry
2. When I Feel Angry
Introduction
Everyone feels angry, but we choose how we act.
Discussion Outline
– What anger feels like
– Feeling vs behavior
– What happens when we act angry
– What to do instead
– Family rule
Activity
Practice balloon breathing together: inhale and exhale slowly, 3–5 times.
Action Step
Practice breathing when upset.
Conclusion
You are in charge of your actions.
Questions
– What helps when angry?
Lesson 3 Being a Good Friend
3. Being a Good Friend
Introduction
Friendship requires kindness and effort.
Discussion Outline
– What is a good friend
– What hurts friendships
– How to be a good friend
– Handling problems
Activity
Toss a ball and say a kind action each time you catch it.
Action Step
Do one kind act daily.
Conclusion
Kindness builds friendships.
Questions
– How can you include others?
Lesson 4: What To Do When Someone Is Mean
4. What To Do When Someone Is Mean
Introduction
Sometimes people are mean; we choose our response.
Discussion Outline
– Recognizing mean behavior
– You are in control
– What to do
– What not to do
Activity
Practice saying: Stop, I don’t like that, and tell an adult.
Action Step
Practice saying ‘Stop’.
Conclusion
Choose safe responses.
Questions
– Who can help you?
Lesson 5: Making Good Choices
5. Making Good Choices
Introduction
We make choices every day.
Discussion Outline
– What is a choice
– Choices have results
– Think before acting
– Practice examples
Activity
Play a choice game: identify good vs bad choices quickly.
Action Step
Ask: Is this a good choice?
Conclusion
You control your choices.
Questions
– What happens with good choices?
