How to Pass by Someone

Materials: n/a

Purposes:

• Independence

• Preparation for Culturally Appropriate Social Behavior

Age: 3 - 6

Preparation: The children have needed to find a way around someone

Presentation:

• Invite a small group and a child expert to sit with you. 

• Explain that you will show them what to do if they need to pass by someone and there isn’t much room. 

• Child expert stands in the tight spot in the classroom.

• Walk up to the child, “Excuse me (child’s name), may I pass by?”

• The child responds, “Certainly” and moves aside.

• Walk by and thank them.

• Child expert responds.

• Switch roles with the child expert and repeat.

• Invite each of the children to play both roles.

• When they are done summarize the lesson and dismiss to work.

Points of Interest:

• Waiting for the person to step aside.

• Knowing the words to say. 

Following Exercises:

• Passing through the doorway

Pedagogical Notes:

• You need to change the words for the interactions that are most appropriate for your setting.

• Present the lesson in an area in the room where you see children pushing to get by one another.