Mitchell’s Messy Timeout in the Big Kids’ Room
Today, Mitchell joined the “Big Kids’ Room,” where older toddlers use taller tables and share more challenging activities. The boys are exploring building blocks and practicing writing their names. Mitchell watches them carefully, eager to join in.
As the teacher, Mr. James, turns to help another child, Mitchell spots a shiny can of colorful recyclables—right by his feet. He reaches down and pulls out a crumpled paper, then another, until he’s poking around the trash can. He giggles quietly, thinking it’s a fun game.
Suddenly, a loud PBBBBT! echoes through the room. The other boys freeze and sniff the air. A strong, stinky smell drifts around. Mitchell’s eyes widen—he’s farted, and then realizes he’s also pooped his diaper into the trash can! He smirks, a little proud of his mischievous trick.
Mr. James hears the noise and smells the mess. He notices the strewn trash and sees Mitchell smirking beside the can.
“Mitchell,” Mr. James says firmly, “you know the trash can is off-limits.”
Mitchell’s smirk fades as he looks up, expecting the next step. Mr. James explains, “Because you played in the trash can when you knew it was off-limits, and because of your diaper accident, you need a timeout.”
Mr. James guides Mitchell to the corner where a clean trash can sits—empty and upright—and says, “Thirty minutes, please.” Mitchell climbs into the empty can and sits quietly, hands folded. The other boys watch from their tables, surprised at the unusual timeout spot.
For thirty minutes, Mitchell sits calmly. He watches a clock on the wall, learning that actions have consequences. When the timer dings, Mr. James helps him out of the can, changes his diaper, and cleans him up. Mitchell nods, looking thoughtful.
Afterward, Mitchell returns to the play area. He joins the other boys in building a tall tower of blocks—careful not to touch the trash can again.
Key Vocabulary
mischievous – playfully naughty or troublesome
recyclables – items that can be turned into new materials
consequences – results or effects of actions
timeout – a short period of quiet reflection away from activities
Reading Check
Why did Mitchell get a timeout in the trash can?
What did Mr. James teach Mitchell by giving him a timeout?
How did Mitchell behave after his timeout ended?
Writing Activity
Write three sentences about a time you made a mistake and what happened afterward. What did you learn?
Discussion Prompt
With a classmate, discuss: Why is it important to follow rules, even when no one is watching?