The Turtle Story

The Turtle Story 1 - 2 - 3 Turtle

This is a story about a little turtle who did not like to go to school. His name was Timothy Turtle. Timothy was very upset about going to school. He wanted to stay home all day and goof around. He did not want to work or learn school things. Timothy just wanted to run outside and play with his friends, or watch TV, or just stay in the house and play video games all day.

Timothy thought it was too hard to try to write words or copy from the board. He said it was too hard to read books and do math. He just wanted to play instead. Sometimes he even liked to fight with his friends! He liked to tease the other kids and grab their pencils or books. He did not like to share, and he did not like to pay attention to his teacher. It was too hard to remember not to fight or make noise. It was too hard to follow the rules and it was too hard to remember what he should do when He was feeling angry or upset. He even had to go the Principal’s office and talk with him.

Every day, Timothy would tell himself that he would try to stay out of trouble. But every day, he would get mad or frustrated and do something that he was not supposed to do and would get in more trouble. He said he just couldn’t help it…. he could not control his behaviors. After a while, Timothy Turtle said he didn’t even like school because the other kids wouldn’t play with him at recess anymore. He began to feel lonely and left out. He even began to feel like he was a Bad Turtle. Timothy walked around for a long time feeling very, very lonely and upset.

One day when he was feeling really bad, Timothy met Grandpa Turtle who was the oldest turtle in town. Grandpa Turtle was 200 years old and he was very wise and very smart. Grandpa Turtle said, “Timothy, why do you look so sad?” “I have a BIG problem,” said Timothy. “Whenever I feel angry or upset, I do things that I shouldn’t; like tease kids, or hurt them when I hit, kick, pinch, or bite them. Sometimes I even break things. Today I got so mad when my teacher told me I made mistakes on my paper and would have to do it over, that I yelled, “No, and ripped up my paper and threw it on the floor.” She got so mad, she sent me to the Principal’s Office, again. I just can’t help it Grandpa, I just can’t control myself when I get mad. I’m always in trouble and I don’t have any friends because I hurt the kids when I get angry.

Grandpa Turtle asked Timothy if he would like to learn something special that His Grandpa had taught him when he was little and did things he shouldn’t when he got angry. Grandpa said it sure helped him a lot. Yes, said Timothy please teach it to me. So, Grandpa Turtle taught Timothy how to do 1 - 2 - 3 Turtle! He had Timothy practice and practice so he would be sure to do the right thing the next time he felt angry or upset. Timothy thanked his Grandpa and went on home.

The next day when Timothy got upset, he did 1-2- 3 Turtle! just like Grandpa had taught him. It worked; Timothy was so excited! His friends were amazed at what they saw. Timothy no longer acted mean or violent. They watched for several days and Timothy started getting rid of his anger by doing something else. When his friends knew, he would not hurt them anymore; they started to play with him again. School EVEN started to be more fun! Timothy wants to tell all his Gus & Gussie friends to remember…the next time you are feeling angry or upset, please practice doing 1-2-3 Turtle! It helped him and he is certain it will help you too. Let’s practice one more time.

1-2-3 TURTLE!

1. Stop & Turtle (Go inside Your Shell) 2. Take some deep breaths and blow out slowly 3. Think of a good way to solve the problem and then come out and solve the problem in a good way