A Red Zone Story for Kids | Fly on the Wall Book 11 | SEL Read Aloud About Anger and Self-Control

Fly on the Wall and the Fire Inside

A Rhyming Story About the Red Zone

I’m just a small fly on the classroom wall,And sometimes I witness the biggest of all.Not just the wiggly, silly, or sad —But the bursting, the boiling, the “I’ve had it!” mad.

The Red Zone is loud. It’s strong and it’s fast.It doesn’t sneak in — it crashes right past.It shows up in yells, in stomps and in tears,It feeds off frustration and builds up for years.

A Red Zone Moment

I saw it in Mason when he lost at a game,He shouted and pointed and called someone names.His fists got tight, and his eyes filled with heat,He kicked over bins and stormed off from his seat.

Then Isla got there when her tower fell flat.She screamed at her partner and threw down her mat.Her face was all fire, her voice was a roar,She didn’t want help — she just wanted war.

Their friends pulled away, their teacher grew still,They missed out on games and a storybook thrill.Not because they felt mad — that’s okay to feel!But because they let anger go flying the wheel.

The Truth: Everyone Feels It

Now here’s what I’ve learned from my fly-on-the-wall view:We ALL feel the Red — even teachers do too.It’s part of our bodies, it’s wired inside.It pops up when things feel unfair or denied.

But here’s what matters — and listen up tight:What you do with the Red makes it wrong or right.You can’t control the first burst of the flame,But you can learn to not bring the blame.

What to Do When It Hits

When your hands want to hit and your voice wants to yell,That’s the moment your body is trying to tell:🚨 “STOP. I’m overwhelmed. I’m heading toward ‘blow.’Help me calm down before feelings all go!”

You might need a break. Or a squeeze ball to grip.You might need to breathe or go take a quick sip.Some kids like drawing or walking it out.Some say a phrase like, “I need help — not shout.”

Because here’s the thing — and I’ve watched it all day:When you act on the Red, it can push friends away.But when you say, “Whoa. I need a reset,”You earn more respect than you’ve ever had yet.

Wrap-Up: You Are Not Your Anger

Your anger is real. Your feelings are true.But your choices decide what people see in you.You can lose your cool — or build your name…The power to choose is a strategy game.

I’m just a small fly, but I’ll tell you this true:The strongest kids aren’t the loudest in view.They’re the ones who feel fire — then quietly say,“I’m mad right now… but I won’t let it stay.”

The End