Boundary Role-Challenge

Overview: In small groups of 3–4, students practice setting and respecting boundaries through short role-play scenarios. Each student takes turns as the boundary setter, the requester, and the observer, then debriefs strategies that felt effective.

Materials:

• Scenario cards (below)
• Timer or stopwatch

Instructions:

1. Form groups of 3–4. Assign roles: Boundary Setter, Requester, and Observer. If you have 4 students, one person doubles as observer or rotates in.
2. Choose or draw one scenario card from the list below.
3. Read the scenario together. The requester approaches the boundary setter with the request.
4. Role-play the interaction for 2 minutes, practicing clear “I” statements and respectful responses.
5. Observer takes notes on body language, tone, and specific words used.
6. After 2 minutes, pause and debrief for 1–2 minutes:
   • What worked well?
   • What could be clearer?
   • How did it feel to say or respect the boundary?
7. Rotate roles and select a new scenario. Aim to try at least two different scenarios in your group.

Scenarios

1. Borrowing Without Permission
   A friend picks up your phone without asking and wants to look through your messages.
   
   
   
   2. Too Much Physical Contact
   A classmate keeps hugging you in the hallway when you’d rather keep some personal space.
   
   
   
   3. Group Project Overload
   Your partner in a project asks you to do all the work because you’re good at it, but you have other commitments.
   
   
   
   4. Online Tagging
   A friend tags you in weekly livestreams and photos that you’d prefer to keep private.
   
   
   
   5. Late-Night Calls
   A cousin calls you late at night to chat even though you need sleep for school the next day.
   
   
   
   6. Sharing Personal Notes
   A classmate wants to read your private journal or notebook without your permission.

Remember: The goal is to practice clear, calm communication and mutual respect. Observers should focus on positive language, tone, and non-verbal cues that support healthy boundaries.

My Boundary Reflection Journal

Date: _______________________

1. Recall a Time You Set a Boundary

Describe the situation and why you felt it was necessary.

2. How You Communicated Your Boundary

What did you say or do to express your limit?

3. Reaction and Feelings

How did the other person respond? How did it make you feel?

4. Outcome and Impact

What was the result? Did enforcing your boundary help you feel safer or more respected?

5. Challenges You Faced

What was difficult about asserting this boundary? What thoughts or emotions came up?

6. Strategies for Next Time

How could you handle a similar situation in the future? What techniques might help you maintain your boundary more easily?

Remember: Reflecting on these experiences helps you grow in self-awareness and communication. Keep this journal as a reminder of your progress and a guide for future situations. Feel free to add more reflections below as you practice your boundary skills.

Yes-No Line Warm-Up

Instructions:

• Read each statement aloud.
• Students move to the “Yes” side of the room if they agree or the “No” side if they disagree.
• After each statement, invite a quick share from one student on each side about why they chose their position.

Statements:

1. I feel comfortable asking a friend not to share my secrets.
2. I find it hard to say “no” when someone asks me to hang out.
3. I have told someone to stop hugging me when I didn’t want to be hugged.
4. I worry about hurting someone’s feelings if I set a boundary.
5. I think it’s okay to borrow a friend’s phone without asking if they trust me.
6. I prefer to have “me time” after a long day.
7. I feel uneasy when someone looks through my online profile without permission.
8. I have told someone I needed space during group work.
9. I feel guilty when I turn down extra work from classmates.
10. I communicate my limits clearly with family or friends.