Students will identify personal boundaries and distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate touch, and learn steps to take if they feel uncomfortable.
Teaching boundaries helps students feel safe, respected, and empowered to speak up when someone crosses their personal space or touches them inappropriately.
Audience
3rd Grade
Time
15 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion and hands-on sorting activity.
Familiarize yourself with the scenarios and sorting categories (appropriate, inappropriate, private).
Display the Feelings Chart where all students can see it.
Step 1
Warm-Up Discussion
2 minutes
Gather students in a small circle.
Ask: “What does 'personal space' mean?” and note responses on the Feelings Chart.
Quick thumbs-up/thumbs-down: Do you like hugs from everyone or only from people you know well?
Assessment: Look for clear examples. Differential: Provide sentence starters for students who need support.
Step 2
Introduce Boundaries
3 minutes
Define 'boundary' as an invisible line around our bodies.
Explain appropriate vs inappropriate touch (high-five vs touching private parts).
Show 1–2 examples from the Boundary Scenario Cards.
Assessment: Ask students to tell one appropriate and one inappropriate touch. Differentiation: Use visual gestures for each example.
Instruct them to place each card into 'Appropriate,' 'Inappropriate,' or 'Private' piles.
Circulate and prompt discussion: “Why did you choose that pile?”
Assessment: Listen for correct reasoning. Differentiation: Offer guided questioning for students who struggle.
Step 4
Debrief and Action Steps
4 minutes
Reconvene and discuss one card from each pile.
Teach the rule: “If a touch makes you uncomfortable, say ‘Stop,’ move away, and tell a trusted adult.”
Role-play saying “Stop” and seeking help.
Summarize: Boundaries keep us safe!
Assessment: Have each student demonstrate saying “Stop.” Differentiation: Pair stronger readers to support peers during role-play.
Slide Deck
Boundaries Are Cool
Personal Boundaries & Appropriate Touch
Grade 3 • 15-Minute Lesson
Welcome students to the lesson. Say: “Today we’re going to learn about personal boundaries—what they are, how to know when a touch is okay or not, and what to do if touch makes you uncomfortable.”
Today’s Objectives
• Define a personal boundary
• Identify appropriate vs. inappropriate touch
• Practice steps to stay safe
Read the objectives out loud. Say: “By the end of our time together, you’ll be able to: 1) define a boundary, 2) tell the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touch, and 3) know what to do if you ever feel uncomfortable.”
What Is a Boundary?
An invisible line around your body that shows who can touch you and how.
[Image: Child standing in a circle with space around them]
Explain: “A boundary is an invisible line around your body that keeps you safe. We have the right to choose who can cross that line.” Point to the image.
Appropriate vs. Inappropriate Touch
Appropriate Touch:
• High-five
• Handshake
• Hug with permission
Inappropriate Touch:
• Touching private parts
• Hugs or kisses you don’t want
Show each list and ask for examples. Say: “A high-five is usually okay because it’s non-private. But touching private parts is always inappropriate.”
Sorting Activity
Work with a partner.
Sort your cards into three piles:
– Appropriate
– Inappropriate
– Private
Be ready to explain your choices.
Explain the sorting activity: “I’m giving each pair a set of cards. Sort them into Appropriate, Inappropriate, or Private piles. Talk about why you chose each pile.” Circulate and prompt groups.
What To Do If You Feel Uncomfortable
SAY “Stop!”
MOVE away
TELL a trusted adult
Gather attention back. Review one card per pile. Then teach the safety rule: “If a touch makes you uncomfortable, say ‘Stop,’ move away, and tell a trusted adult.” Model the words and body language.
Boundaries Keep Us Safe!
• Boundaries are your choice.
• You can always say “Stop.”
• Tell a trusted adult if you need help.
Summarize the lesson. Praise students for their participation. Say: “Remember, boundaries keep you safe, and it’s always okay to speak up.”
Worksheet
Boundary Scenario Cards
Cut out each card and use them to discuss whether the touch described is Appropriate, Inappropriate, or Private.
Card 1:
You give your friend a high-five after they answer a question in class.
Card 2:
Your classmate gives you a big hug without asking because they’re happy to see you.
Card 3:
Someone tries to tickle your stomach and you ask them to stop.
Card 4:
A friend squeezes your hand to comfort you when you’re sad.
Card 5:
A person tries to touch your private parts through your clothes.
Card 6:
The lunch monitor pats you on the back to get your attention.
Worksheet
Boundary Sorting Cards
Cut out each card and sort them into three piles: Appropriate, Inappropriate, or Private.
Card 1:
High-five
Card 2:
Handshake
Card 3:
Hug with permission
Card 4:
Hug without permission
Card 5:
Pat on the back
Card 6:
Touching hair without asking
Card 7:
Tickle without permission
Card 8:
Squeezing someone’s hand to comfort
Card 9:
Touching private parts
Card 10:
Holding hands with permission
Reading
Feelings Chart
Use these faces to show how you feel. During our discussion, point to or circle the face that matches your feeling.
Face
Feeling
😊
Happy
😢
Sad
😠
Angry
😧
Surprised
😨
Scared
😕
Confused
😃
Excited
Keep this chart visible while we talk about personal space and boundaries—everyone’s feelings matter!
