Boundaries: The Friendship Superpower

connallyj

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Boundaries: The Friendship Superpower

Students will understand what personal boundaries are and learn how to respectfully communicate them with friends. They will recognize the importance of boundaries in maintaining healthy relationships.

Learning about personal boundaries equips students with social-emotional skills, fostering respect and safe interactions with peers.

Audience

3rd Grade

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Engaging discussion, role-play, and interactive questioning.

Materials

Boundaries: The Friendship Superpower

Prep

Teacher Preparation

5 minutes

Review the lesson plan and materials ahead of time.
Prepare role-play scenarios illustrating different boundary situations.
Note key discussion points on a whiteboard or chart paper.

Step 1

Introduction and Discussion

5 minutes

Begin by asking students what they think boundaries are.
Introduce the concept of personal boundaries with simple examples (e.g., personal space, saying no).
Ask students why having boundaries can be a 'friendship superpower.'

Step 2

Interactive Role-Play

7 minutes

Organize a simple role-play activity where students practice saying 'no' when uncomfortable.
Pair up students; one acts as the friend and the other practices setting a boundary.
Rotate partners and scenarios to reinforce learning and empathy.

Step 3

Conclusion and Recap

3 minutes

Review key points and ask students to share one new thing they learned.
Emphasize the importance of respecting others' boundaries.

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Slide Deck

Boundaries: The Friendship Superpower

Welcome 3rd Graders! Today, we'll learn why setting boundaries is important.

Introduce the lesson with a warm welcome. Explain that today's lesson is about understanding personal boundaries as a friendship superpower. Mention that boundaries help keep us safe and happy in our relationships.

What Are Boundaries?

A boundary is a personal space or rule that helps us feel safe and respected. What boundaries do you know?

Ask the students what they think a boundary might be. Provide examples like personal space and saying no. Encourage responses and guide them gently toward the concept.

Examples of Boundaries

• Personal space (staying at a comfortable distance)
• Saying 'No' when something doesn't feel right
• Respecting others' feelings

Show examples of boundaries using simple, relatable scenarios: personal space, saying no to things that make you uncomfortable. Engage the class by asking for more examples.

Interactive Role-Play

Let's practice how to say 'No' and set boundaries in fun role-play scenarios. Pair up and take turns practicing!

Explain the role-play activity. Pair students up and give them specific scenarios where one friend needs to set a boundary. Remind them to listen carefully and support each other.

Conclusion & Recap

• Boundaries are our friendship superpower!
• They help us feel safe and respected.

Summarize the lesson. Ask students to share one new thing they learned and why boundaries are important. Reinforce the idea of mutual respect and self-care.

Activity

Role-Play Scenarios

Today we’re going to practice setting healthy boundaries by acting out different scenarios with a partner. This activity will help you use the skills from our lesson to say 'no' when you feel uncomfortable and to speak up for yourself.

Instructions:

Pair Up: Choose a partner. One of you will start by reading one of the scenarios. After you finish, switch roles.
Act Out the Scenario: Read the scenario aloud and act it out. Think about how you can set your boundary clearly and kindly. Listen carefully to your partner as they practice too.
Discuss: After each role-play, briefly discuss what happened. How did you feel? What did you learn about setting boundaries?
Rotate: Use a new scenario as many times as we have time to practice. Remember, practice makes perfect!

Scenarios to Try:

Scenario 1: A friend wants to play a game that you don't enjoy. How can you explain your feelings and suggest another game?
Scenario 2: Another friend keeps asking you to share your snack even though you planned to keep it. Practice saying "I'm not sharing this right now."
Scenario 3: Someone teases you about your clothes. What can you say to let them know that their words hurt you?

Scenario 4: A classmate repeatedly borrows your pencil without asking. How do you let them know you need them to ask first?
Scenario 5: During group work, a friend insists on doing all the work while you aren’t given a chance to contribute. How can you express that you'd like to participate too?
Scenario 6: A peer wants to copy your homework, even though your teacher said it’s important to do your own work. How can you explain that you need to do your own work?
Scenario 7: You’re playing on the playground and someone gets too close in your personal space. What can you say to create some space without hurting their feelings?
Scenario 8: A friend keeps calling you during a quiet time when you need to concentrate on a class activity. How do you kindly ask for some quiet space?

Follow-Up Discussion:

After the role-play, let's share:

What was challenging about setting your boundary?
How did it feel when you set your boundary or heard your partner set theirs?
What can we do to support our friends when they set their boundaries?

Have fun practicing, and remember: healthy boundaries are a friendship superpower, and you are the hero of your own story!