Lesson Plan
Boundary Builders
Students will define personal boundaries, identify healthy and unhealthy boundary examples, practice communicating boundaries, and demonstrate respecting others' boundaries to build stronger friendships.
Learning to set and respect boundaries is crucial for developing self-respect, fostering healthy communication, and maintaining balanced, positive friendships throughout life.
Audience
2nd-3rd Grade Students
Time
45-55 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, storytelling, role-playing, and hands-on activities.
Prep
Review Materials
15 minutes
- Review the Boundary Builders Lesson Plan, Boundary Builders Slide Deck, Boundary Builders Activity Cards, My Friendship Boundaries Worksheet, and What Would You Do? Discussion Prompts to familiarize yourself with the content.
- Print and cut out the Boundary Builders Activity Cards (one set per small group).
- Make copies of the My Friendship Boundaries Worksheet (one per student).
- Prepare your projector or smartboard for the Boundary Builders Slide Deck.
Step 1
Introduction: What Are Boundaries?
10 minutes
- Begin with Slide 1 and introduce the concept of 'personal space' as a simple boundary.
- Use Slides 2-3 to define boundaries as 'invisible lines' that protect our feelings and needs in friendships.
- Facilitate a brief discussion using the What Would You Do? Discussion Prompts to gauge initial understanding. Ask questions like: 'What does it feel like when someone crosses your invisible line?'
Step 2
Exploring Healthy vs. Unhealthy Boundaries
15 minutes
- Use Slides 4-6 to present examples of healthy and unhealthy boundaries in friendships.
- Introduce the Boundary Builders Activity Cards. Divide students into small groups and distribute one set of cards to each group.
- Instruct groups to sort the cards into 'Healthy Boundary' and 'Unhealthy Boundary' categories, discussing why they chose each category.
- Circulate to support groups and clarify misconceptions.
Step 3
Communicating Boundaries
10 minutes
- Bring students back together. Use Slides 7-8 to explain how to communicate boundaries kindly but firmly using 'I' statements (e.g., 'I feel uncomfortable when...').
- Model a few scenarios, then have students practice communicating a boundary with a partner using the Boundary Builders Activity Cards they sorted earlier.
- Emphasize the importance of listening and respecting a friend's 'no'.
Step 4
My Friendship Boundaries
10 minutes
- Distribute the My Friendship Boundaries Worksheet.
- Guide students to reflect on and write down some of their own personal boundaries they want in their friendships.
- Encourage them to think about things they like, dislike, or need in a friendship. Provide examples if needed (e.g., 'I need quiet time to read,' 'I don't like it when friends share my secrets').
- Conclude by reiterating the value of boundaries for strong, happy friendships.
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Slide Deck
Boundary Builders: Healthy Friendships!
Building Strong Friendships, One Boundary at a Time!
Today, we're going to become 'Boundary Builders'!
Welcome students and set a positive tone. Introduce the idea of 'invisible lines' gently.
What Are Boundaries?
Invisible Lines Around You!
- They are rules we have for ourselves.
- They show others how to treat us.
- They protect our feelings, bodies, and things.
Think of it like your own personal space bubble!
Explain boundaries simply. Use an analogy like a fence around a garden to protect what's inside.
Why Do We Need Boundaries?
For Happy and Healthy Friendships!
- They help us feel safe and respected.
- They help our friends know what we like and don't like.
- They make friendships stronger because everyone understands each other.
Discuss why boundaries are good for friendships. Connect it to respect and feeling safe.
Healthy Boundaries in Friendships
Showing Respect to Yourself and Others
- Saying "No": When you don't want to play a certain game.
- Asking for Space: When you need alone time.
- Protecting Your Things: When you don't want to share something special.
- Not Sharing Secrets: If a friend tells you something private.
These help everyone feel comfortable!
Give clear examples of healthy boundaries. Emphasize mutual respect.
Unhealthy Boundaries in Friendships
When Invisible Lines Get Crossed
- Not listening when someone says "No".
- Touching someone without asking.
- Making fun of a friend even when they ask you to stop.
- Sharing a friend's secret without their permission.
These things can hurt feelings and friendships.
Provide examples of when boundaries are crossed. Discuss how it feels.
Healthy or Unhealthy?
Let's Decide Together!
We're going to look at some different situations.
Think: Is this a healthy boundary that helps friendships, or an unhealthy one that hurts them?
Transition to the activity where students will sort examples.
Communicating Your Boundaries
Use Your Words: "I Feel..." Statements
It's important to tell your friends your boundaries!
Start with "I feel..." or "I need..."
- "I feel uncomfortable when you take my pencil without asking."
- "I need some quiet time to finish my drawing right now."
Remember to be kind, but also clear!
Introduce 'I Statements' as a kind but firm way to communicate.
Respecting Others' Boundaries
Just as Important!
- When a friend says "No," listen to them.
- When a friend asks for space, give it to them.
- Ask before you share or touch their things.
Being a good friend means respecting those invisible lines!
Reinforce the importance of respecting others' boundaries.
Activity
Boundary Builders Activity Cards
Instructions: With your group, read each card. Decide if the situation shows a Healthy Boundary or an Unhealthy Boundary. Discuss why you think it belongs in that category. Then, sort the cards into two piles: "Healthy Boundary" and "Unhealthy Boundary."
Card 1
Your friend wants to borrow your favorite stuffed animal, but you don't want to share it. You say, "No, thank you, I don't want to share this one today."
Category:
Card 2
Your friend keeps telling your secrets to other kids, even after you asked them to stop.
Category:
Card 3
Your friend is upset and needs some quiet time. You give them space and don't bother them until they are ready to talk.
Category:
Card 4
You always have to do what your friend wants to do, even if you don't like it. If you say no, they get mad.
Category:
Card 5
Your friend wants to play a game you don't enjoy. You suggest playing a different game you both like instead, or playing separately for a bit.
Category:
Card 6
Your friend grabs your snack without asking, even though you were about to eat it.
Category:
Card 7
You tell your friend you need to go home because you're tired, and your friend says, "Okay, see you tomorrow!"
Category:
Card 8
Your friend calls you names even when you tell them it hurts your feelings.
Category:
Card 9
You ask your friend if you can borrow their crayons, and they say, "Yes, you can use the red and blue ones."
Category:
Card 10
Your friend tries to peek at your drawing, and you cover it and say, "Please don't look at my drawing, it's not finished yet."
Category:
Worksheet
My Friendship Boundaries Worksheet
Name: ________________________
Instructions: Everyone has invisible lines, or boundaries, that help them feel safe and happy in friendships. Think about what makes you feel comfortable and respected. Write down some of your own personal boundaries for your friendships.
1. What makes you feel comfortable and respected in a friendship? (Think about sharing, playing, talking, and personal space.)
2. What do you not like when friends do? (This is a boundary you might want to set!)
3. If a friend crossed one of your invisible lines, what could you say to them using an "I feel..." statement?
4. What is one way you can show a friend you respect their boundaries?
Discussion
What Would You Do? Discussion Prompts
Instructions: Let's think and talk about these situations together. There are no right or wrong answers, just what you think and how you feel!
Prompt 1
Imagine you are building a tall tower with blocks. Your friend comes over and suddenly knocks it all down without asking. How would that make you feel? What would you want to say to your friend?
Prompt 2
Your friend wants to tell you a secret, but you really need to finish your reading for class. What would you do? How would you kindly tell your friend you need to focus right now?
Prompt 3
Someone keeps touching your hair, even after you’ve asked them to stop because you don’t like it. How does that feel? What could you do or say?
Prompt 4
Your friend shared their favorite toy with you yesterday. Today, they say, "I don't want to share my toy today." How should you respond? What does it mean to respect their decision?