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Boundary Builders

Lesson Plan

Boundary Builders Guide

Students will learn to recognize and communicate simple preferences and basic physical boundaries using visual aids and structured activities.

Understanding and communicating basic preferences and boundaries helps K-5 self-contained students with severe autism feel safe and predictable in their environment. It empowers them to express needs, reduce frustration, and build more positive interactions.

Audience

K-5 Self-Contained Students with Severe Autism

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Highly structured, visually supported, hands-on activity with simplified communication.

Materials

Building blocks (various colors and sizes), Visual communication cards (e.g., 'stop', 'my turn', 'yes', 'no'), Building Our Boundaries, and Boundary Block Tower

Prep

Prepare Materials

15 minutes

  • Review the Building Our Boundaries slide deck, focusing on simplified language and visuals.
    - Gather enough building blocks for each small group (2-3 students) to build a small structure. Ensure blocks are easy to manipulate.
    - Prepare or print simple visual communication cards (e.g., a 'stop' sign, 'my turn' picture, 'no touch' symbol, 'yes'/'no' cards).
    - Print or prepare the instructions for the Boundary Block Tower game.
    - Arrange the classroom for small, structured groups, minimizing distractions.

Step 1

Introduction: My Space, Your Space

5 minutes

  • Begin with a very clear, simple introduction to 'my space' and 'your space' using gestures and concrete examples (e.g., tapping their own shoulder then pointing to a peer's shoulder, with 'my space' on their own and 'your space' on others).
    - Use the Building Our Boundaries slide deck with a strong focus on visuals and minimal verbal input. Point to pictures that show 'happy' when boundaries are respected and 'sad' when not.
    - Introduce the concept of a 'stop' sign or 'no touch' card as a way to show when something is not okay.

Step 2

Activity: Boundary Block Tower with Visuals

10 minutes

  • Divide students into very small groups (2-3 students per group).
    - Introduce the Boundary Block Tower game, emphasizing clear, simple rules.
    - Each group will get a small set of building blocks. Explain that we are building together, but everyone has their own turn and their own blocks they might want to use.
    - Model simple boundary communication: For example, if a student wants to place a block, they can say 'my turn' or use a 'my turn' card. If another student tries to take their block, the first student can show a 'stop' card or say 'stop'.
    - Focus on highly structured turn-taking and prompt students to use their visual cards or simple words to communicate their preferences (e.g., 'no', 'my block', 'stop').
    - Provide immediate positive reinforcement for any attempt at communication and for respecting others' boundaries.

Step 3

Wrap-up: Happy or Sad?

5 minutes

  • Bring the groups back together.
    - Facilitate a brief, highly visual discussion using 'happy' and 'sad' face cards or pictures.
    - "Did it feel happy or sad when your friend waited for their turn?" (Show happy face)
    - "Did it feel happy or sad if someone took your block without asking?" (Show sad face)
    - Reiterate that using our words or cards helps everyone feel happy and safe.
    - Distribute the Cool Down: My Healthy Boundary as a simple choice activity or for individual reflection with support.
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Slide Deck

My Space, Your Space

What is 'my space'? What is 'your space'?

Welcome students! Use gestures and simple words to introduce 'my space' and 'your space'. Show pictures of happy and calm faces.

My Rules for My Space

Invisible Rules

  • Help me feel safe
  • Help me feel happy
  • Tell others 'stop' or 'no'

Explain that boundaries are like invisible rules. Show a picture of a stop sign or a 'no' symbol. Emphasize that these rules help us feel safe and happy.

What I Like, What I Don't

My Preferences

  • Things I like
  • Things I don't like
  • Ways I want to be treated (e.g., gentle hands)

Show pictures of different things students might like or dislike. Use very concrete examples. For instance, 'I like quiet,' 'I don't like loud noises.'

How I Tell You

Use My Words or Cards!

  • "Stop."
  • "No."
  • "My turn."
  • Show a 'STOP' card.

Model using communication cards (e.g., a 'STOP' card, 'MY TURN' card) or simple words like 'stop' or 'no'. Practice pointing to the cards.

Listen to Friends!

Respect Others' Rules

  • Everyone has their own space and rules.
  • Listen when friends say 'stop' or 'no'.
  • This makes everyone feel happy and safe.

Show pictures of students waiting, sharing, or giving space. Emphasize that when we listen to others' 'stop' or 'no', everyone feels happy and safe. Show happy faces.

Let's Build Our Space!

Time for Blocks!

  • We'll use blocks to show our space.
  • Practice telling friends 'stop' or 'my turn'.
  • Work together and have fun!

Introduce the block activity. Explain that they will practice using their 'stop' or 'my turn' cards with the blocks. Focus on simple turn-taking and communication.

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Game

Boundary Block Tower

Goal: Work together to build a tower. Take turns and use your "stop" or "my turn" cards/words to show what you want.

Materials: A small set of various building blocks per small group (2-3 students), and visual communication cards (e.g., "stop" sign, "my turn" picture).

How to Play:

  1. Take Turns: Each student takes a turn to add one block to the tower. The teacher will help show whose turn it is (e.g., point, pass a turn-taking card).
  2. Place Your Block: When it's your turn, choose a block and place it carefully on the tower.
  3. Show Your Boundary:
    • If someone tries to take your block without asking, you can hold up your "STOP" card or say "Stop!"
    • If you want to put your block down and need space, you can hold up your "MY TURN" card or say "My turn!"
  4. Listen to Friends: If a friend shows a "STOP" card or says "Stop!", quickly stop what you are doing. Give them space or their block back. Show that you listen by nodding or giving a thumbs up.
  5. Teacher Helps: The teacher will help everyone understand and use their cards. They will praise good listening and clear communication.
  6. Build & Be Happy! Keep building your tower until time is called. Remember, using your cards and words helps everyone feel safe and happy while playing together!
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Cool Down

My Healthy Boundary

Look at the pictures and circle or point to your answer. The teacher can help you write your answer if you want.

  1. What is one way you can show someone you need space or don't want them to touch your things?

    • Show a STOP card
    • Say "Stop!"
    • (Draw a picture if you want!)




  2. How does it feel when someone listens to your "STOP" or "My turn"?

    • Happy Face (Draw a happy face)
    • Sad Face (Draw a sad face)




  3. Why is it important to listen when your friends say "Stop!" or show their STOP card?

    • It makes them happy
    • It makes them sad
    • (Draw a picture if you want!)




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Boundary Builders • Lenny Learning