Lesson Plan
Boundary Builders Lesson Plan
Students will be able to define personal boundaries, identify different types of boundaries (physical, emotional, digital), and practice communicating their boundaries effectively to foster healthier relationships and self-respect.
Understanding and setting personal boundaries is crucial for healthy relationships, self-respect, and preventing misunderstandings. This lesson equips students with the skills to advocate for their needs and navigate social interactions with confidence.
Audience
6th-9th Grade Students
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussions, scenario analysis, role-playing, and self-reflection.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Boundary Builders Slide Deck, Boundary Scenarios Activity, My Personal Boundaries Worksheet, and Boundary Builders Discussion Questions
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Boundary Builders Lesson Plan and all linked materials.
- Ensure projector or whiteboard is ready for the Boundary Builders Slide Deck.
- Print or prepare digital copies of the Boundary Scenarios Activity and My Personal Boundaries Worksheet.
- Familiarize yourself with the Boundary Builders Discussion Questions.
Step 1
Warm-up: What's Your Space?
5 minutes
- Begin with a quick warm-up activity to get students thinking about personal space. Ask questions like: 'How close is too close when talking to someone?' or 'What does it feel like when someone invades your personal space?'
- Introduce the lesson by asking 'Have you ever felt uncomfortable when someone asked too many personal questions or touched you without permission? Today, we're going to talk about something super important that helps us deal with these feelings: personal boundaries.'
Step 2
Introduction to Boundaries
15 minutes
- Use the Boundary Builders Slide Deck (Slides 1-5) to introduce the concept of personal boundaries.
- Define what boundaries are (rules or limits we set to protect our well-being).
- Discuss different types of boundaries: physical, emotional, and digital.
- Provide clear examples for each type. For instance, 'Physical boundaries: not wanting high fives from everyone. Emotional boundaries: not wanting to discuss personal family issues. Digital boundaries: not sharing passwords or personal photos online.'
- Encourage initial thoughts and questions.
Step 3
Boundary Scenarios Activity
20 minutes
- Divide students into small groups (3-4 students per group).
- Distribute the Boundary Scenarios Activity.
- Each group will read through a few scenarios and discuss:
- What type of boundary is being crossed?
- How might the person in the scenario feel?
- What could the person do or say to set/reinforce their boundary?
- Circulate among groups to facilitate discussion and provide guidance.
Step 4
Sharing and Discussion
10 minutes
- Bring the class back together.
- Ask groups to share one or two scenarios and their proposed boundary-setting strategies.
- Use the Boundary Builders Discussion Questions to deepen understanding and address common challenges in setting boundaries.
- Emphasize the importance of respecting others' boundaries as well.
Step 5
My Personal Boundaries Worksheet & Cool-down
10 minutes
- Distribute the My Personal Boundaries Worksheet.
- Instruct students to reflect individually on their own personal boundaries for each category (physical, emotional, digital) and how they might communicate them.
- Explain that this is a personal reflection, and they don't need to share anything they're uncomfortable with.
- Conclude the lesson by reiterating the power of clear boundaries for self-respect and healthy relationships. 'Remember, setting boundaries isn't about pushing people away; it's about making space for healthy, respectful connections. You are the builder of your own personal space!'
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Slide Deck
Boundary Builders: Defining Our Personal Space
How do you feel when your personal space is ignored?
Welcome students and introduce the topic of personal space and comfort. Ask them to think about what 'personal space' means to them.
What Are Boundaries?
Boundaries are like invisible fences that protect your personal space and feelings.
They are rules or limits we set for ourselves in relationships.
They help us feel safe, respected, and comfortable.
Introduce the concept of boundaries as invisible lines we draw to protect ourselves. Emphasize that everyone has them, and they are important for well-being.
Physical Boundaries
These relate to your body and personal space.
Examples:
- Not wanting hugs from everyone.
- Discomfort with certain types of touch.
- Needing personal space when talking to someone.
- Not allowing someone to go through your backpack or locker without permission.
Explain physical boundaries with examples relevant to middle and high school students. Stress that these can vary for individuals.
Emotional Boundaries
These protect your feelings and emotional well-being.
Examples:
- Not wanting to share private thoughts or feelings with everyone.
- Setting limits on how much you listen to someone else's problems.
- Choosing not to discuss certain topics that make you uncomfortable.
- Not being pressured into doing things you don't want to do.
Discuss emotional boundaries, highlighting the importance of protecting feelings and personal information. Give relatable examples.
Digital Boundaries
These relate to your online interactions and personal information.
Examples:
- Deciding what you post on social media.
- Not sharing passwords with friends.
- Setting limits on screen time or who can message you.
- Not allowing others to post pictures of you without permission.
Address digital boundaries, which are increasingly important for this age group. Include examples about online interactions and personal information.
Why Are Boundaries Important?
• They help us feel safe and comfortable.
• They build trust in relationships.
• They reduce stress and misunderstandings.
• They teach others how to treat us.
Transition to the activity. Explain that boundaries are about respect—both for yourself and for others. Preview the next step.
Activity
Boundary Scenarios Activity
Instructions: In your small groups, read each scenario below. Discuss the following questions for each scenario:
- What type of boundary (physical, emotional, or digital) is being crossed or needs to be set?
- How might the person in the scenario feel?
- What could the person do or say to set or reinforce their boundary respectfully?
Scenario 1: The Persistent Sharer
Your friend, Alex, loves to tell you all about their personal problems, often in great detail. Lately, it's been happening every day, and you feel drained and overwhelmed after talking to them. You care about Alex, but you don't always have the emotional capacity to listen to all their worries.
Scenario 2: The Photo Post
You went to a party last weekend, and a friend, Sam, posted several photos of you on social media without asking for your permission. One of the photos is particularly unflattering, and you feel embarrassed that it's online for everyone to see.
Scenario 3: The Close Talker
When your classmate, Jamie, talks to you, they always stand very close, sometimes even touching your arm or shoulder. You feel uncomfortable when they are that close, but you don't want to be rude.
Scenario 4: The Nosy Sibling
Your younger sibling often goes into your room and reads your diary or looks through your personal belongings without asking. You've asked them to stop before, but it keeps happening, and you feel like you have no privacy.
Worksheet
My Personal Boundaries Worksheet
Instructions: Reflect on your own personal boundaries in each category. Think about what makes you feel comfortable and uncomfortable. Then, consider how you might communicate these boundaries to others.
1. Physical Boundaries
-
What kind of physical touch are you comfortable with (e.g., handshakes, high fives, hugs from close friends/family)? What makes you uncomfortable?
-
How much personal space do you need when talking to people? What happens when someone invades that space?
-
How would you communicate a physical boundary to someone respectfully?
2. Emotional Boundaries
-
What topics are you comfortable discussing with friends or family? Are there certain topics you prefer not to share, or only share with very close people?
-
How much emotional support can you give to others without feeling overwhelmed? When do you need to take a step back?
-
How would you communicate an emotional boundary to someone respectfully?
3. Digital Boundaries
-
What information are you comfortable sharing about yourself online (e.g., photos, location, personal opinions)? What would you prefer to keep private?
-
What are your rules about sharing passwords, devices, or private messages with friends or family?
-
How would you communicate a digital boundary to someone respectfully?
Wrap-up Reflection
-
Why is it important to know your own boundaries?
-
What is one thing you learned today about setting or respecting boundaries?
Discussion
Boundary Builders: Discussion Questions
Instructions: After discussing the scenarios, let's come together as a class to share our insights and deepen our understanding of boundaries.
-
What was one key takeaway from your group's discussion of the scenarios? Was there a scenario that resonated with you or your group the most?
-
Why do you think it can be hard to set boundaries, especially with friends or family members?
-
What are some respectful ways to say "no" or to communicate a boundary without hurting someone's feelings?
-
How does setting boundaries show self-respect? How does respecting others' boundaries show respect for them?
-
Can boundaries change over time or depending on the person you're with? Why or why not?
-
What are the potential benefits of having clear personal boundaries in your relationships (e.g., with friends, family, teachers, online acquaintances)?
-
What advice would you give to someone who is struggling to set a boundary they really need?