Boundary Scenario Cards

Instructions: Work with your group to read each scenario. Discuss how the person in the scenario might feel and what they could say or do to communicate their boundary respectfully. Practice saying your responses out loud!

Scenario Card 1

Your friend keeps leaning over your shoulder to look at your paper during a test, even after you've moved a little. You feel uncomfortable and distracted.

How do you feel?

What could you say or do?

Scenario Card 2

Your older cousin always gives you a big hug when they see you, but sometimes you don't feel like hugging. You want to greet them differently.

How do you feel?

What could you say or do?

Scenario Card 3

A classmate keeps taking your crayons from your desk without asking. You need them for your art project, and it makes you feel frustrated.

How do you feel?

What could you say or do?

Scenario Card 4

You are telling a story, and your friend keeps interrupting you and finishing your sentences. You want to share your story your way.

How do you feel?

What could you say or do?

Scenario Card 5

Someone in line behind you at the water fountain is standing so close that you can feel them breathing on your neck. You want more space.

How do you feel?

What could you say or do?

Scenario Card 6

Your friend wants to play a game, but you're not in the mood and would rather read. You don't want to hurt their feelings.

How do you feel?

What could you say or do?

My Personal Space Script

Introduction: What is "My Space"? (10 minutes)

"Good morning, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something super important: our personal space and boundaries. Has anyone ever heard the words 'personal space' before? What do you think it means? Turn and talk to a partner for about 30 seconds about what personal space means to you."

(Allow students to share their ideas. Guide them towards the idea of an invisible bubble around them.)

"That's right! Personal space is like an invisible bubble around us. It's the amount of space we need to feel comfortable. But what about boundaries? Boundaries are like invisible lines that help us feel safe, comfortable, and respected in our bodies and with our feelings. Everyone's boundaries are a little different, and that's perfectly okay!"

"Think about it like this: your personal space is your own private area, and your boundaries are the rules you set for that area. We're going to explore this more with our Boundary Builders Slide Deck."

Exploring Comfort Zones (15 minutes)

"Let's look at some situations. I'm going to describe something, and I want you to show me a thumbs up if it makes you feel comfortable and a thumbs down if it makes you feel uncomfortable. There are no right or wrong answers, just how you feel."

(Go through scenarios on the Boundary Builders Slide Deck or similar.)

"Scenario 1: A friend stands very close to you while talking. Thumbs up or down? Why?"

"Scenario 2: Someone gives you a hug when you don't want one. Thumbs up or down? Why?"

"Scenario 3: Your classmate asks to borrow your pencil. Thumbs up or down? Why?"

"Scenario 4: Someone touches your hair without asking. Thumbs up or down? Why?"

"Great job sharing your feelings! It's really important to notice how different situations make us feel inside."

Practicing Boundary Communication (15 minutes)

"Now that we know how we feel, what do we do about it? We use our voices! It's important to tell people what we need and how we feel, clearly and respectfully. Let's look at some helpful phrases on our Boundary Builders Slide Deck."

(Review assertive phrases like "Please stop," "I need more space," "No, thank you," "I don't like that.")

"You're going to get a chance to practice this with your group! I'm going to hand out some Boundary Scenario Cards Activity. In your small groups, you'll read each scenario and talk about how the person feels and what they could say using these new phrases. Don't be afraid to role-play and practice saying them out loud!"

(Distribute Boundary Scenario Cards Activity and circulate to assist groups.)

Wrap-up and Reflection (5 minutes)

"Alright, Boundary Builders, bring it back together! Who would like to share one scenario from their cards and show us how they would communicate their boundary?"

(Allow a few groups to share.)

"Fantastic! Remember, everyone has their own invisible bubble and their own boundaries. It's important to use your voice to protect your own space and feelings, and it's just as important to respect the boundaries of others. Always ask if you're not sure, and listen when someone tells you 'no' or 'stop.' If you ever feel like someone isn't respecting your boundaries, or if you need help speaking up, please talk to a trusted adult – a teacher, a parent, a counselor. They are there to help you! You are all amazing Boundary Builders!"