Lesson Plan
Boundary Builders: Protecting My Space
Students will identify different types of boundaries (physical, emotional, digital), practice communicating their needs respectfully, and learn strategies for upholding their personal space, building self-respect and healthier interactions.
Understanding and setting personal boundaries is crucial for healthy relationships, self-respect, and overall well-being. This lesson empowers students to protect their personal space and communicate their needs effectively.
Audience
6th-8th Grade Students
Time
45-60 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion and activities to explore personal boundaries and communication.
Materials
Smartboard or Projector, Boundary Builders Slide Deck, Markers or Pens, Boundary Scenarios Worksheet, and My Boundary Blueprint Activity
Prep
Preparation Steps
15 minutes
- Review the Boundary Builders Slide Deck and familiarize yourself with the content.
- Print copies of the Boundary Scenarios Worksheet (one per student or pair).
- Print copies of the My Boundary Blueprint Activity (one per student).
- Ensure projector/smartboard is set up and working.
- Review all generated materials as needed.
Step 1
Introduction & Hook: What are Boundaries?
10 minutes
- Begin with Boundary Builders Slide Deck Slide 1-3.
- Engage students with a brief warm-up question: "Imagine a fence around your house. What does that fence do?" (Connect to protecting personal space).
- Introduce the concept of personal boundaries – physical, emotional, and digital.
- Lead a brief discussion: "Why might it be important to have 'fences' or boundaries around ourselves?"
Step 2
Exploring Boundary Types
15 minutes
- Use Boundary Builders Slide Deck Slide 4-7 to explain physical, emotional, and digital boundaries with examples.
- Ask students to share anonymous examples (e.g., "Someone borrowing my pencil without asking" for physical, or "Feeling pressured to share something I don't want to" for emotional).
- Facilitate a short Discussion on Boundaries to check for understanding.
Step 3
Boundary Scenarios Activity
15 minutes
- Distribute the Boundary Scenarios Worksheet.
- Explain that students will work individually or in pairs to read scenarios and identify boundary violations, then suggest respectful ways to set boundaries.
- Circulate and provide support as students work.
- Bring the class back together to discuss a few scenarios and solutions as a whole group.
Step 4
My Boundary Blueprint Activity & Wrap-up
10 minutes
- Introduce Boundary Builders Slide Deck Slide 8-9.
- Distribute the My Boundary Blueprint Activity.
- Instruct students to reflect on their own boundaries and create a personal "blueprint" for how they will communicate and uphold them.
- Encourage students to think about one boundary they want to focus on.
- Conclude with a brief reminder that setting boundaries is a sign of self-respect and leads to healthier interactions.
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Slide Deck
Boundary Builders: Protecting My Space
Why are personal 'fences' important?
Welcome students and introduce the engaging topic. Ask the hook question to get them thinking about protection and personal space.
What are Personal Boundaries?
Rules or limits we set for ourselves about how others can interact with us.
They help us feel safe, respected, and comfortable.
Explain what personal boundaries are in simple terms. Emphasize that they are rules for how we want to be treated.
Types of Boundaries
- Physical
- Emotional
- Digital
Introduce the three main types of boundaries we'll be discussing today.
Physical Boundaries
Limits on physical touch and personal space.
Examples:
- Not wanting hugs from everyone.
- Discomfort with someone standing too close.
- Not wanting someone to touch your belongings without asking.
Define physical boundaries and provide clear, relatable examples. Ask students for other examples they might have.
Emotional Boundaries
Limits on sharing feelings and emotional energy.
Examples:
- Not wanting to talk about something personal.
- Feeling pressured to share secrets.
- Someone making fun of your feelings.
Define emotional boundaries and give examples that resonate with middle schoolers. Ask them to think about times they felt their emotional space was invaded.
Digital Boundaries
Limits on how people interact with you online or through devices.
Examples:
- Not wanting someone to post pictures of you without permission.
- Feeling uncomfortable with constant texts or messages.
- Keeping passwords private.
Define digital boundaries, which is particularly relevant for this age group. Discuss online interactions and privacy.
Why Are Boundaries Important?
- Self-respect: You show you value yourself.
- Healthy relationships: Others learn how to treat you.
- Safety: You protect your physical and emotional well-being.
- Comfort: You feel more at ease in interactions.
Transition into why these boundaries are important for their well-being and relationships.
Communicating Your Boundaries
It's important to tell others what your boundaries are.
Key Words:
- "I need..."
- "I'm not comfortable with..."
- "Please don't..."
- "My preference is..."
Introduce the idea of communicating boundaries. Emphasize clear, direct, and respectful communication.
Your Boundary Blueprint
What are your boundaries?
How will you communicate them?
How will you uphold them?
Prompt students to start thinking about their own boundaries as they prepare for the activity.
Worksheet
Boundary Scenarios Worksheet
Instructions: Read each scenario carefully. For each scenario, identify what type of boundary is being crossed (physical, emotional, or digital). Then, write down a respectful way the person could set or uphold their boundary.
Scenario 1
Your friend, Sarah, keeps borrowing your phone to play games without asking you first. Sometimes she even goes through your apps.
Type of Boundary:
How to set/uphold the boundary:
Scenario 2
During a group project, a classmate, David, keeps putting his arm around your shoulder and leaning in very close when he talks, even after you've subtly moved away a couple of times.
Type of Boundary:
How to set/uphold the boundary:
Scenario 3
Your older cousin constantly asks you about your grades and makes comments like, "You better get good grades if you want to go to a good college." You feel pressured and uncomfortable sharing this information with them.
Type of Boundary:
How to set/uphold the boundary:
Scenario 4
Your friend wants to post a picture of you and a group of friends online. You don't like how you look in the picture and have asked them not to post it, but they say, "It's just a funny picture! No big deal."
Type of Boundary:
How to set/uphold the boundary:
Scenario 5
Someone in your class constantly tells you all their problems and asks for your advice, even when you feel overwhelmed with your own schoolwork and don't have the energy to help them. You feel drained after talking to them.
Type of Boundary:
How to set/uphold the boundary:
Discussion
Discussion on Boundaries
Purpose: This discussion aims to check for student understanding of different boundary types and encourage them to think critically about real-life applications.
Discussion Prompts:
-
Can anyone give an example of a physical boundary they might have or have seen others have? How did they (or you) make that boundary known?
-
Thinking about emotional boundaries, why is it sometimes difficult to say "no" when someone asks you to share something you don't want to talk about? What might be a respectful way to decline?
-
In today's world, digital boundaries are super important. What are some common digital boundaries you think people should have, and why are they necessary?
-
Imagine someone keeps doing something that makes you uncomfortable, even after you've tried to show them you don't like it. What's a clear and kind way you could tell them to stop?
-
Why is it important to respect other people's boundaries, even if they are different from your own?
Activity
My Boundary Blueprint: Protecting My Space
Instructions: This activity is about you! Take some time to think about your own personal boundaries. In the spaces below, create a "blueprint" for how you will identify, communicate, and uphold your boundaries. Be honest with yourself and think about what makes you feel safe and respected.
1. My Physical Boundaries
- What physical space or personal belongings are important for you to protect? (e.g., my backpack, my personal space bubble)
- How will you let others know your physical boundaries? (e.g., "Please ask before you touch my things.")
2. My Emotional Boundaries
- What topics or feelings do you prefer not to share, or when do you need space for your emotions? (e.g., not wanting to talk about family issues, needing quiet time when stressed)
- How will you communicate your emotional boundaries respectfully? (e.g., "I'm not comfortable talking about that right now," or "I need some space to think.")
3. My Digital Boundaries
- What are your rules for how people interact with you online or with your devices? (e.g., not sharing pictures without permission, not being constantly messaged)
- How will you make your digital boundaries clear to friends and family? (e.g., "Please don't post pictures of me without asking," or "I'll respond when I can, but sometimes I need a break from my phone.")
4. My Boundary Superpower!
- Choose ONE boundary (physical, emotional, or digital) that you want to focus on practicing this week. Describe it and how you plan to confidently uphold it.