Lesson Plan

Personal Safety Strategies

Students will identify types of bullying, recognize warning signs, and create a personalized action plan to navigate and prevent bullying situations. The goal is to enhance personal safety and build resilience.

This lesson empowers students with concrete strategies to understand bullying and respond effectively, ultimately fostering a safer, more supportive environment.

Audience

8th Grade Student

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussions, role-play, and personal reflection.

Materials

Personal Safety Strategies, Action Plan Development, and Reflective Journaling

Prep

Preparation

5 minutes

Review the Personal Safety Strategies lesson plan to understand key safety tactics.
Familiarize yourself with the Action Plan Development worksheet and Reflective Journaling guide.
Prepare role-play scenarios that illustrate common bullying situations.
Ensure a safe and private space for individual student discussions.

Step 1

Introduction & Discussion

10 minutes

Begin with a brief discussion on what bullying is and why it's important to have a personal safety plan.
Ask the student to share experiences or observations about bullying, ensuring a supportive atmosphere.
Introduce role-play scenarios based on Personal Safety Strategies.

Step 2

Action Plan Development

10 minutes

Guide the student through the Action Plan Development worksheet.
Collaboratively identify strategies and steps to address bullying situations.
Encourage the student to personalize the plan based on their needs and the discussed tactics.

Step 3

Reflection & Cool-Down

5 minutes

Conclude with reflective journaling using the Reflective Journaling guide.
Ask open-ended questions to help the student internalize the lesson and feel confident in their action plan.
Emphasize the importance of revisiting and updating the plan as needed.

Worksheet

Action Plan Development Worksheet

In this worksheet, you will create your own personalized plan to navigate and prevent bullying situations. Use the space provided after each question to write down your thoughts and strategies. Take your time and be as detailed as you can; this is your plan for maintaining your safety and well-being.

1. Identifying Bullying Situations

Describe what bullying means to you and list different types of bullying you may encounter (e.g., physical, verbal, cyber).

2. Recognizing Your Personal Triggers

Think about situations or behaviors that make you feel unsafe or upset. Write down any triggers or signs that alert you to a bullying situation.

3. Developing Your Action Plan

Outline steps you can take if you encounter bullying.

Who can you talk to if you feel unsafe?
What actions can you take immediately?
How can you remove yourself from a dangerous situation?

Write your strategies below:

4. Personal Reflection

Reflect on how these strategies make you feel. Do you feel more empowered? What concerns still remain?

5. Future Updates

Your action plan might evolve over time. Write a sentence about how you can update this plan in the future.

Remember: Your safety is the most important thing. This plan is for you. If you have questions or need help, speak to a trusted adult.

Use this worksheet whenever you need to review your plan or make updates. Keep it in a safe place where you can review it when needed.

Cool Down

Reflective Journaling Cool-Down

Use this activity to reflect on the discussion and planning session about bullying prevention. Reflect on what you learned and how you feel about your personal action plan. Consider these prompts as you write:

What did you learn about different types of bullying and how they can affect you?
How do you feel about the action plan you developed? Are there parts that make you feel empowered or parts that you feel could be improved?
What are your thoughts on the strategies you have put in place? Do you think they will help you feel safer?
Write about a time when you witnessed bullying or felt unsafe. How might your new strategies have made a difference?
How can you continue to build on this action plan in the future?

Take your time to express your thoughts and feelings. This is your space to internalize what you’ve learned and to make your personal plan even stronger. Remember, this reflection is for you and helps you prepare for any situation.

Bully-Free Zone

Patricia Wood