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Finding Safe Words: Managing Upset Feelings Without Threats

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Emily Russen

Tier 3

Lesson Plan

Finding Safe Words: Session 1

Introduce the concept of threatening language, explain why it's unsafe, and begin practicing safe, non-threatening ways to express emotions.

This lesson helps the student understand that using threatening language when upset is neither helpful nor safe, promoting healthier communication and emotional regulation.

Audience

3rd Grade Student

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion and role-play activities.

Materials

Finding Safe Words: Session 1, Emotions Chart, and Role-Play Cards

Prep

Preparation for Session 1

10 minutes

  • Review the Finding Safe Words: Session 1 lesson plan for objectives and structure.
  • Familiarize yourself with the Emotions Chart to reference during discussion.
  • Prepare Role-Play Cards for interactive activities.
  • Ensure the environment is comfortable for discussion and role-play.

Step 1

Introduction and Warm-Up

5 minutes

  • Greet the student and briefly explain the session's objective.
  • Ask the student how they feel today using the Emotions Chart.
  • Introduce the idea that sometimes, when upset, we might use language that can seem threatening even though we feel hurt.

Step 2

Understanding Threatening Language and Safe Words

7 minutes

  • Discuss what threatening language means and why it is not a safe or helpful way to express feelings.
  • Provide examples using simple phrases, and ask the student if they can identify safe alternatives.
  • Define safe words as words or phrases that are used to express feelings in a clear, respectful, and non-threatening way. Safe words help us communicate our emotions without causing fear or harm to others.
  • Use the Finding Safe Words: Session 1 guidelines to drive the discussion.

Step 3

Role-Play Activity

6 minutes

  • Engage the student in a role-play using Role-Play Cards that depict scenarios where they might feel upset.
  • Encourage the student to replace threatening words with safe alternative expressions and safe words from the discussion.
  • Provide supportive feedback and reinforce the benefits of expressing feelings safely.
lenny

Lesson Plan

Finding Safe Words: Session 2

Reinforce the use of safe words and practice non-threatening language in various scenarios.

This session deepens the student's understanding of safe language use, ensuring they can apply these skills consistently in real-life situations.

Audience

3rd Grade Student

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Interactive practice and reflection activities.

Materials

Finding Safe Words: Session 2, Scenario Cards, and Reflection Journal

Prep

Preparation for Session 2

10 minutes

  • Review the lesson objectives for Finding Safe Words: Session 2.
  • Prepare Scenario Cards that depict different situations where the student might feel upset.
  • Set up a space for the student to reflect by using the Reflection Journal.
  • Ensure all materials are ready and the space is welcoming for personal expression.

Step 1

Review and Connect

5 minutes

  • Begin with a review of the previous session's key points from Finding Safe Words: Session 1.
  • Ask the student to share any experiences or reminders of using safe words since the last session.

Step 2

Scenario Practice

10 minutes

  • Present various scenarios using Scenario Cards.
  • Ask the student to discuss how they would express their feelings safely in each scenario.
  • Provide guidance and highlight successful safe word usage.

Step 3

Reflection and Wrap-Up

5 minutes

  • Guide the student in reflecting on the session using the Reflection Journal.
  • Summarize the benefits of using safe language to manage upset feelings.
  • Encourage the student to keep practicing these skills in everyday situations.
lenny

Worksheet

Emotions Chart

This chart will help you recognize and name different feelings. Look at each emotion below and think about what it means. When you're ready, you can write your own examples or draw a picture of a time you felt that emotion.


Happy

  • Description: Feeling good or smiling because something is nice.
  • Example: ______________





Sad

  • Description: Feeling down or crying because something is not going well.
  • Example: ______________





Angry

  • Description: Feeling upset or frustrated because something is unfair or hurtful.
  • Example: ______________





Scared

  • Description: Feeling worried or frightened about something.
  • Example: ______________





Surprised

  • Description: Feeling shocked or amazed because something unexpected happened.
  • Example: ______________






    Now, think of another emotion and add it to the chart:
  • Emotion: ______________
  • Description: ______________
  • Example: ______________






    Take your time to think about these feelings. You can revisit this chart whenever you want to talk about your emotions!
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lenny

Activity

Role-Play Cards

These cards provide different scenarios where you might feel upset. Use these situations to practice using safe, non-threatening language to express your feelings. Read each card carefully, think about how you might feel in that situation, and decide on safe words to communicate your emotions honestly.


Card 1: The Disrupted Playtime

  • Scenario: You are playing with your favorite toy, and a friend accidentally takes it without asking.
  • Prompt: How would you tell your friend that you feel upset without using words that might hurt their feelings? Write your safe words or draw a picture of yourself expressing your feelings safely.





Card 2: The Forgotten Turn

  • Scenario: At recess, you are waiting for your turn on the swing, but someone goes ahead of you.
  • Prompt: Imagine feeling frustrated about waiting. What are safe words you could use to explain your feelings without sounding threatening? Write your safe words or act them out with a friend.





Card 3: The Unfair Game

  • Scenario: During a game, you believe the rules aren’t being followed fairly, and you feel very angry.
  • Prompt: How can you express your anger in a way that doesn't involve threatening language? Think of safe words or phrases to explain your feelings. Write them down or practice saying them aloud.






    Feel free to modify these scenarios or create your own cards based on situations you experience. Practice makes perfect, so keep trying to use safe language every time you feel upset!
lenny
lenny