Is Our School a Safe Space?

JESSICA THOMPSON

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Creating a Culture of Safety

Students will actively participate in an open discussion about physical and emotional safety within the school, identify specific areas of concern, and collaboratively propose actionable solutions to enhance the school's safety culture.

Understanding and improving school safety is crucial for fostering a positive learning environment. This lesson helps students voice concerns, build trust, and take ownership in creating a secure space for everyone, directly addressing potential anxieties and promoting well-being.

Audience

12th Grade Class

Time

55 minutes

Approach

Discussion-based exploration, solution-oriented brainstorming, and commitment to action.

Materials

Our Safe Space Blueprint (slide-deck), Safety Word Association (warm-up), Community Safety Forum (discussion), and My Safety Commitment (cool-down)

Prep

Review Materials and Classroom Setup

15 minutes

Review the Creating a Culture of Safety Lesson Plan, Our Safe Space Blueprint Slide Deck, Safety Word Association Warm-Up, Community Safety Forum Discussion, and My Safety Commitment Cool-Down to ensure familiarity with content and flow.
- Arrange classroom seating to facilitate a large group discussion, such as a U-shape or circle, to encourage open communication.
- Ensure projector and screen are set up for the Our Safe Space Blueprint Slide Deck.

Step 1

Warm-Up: Safety Word Association

10 minutes

Begin the class with the Safety Word Association Warm-Up activity.
- Project the prompt and ask students to write down the first words, feelings, or images that come to mind when they hear "school safety."
- Facilitate a brief share-out, allowing students to share one or two words and briefly explain their reasoning. Record these on the board or a digital surface.

Step 2

Introduction: Is Our School a Safe Space?

5 minutes

Introduce the lesson's main question: "Is Our School a Safe Space?" using the first slide of the Our Safe Space Blueprint Slide Deck.
- Explain the objective of today's session: to have an open and honest discussion about physical and emotional safety in school, identify areas for improvement, and collaboratively brainstorm solutions.
- Emphasize the importance of respectful listening and sharing during the discussion.

Step 3

Community Safety Forum Discussion

25 minutes

Transition to the Community Safety Forum Discussion.
- Project the discussion prompts from the Our Safe Space Blueprint Slide Deck and guide students through the questions.
- Encourage all students to participate, ensuring a balance of voices.
- Document key concerns and proposed solutions on a whiteboard or chart paper. Pay attention to both physical and emotional safety aspects.

Step 4

Brainstorming Solutions and Action Steps

10 minutes

Based on the identified concerns from the discussion, guide students in brainstorming concrete solutions and action steps.
- Encourage students to think about what they, their peers, school staff, and administration can do.
- Record all viable suggestions and, if time permits, prioritize a few key areas for focus.

Step 5

Cool-Down: My Safety Commitment

5 minutes

Conclude the lesson with the My Safety Commitment Cool-Down activity.
- Ask students to complete the prompt, reflecting on one personal action they can take to contribute to a safer school environment.
- Collect these for review or ask for volunteers to share their commitments.

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Slide Deck

Is Our School a Safe Space?

Let's explore what makes us feel safe, or unsafe, in our school environment, and brainstorm ways to build an even stronger community together. Your voices are crucial in shaping our school's climate!

Welcome students and introduce the overarching question for today's discussion.

Warm-Up: Safety Word Association

What comes to mind when you hear "school safety"?

Words
Feelings
Images

Share one or two words with the class and briefly explain why.

Guide students through the warm-up, allowing them to free associate with the term 'school safety.' Encourage a quick share-out.

Community Safety Forum

Discussion Questions:

What does 'physical safety' mean to you at school? Where do you feel physically safe/unsafe?
What does 'emotional safety' mean to you at school? Where do you feel emotionally safe/unsafe?
Have you ever witnessed or experienced something that made you question the school's safety?
What specific actions could students take to make our school safer?
What specific actions could teachers/staff take to make our school safer?
What specific actions could the administration take to make our school safer?

Transition into the main discussion. Emphasize active listening and respectful dialogue.

Brainstorming Solutions

Based on our discussion, what concrete steps can we take to improve safety?

Student Actions: What can we do?
Teacher/Staff Actions: How can educators contribute?
Administration Actions: What policies or resources could help?

Facilitate a brainstorming session for solutions. Encourage a wide range of ideas.

My Safety Commitment

One thing I can do to contribute to a safer and more positive school environment is...

(Think about a small, actionable step you can take personally.)

Conclude with the cool-down, asking students for a personal commitment.

Warm Up

Safety Word Association

When you hear the phrase "school safety," what are the first words, feelings, or images that come to your mind? Write them down below.

Be prepared to share one or two words and briefly explain why.

Discussion

Community Safety Forum: Is Our School a Safe Space?

Let's have an open and honest conversation about what makes our school a physically and emotionally safe place, and where we might see opportunities for improvement. Your insights are invaluable.

Discussion Prompts:

Physical Safety: What does 'physical safety' mean to you at school? Where do you currently feel physically safe, and are there any areas where you feel less secure?
Emotional Safety: What does 'emotional safety' mean to you at school? In what situations do you feel emotionally supported and respected, and when might you feel otherwise?
Experiences and Observations: Have you ever witnessed or experienced something (e.g., bullying, exclusionary behavior, unsafe situations) that made you or others question the school's overall safety or climate? (Share broadly without naming specific individuals).
Student Actions: What specific actions could we, as students, take to create a more inclusive, respectful, and physically safe environment for everyone?
Teacher/Staff Actions: What specific actions or support could teachers and other school staff provide to enhance both physical and emotional safety?
Administration Actions: What suggestions do you have for the school administration regarding policies, resources, or initiatives that could further improve school safety and climate?

Goal: Let's focus on identifying concerns constructively and, more importantly, brainstorming actionable solutions together.

Cool Down

My Safety Commitment

Reflect on our discussion today about school safety. What is ONE personal action you can commit to taking to contribute to a safer and more positive school environment?

I commit to...