My Boundaries, My Rules! Script

Introduction: What Are Boundaries? (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning, wonderful learners! Today, we're going to talk about something super important for how we get along with our friends and family, and how we feel inside. Our topic is 'My Boundaries, My Rules!'"

Teacher: "To start, when you hear the word 'boundary,' what comes to your mind? You can think about it for a moment, or if you feel comfortable, share with a partner or the class. Think about rules at home or lines on a playground. What do you think a boundary means when we talk about people?"

(Allow students to share ideas. Guide them towards the idea of lines, rules, or personal space that keeps us comfortable.)

Exploring Boundaries Together (8 minutes)

Teacher: "Great ideas! You're all thinking so well. Remember, boundaries are like invisible lines or rules that help keep us safe and comfortable. They help us tell others what we like and what we don't like. They're all about being kind to yourself and being kind to others. And guess what? Our boundaries can even change a little as we grow!"

Teacher: "Let's look at some different kinds of boundaries. First up..."

Body & Space Boundaries

Teacher: "These are about your body and your personal space. For example, how close you like people to stand to you, or who can give you a hug or a high-five, and when. We all have different comfort levels with touch. It's also about not touching someone else's toys or pencils without asking. Can anyone give an example of a body and space boundary? Maybe something about playing with friends or sharing toys?"

(Wait for student responses. Offer an example if needed, like 'Someone asking before using your crayon or sitting in your favorite spot.')

Feelings Boundaries

Teacher: "Next, we have feelings boundaries. These are about your feelings and how you share them. It's about deciding if you want to tell someone how you feel and with whom. It's also about understanding that everyone has their own feelings, and that it's okay to keep some thoughts and feelings to yourself if you want to. For example, choosing not to talk about something private if you're not ready, even if a friend asks. Has anyone felt a time when they needed a feelings boundary?"

(Allow for responses, emphasizing that sharing is optional.)

Online Rules Boundaries

Teacher: "Now, for something very important today: online rules boundaries! These are about how you use computers and tablets and talk online. This includes setting limits on how much time you play games or watch videos, deciding what pictures or words you share on a screen, and making sure you talk to others kindly in games or messages. Can anyone think of an example of an online rule boundary?"

(Prompt for examples like asking a grown-up before sharing a picture online, or not sharing a friend's private message.)

My Time Boundaries

Teacher: "Finally, my time boundaries are about how you use and protect your time. This means making sure you have enough time to play and relax, setting aside time to do your schoolwork, and having time to spend with your family. For example, saying 'I need to finish my homework first' before playing a game with a friend. Why might time boundaries be important for you?"

(Encourage discussion about balancing activities and preventing feeling too busy.)

Teacher: "So, we've talked about what boundaries are and different kinds of them. Why do you think these boundaries are super important? Why should we have them?"

(Show the slide with reasons why boundaries are important.)

Teacher: "Boundaries help us feel safe, both with our bodies and our feelings. They help us be respected – when we have boundaries, others know how to treat us nicely. They can also help us feel happy, make our friendships stronger, and help us know ourselves better. Think about a time when a boundary (either yours or someone else's) helped make a situation better."

(Facilitate a brief discussion.)

Boundary Drawing Fun! (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Now it's your turn to create your own Boundary Buddy! I'm going to hand out a special paper for our 'Boundary Drawing Activity.' You'll draw a character, your 'Boundary Buddy,' and then you'll draw or write simple pictures and words to show what your buddy's boundaries are. Think about what makes your buddy feel safe and happy! Remember, this is for you to have fun with!"

(Distribute the Boundary Drawing Activity sheets and drawing supplies. Provide clear instructions and circulate to assist students.)

Boundary Buddy Cool Down (7 minutes)

Teacher: "Wow, those Boundary Buddies are amazing! We're almost out of time, so let's do a quick 'Boundary Buddy Cool Down' to think about what we learned. I'm handing out a cool-down sheet. Think about one boundary that your Boundary Buddy has, or one new thing you learned today about boundaries. You can draw a picture or write a few words. When you're done, you can hand it to me as your exit ticket!"

(Distribute the Boundary Buddy Cool Down sheets. Allow students to work and then collect them.)

Teacher: "Remember, having boundaries shows you care about yourself, and respecting others' boundaries shows you care about them. It's okay to say 'no thanks' sometimes, and it's okay to ask others to respect your space and feelings. You are in charge of your boundaries! Keep practicing this skill, and you'll find your friendships and all your relationships become even stronger and happier."

(Optional: What is one boundary your Boundary Buddy will try to practice this week?)

Boundary Drawing Activity: My Boundary Buddy!

Name: ____________________________

Date: _____________________________

Part 1: Draw Your Boundary Buddy!

Imagine a friendly character, like a robot, an animal, or a person, who knows all about boundaries! Draw your Boundary Buddy in the big box below. Give them a name!

My Boundary Buddy's Name: ________________________

Part 2: Show Your Buddy's Boundaries!

Now, let's draw or write about your Boundary Buddy's rules for feeling safe and happy. Think about the different kinds of boundaries we talked about (Body & Space, Feelings, Online Rules, My Time).

1. Body & Space Boundary

What does your Boundary Buddy do when someone gets too close, or wants to touch their favorite toy?

Draw a picture or write a few words here:

**(Imagine a simple drawing of a stick figure holding up a hand, or a thought bubble saying

Boundary Buddy Cool Down

Name: ____________________________

Date: _____________________________

One Important Boundary

Look at your Boundary Buddy drawing. What is one boundary that your buddy showed that is important to you?

Draw a picture of it or write a few words about it below.

How will you use it?

How can you remember to use or respect this boundary this week?