• lenny-learning-logoLenny Learning
  • Home
    Home
    • Lessons
    Lessons
  • Curriculum
    Curriculum
  • Surveys
    Surveys
  • Videos
    Videos
  • Support
    Support
  • Log In
lenny

My Invisible Bubble

user image

Ryan Gusman

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

My Invisible Bubble

Students will define personal space, understand its importance, and practice respecting boundaries through hands-on activities and reflections.

Building awareness of personal space fosters respect, reduces conflicts, and strengthens empathy among peers, creating a positive classroom climate.

Audience

4th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, physical demo, scenario practice, reflection

Materials

Personal Space Presentation Slides, Personal Space Scenario Cards, My Invisible Bubble Exit Ticket, Hula Hoops, Sticky Notes, Markers, and Timer

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

  • Print and arrange Personal Space Scenario Cards and My Invisible Bubble Exit Ticket
  • Review and queue up Personal Space Presentation Slides
  • Gather Hula Hoops, Sticky Notes, Markers, and set Timer
  • Lay out space so each student can use a hoop comfortably

Step 1

Introduction & Hook

5 minutes

  • Display title slide from Personal Space Presentation Slides
  • Ask: “What do you think personal space means?” and collect a few responses
  • Introduce the invisible bubble metaphor: explain each person has their own bubble of space

Step 2

Explaining Personal Space

7 minutes

  • Define personal space using slides (friend bubble vs. stranger bubble)
  • Ask students to write two places where personal space matters on Sticky Notes
  • Volunteers place notes on board and briefly discuss why space matters there

Step 3

Hula Hoop Demonstration

5 minutes

  • Place one Hula Hoop per student on floor
  • Have students stand inside hoops to see their ‘bubbles’
  • Instruct pairs to swap hoops and notice the distance change
  • Debrief: How did it feel when someone stepped into your hoop?”

Step 4

Scenario Card Activity

8 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups and give each group Personal Space Scenario Cards
  • Groups read scenarios and decide if the person is respecting space
  • Each group shares one scenario and their decision with the class

Step 5

Reflection & Exit Ticket

5 minutes

  • Distribute My Invisible Bubble Exit Ticket
  • Prompt: “Write one thing you learned and one way you’ll respect others’ bubbles.”
  • Collect tickets as students leave
lenny

Slide Deck

My Invisible Bubble

Understanding and respecting personal space

Welcome students! Introduce today’s lesson: “My Invisible Bubble.” Explain that everyone has an invisible bubble of personal space around them. Ask: “Why might our bubbles be important?”

What is Personal Space?

Personal space is the area around you that feels comfortable – your “invisible bubble.”

  • Invisible, but very real
  • Helps us feel safe and respected

Define personal space clearly. Use the bubble metaphor: everyone’s comfortable space is like an invisible bubble that surrounds them. Highlight that bubbles can be different sizes.

Friend Bubble vs. Stranger Bubble

  • Friend Bubble: about one arm’s length from someone you know well
  • Stranger Bubble: about two arm’s lengths from someone you’re less familiar with

Explain that we adjust our bubble size based on how well we know someone. Use arm’s length to demonstrate distance.

Why Respect Personal Space?

  • Shows respect and kindness
  • Helps everyone feel safe and comfortable
  • Prevents hurt feelings or misunderstandings
  • Reduces conflicts and distractions

Discuss why personal space matters. Ask for examples of times they’ve felt uncomfortable or safe when someone respected or ignored their space.

Activity: Where Does Space Matter?

  1. On a sticky note, write two places where personal space matters (e.g., classroom, playground).
  2. Place your notes on the board.
  3. We’ll read a few and discuss why these places are important.

Introduce the Sticky Note activity. Circulate and help students think of places. Encourage quick sharing.

Hula Hoop Demonstration

  1. Each student stands inside a hula hoop (their bubble).
  2. Swap hoops with a partner.
  3. Notice how the distance changes.
  4. Discuss: How did it feel when someone stepped into your hoop?

Demonstrate with a volunteer before students begin. Emphasize feeling the bubble and noticing discomfort when someone enters it.

Scenario Practice

  1. In small groups, read your Personal Space Scenario Cards.
  2. Decide: Is personal space being respected? Why or why not?
  3. Be ready to share one scenario and your group’s decision.

Explain group norms: listen, take turns, and cite examples from the scenario cards. Monitor time and groups.

Next Steps

After activities, you’ll complete the exit ticket:

  • Write one thing you learned
  • Write one way you’ll respect others’ bubbles
    Turn in your ticket as you leave.

Prepare students for reflection and exit ticket. Remind them to think about what they learned and one action they will take.

lenny

Worksheet

Personal Space Scenario Cards

Instructions: In your small group, read each scenario and decide:

  1. Is personal space being respected? (Yes/No)
  2. Why or why not?

Use sticky notes or a worksheet to record your answers.

Scenario 1

Alex stands right behind Jamie in the lunch line, almost touching Jamie’s back as they wait.






Scenario 2

Sarah and Max sit at a table during art class. Sarah leans so close that their elbows bump as they paint.






Scenario 3

On the playground, two friends push in close to each other while playing tag, crowding the chase area.






Scenario 4

Lily whispers answers to Jack’s workbook questions, bending over his shoulder to read his work.






Scenario 5

A student they barely know sits right next to them on the bus, crowding the seat so there’s hardly any space.






Scenario 6

Best friends Mia and Noah hug each other when they see each other after school.






Scenario 7

During gym class, Jessie stands toe-to-toe with Sam while waiting to catch a ball.






Scenario 8

During computer time, Marco stands behind Ava and leans in close to see her screen without asking.






lenny
lenny

Cool Down

Invisible Bubble Exit Ticket

Name: _____________________ Date: _______

  1. One thing I learned about personal space today:






  2. One way I will respect others’ invisible bubbles:






lenny
lenny