My Space, Your Space: Understanding Boundaries - Teacher Script

Introduction (2 minutes)

"Good morning/afternoon everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something super important for making sure everyone feels safe and happy in our classroom and with our friends. It's about 'My Space, Your Space.'"

"Let's start with a quick thought: What does 'friendship boundaries' mean to you? Think about it for a moment, and then I'd love to hear some of your ideas."

Listen to a few student responses. Guide them towards the idea of an invisible bubble.

"Great ideas! It's like we all have an invisible bubble around us, right? That's our personal space."

Introducing Boundaries with Slides (3 minutes)

"Now, let's look at our Boundary Basics Slide Deck to learn more about this idea of 'space' and something called 'boundaries.'"

(Advance to Slide 1: My Space, Your Space)

"As you can see, our topic today is 'My Space, Your Space: Understanding Boundaries in Friendships!'"

(Advance to Slide 2: What is Personal Space?)

"We just talked about this! It's like an invisible bubble around you. This bubble helps you feel safe and comfortable, and remember, everyone's bubble is a little different."

(Advance to Slide 3: What Are Boundaries?)

"So, what are boundaries? They are like special rules we have for ourselves and others to help us feel safe, comfortable, and respected. They are super important for having happy and strong friendships!"

(Advance to Slide 4: How Do We Know Boundaries?)

"How do we know what someone's boundaries are? We can always ask, 'Is it okay if I... (hug you, borrow this, sit here)?' And we can also watch and listen. Do they look uncomfortable? Do they say 'no' or 'stop'? These are all clues."

(Advance to Slide 5: Respecting Boundaries)

"Being a good friend means a few things: always asking first, listening carefully if someone says 'no,' using a kind voice and gentle hands, and respecting their feelings and their belongings."

(Advance to Slide 6: Remember!)

"Remember this: your space and feelings matter! And respecting others' space and feelings matters too! When we do this, everyone feels good!"

Boundary Buddy Discussion (7 minutes)

"That was a great overview! Now, let's have a discussion with our Boundary Buddy Discussion Prompts. I'm going to put some questions on the board, and I want us to think and share our ideas. Remember to listen respectfully to each other's thoughts."

(Facilitate the discussion using the prompts from the 'Boundary Buddy Discussion' material. Encourage various students to share and elaborate on their responses. Guide the conversation to cover different types of boundaries, not just physical.)

Respecting Boundaries Activity (6 minutes)

"You all have such thoughtful ideas! Now, let's put our boundary-respecting skills to the test. I'm going to divide you into small groups or pairs. Each group will get a scenario from our Respecting Boundaries Activity. Your job is to discuss the scenario and decide how you can respectfully handle the situation, making sure everyone's boundaries are honored."

(Allow students to get into groups/pairs. Distribute or display the scenarios. Circulate the room, listening to discussions, and offering guidance as needed. Emphasize that there might be multiple respectful solutions.)

Wrap-Up: Our Safe Space (2 minutes)

"Alright, let's bring it back together. Can a few groups share one of their scenarios and how they decided to respectfully handle the boundary?"

(Call on a few groups to share. Briefly affirm their answers and highlight good strategies.)

"Fantastic work, everyone! Today we learned that everyone has boundaries, and those boundaries help us all feel safe, comfortable, and respected. When we ask first, listen carefully, and respect each other's personal space and feelings, we make our friendships stronger and our classroom a wonderful, safe place for everyone."

"Keep thinking about these ideas as you interact with your friends and family throughout the day!"

Boundary Buddy Discussion Prompts

Let's talk about boundaries! Share your thoughts with your classmates.

1. What does it feel like when someone gets too close to you without asking?

2. What if a friend wants to borrow your favorite toy, but you don't want to share it right now? How can you tell them nicely?

3. Imagine your friend wants to tell you a secret, but you don't want to hear it right now. How could you set a boundary?

4. What are some ways we can show our friends that we respect their personal space and their feelings?

5. Why is it important for friends to respect each other's boundaries?

Respecting Boundaries Activity: What Would You Do?

Work with a partner or in a small group to read each scenario. Discuss how you would respectfully handle the situation to make sure everyone's boundaries are honored. Be ready to share your ideas!

Scenario 1: Poking Problem

Your friend keeps gently poking your arm, even after you've said, "Please stop, that makes me uncomfortable." What should you do or say next to make sure your boundary is respected?

Scenario 2: Crayon Commandeer

You are busy drawing a beautiful picture. Your friend walks over and, without saying anything, grabs your favorite blue crayon from your hand. How would you react, and what would you say to your friend?

Scenario 3: Hug or No Hug?

You see your friend coming towards you with their arms open, looking like they want a hug. Sometimes you like hugs, but today you don't feel like it. How can you show your friend you appreciate them without a hug, and respectfully let them know your boundary?

Scenario 4: Secret Sharing

Your friend tells you a secret and says, "Don't tell anyone!" Later, another friend asks you if you know any secrets about your first friend. What should you do or say?