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My Voice, My Boundaries

Molly Mulhern

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

My Voice, My Boundaries

Students will be able to construct and practice using clear and respectful 'I-statements' to set a personal boundary in a given scenario.

Understanding and setting personal boundaries is crucial for developing healthy relationships, fostering self-respect, and promoting overall well-being. This lesson empowers students to communicate their needs effectively.

Audience

5th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Through discussion, guided practice, and role-playing, students will learn and apply 'I-statements'.

Materials

  • Boundaries Pre-Test, - My Voice, My Boundaries Slides, - I-Statement Sentence Starters Worksheet, - Boundary Setting Practice Cards Activity, and - Boundaries Post-Test

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

  • Review the My Voice, My Boundaries Lesson Plan and all linked materials.
    - Print copies of the I-Statement Sentence Starters Worksheet (one per student).
    - Print and cut out the Boundary Setting Practice Cards Activity (one set per pair of students).
    - Ensure projector/smartboard is set up for the My Voice, My Boundaries Slides.

Step 1

Personal Space Warm-Up

5 minutes

  • Begin with the Boundaries Pre-Test to gauge prior knowledge.
    - Introduce the concept of personal space. Ask students: "How does it feel when someone stands too close? What do you do?"
    - Use My Voice, My Boundaries Slides (Slide 1-2).

Step 2

Discuss Personal Boundaries

10 minutes

  • Lead a discussion on personal boundaries, defining what they are and why they are important (physical, emotional, digital).
    - Emphasize key concepts: Personal Boundaries, Consent, Respect, Self-Advocacy.
    - Use My Voice, My Boundaries Slides (Slide 3-5).
    - Ask students for examples of healthy and unhealthy boundaries.

Step 3

Practice 'I-Statements'

10 minutes

  • Introduce 'I-statements' as a respectful way to communicate boundaries.
    - Provide sentence starters using the I-Statement Sentence Starters Worksheet.
    - Model how to use 'I-statements' in different scenarios.
    - Have students practice writing their own 'I-statements' on the worksheet.
    - Use My Voice, My Boundaries Slides (Slide 6-7).

Step 4

Partner Role-Play & Cool Down

5 minutes

  • Divide students into pairs.
    - Distribute Boundary Setting Practice Cards Activity.
    - Have students role-play scenarios from the cards, practicing their 'I-statements'.
    - Conclude with the Boundaries Post-Test to assess learning.
    - Use My Voice, My Boundaries Slides (Slide 8-9).
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Quiz

Boundaries Pre-Test

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Slide Deck

My Voice, My Boundaries: Setting Your Personal Space

Understanding and Communicating Your Personal Boundaries!

Welcome students and introduce the topic. Ask them to think about what 'personal space' means to them. Mention that today we'll learn about how to protect that space and our feelings.

Your Personal Bubble

Think about your own personal space.

  • How does it feel when someone is too close?
  • What do you do when your space is invaded?

Ask students: "How does it feel when someone stands too close or touches your things without asking? What do you usually do in those situations?" Discuss how everyone has a 'personal bubble.'

What Are Personal Boundaries?

Personal boundaries are like invisible lines we draw around ourselves.

They tell others how we want to be treated.

They help us feel:

  • Safe
  • Respected
  • Comfortable

Introduce the term 'personal boundaries.' Explain that these are limits we set for ourselves to feel safe and comfortable in our relationships and interactions with others. Emphasize that boundaries are healthy and normal.

Types of Boundaries

  • Physical Boundaries: Your body, your personal space, what you share.
  • Emotional Boundaries: Your feelings, how much you share.
  • Digital Boundaries: What you share online, how you interact on devices.

Discuss different types of boundaries: physical (touch, personal space), emotional (how we share feelings, what we listen to), and digital (online interactions, sharing personal info). Ask students for examples.

Why Are Boundaries Important?

Boundaries help us:

  • Consent: Decide what we are okay with.
  • Respect: Show respect for ourselves and others.
  • Self-Advocacy: Speak up for what we need.
  • Build healthy relationships!

Explain why boundaries are important. Connect it to the key concepts: Consent (asking permission), Respect (valuing others' and your own limits), and Self-Advocacy (speaking up for yourself).

Using Your Voice: 'I-Statements'

An 'I-statement' helps you communicate your boundaries clearly and kindly.

It focuses on your feelings and needs, not blaming others.

Formula: "I feel (emotion) when you (action) because (reason). I need/want (what you need/want)."

Introduce 'I-statements' as a powerful and respectful way to communicate boundaries. Explain the structure: "I feel [emotion] when you [action] because [reason]. I need/want [what you need/want]."

Let's Practice 'I-Statements'!

Example:

  • Instead of: "Stop grabbing my pencil!"
  • Try: "I feel frustrated when you take my pencil without asking because I need it for my work. I need you to ask me first."

Now, try it yourself with the worksheet!

Provide examples of 'I-statements' and then guide students to practice creating their own using the 'I-Statement Sentence Starters Worksheet.' Circulate and assist as needed.

Role-Play: Setting Boundaries

Work with a partner:

  1. Pick a scenario card.
  2. One person states the boundary using an 'I-statement.'
  3. The other person responds appropriately.
  4. Switch roles!

Explain the role-play activity using the 'Boundary Setting Practice Cards.' Emphasize practicing respectful communication, even when setting a firm boundary. Observe and provide feedback.

Your Voice Matters!

Remember:

  • You have the right to your own personal boundaries.
  • Using 'I-statements' helps you communicate respectfully.
  • Practicing makes it easier!

You are in charge of your personal space and feelings!

Conclude by reminding students that using their voice to set boundaries is a brave and important skill for life. Administer the post-test.

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Worksheet

I-Statement Sentence Starters

What is an 'I-statement'?
An 'I-statement' is a respectful way to tell someone how you feel and what you need when they do something that bothers you. It helps you speak up for yourself without blaming the other person.

The Formula:
"I feel (emotion) when you (action) because (reason). I need/want (what you need/want)."

Practice Time!

Use the formula above to complete the following sentences with your own 'I-statements'.

  1. Scenario: Someone keeps interrupting you while you're talking.
    I feel




    when you




    because




    . I need/want







    .

  2. Scenario: A friend is borrowing your things without asking.
    I feel




    when you




    because




    . I need/want







    .

  3. Scenario: Someone is standing too close to you.
    I feel




    when you




    because




    . I need/want







    .

  4. Scenario: You're working on something, and someone is making a lot of noise.
    I feel




    when you




    because




    . I need/want







    .

  5. Your Own Scenario: Think of a time someone did something that made you uncomfortable, and write an 'I-statement' to address it.
    I feel




    when you




    because




    . I need/want










    .

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Activity

Boundary Setting Practice Cards

Instructions:

  1. Cut out each card below.
  2. Work with a partner. Take turns picking a card.
  3. One partner reads the scenario. The other partner practices setting a boundary using an I-statement.
  4. The first partner responds appropriately to the I-statement.
  5. Switch roles and pick a new card!

Card 1

Scenario: Your friend keeps looking over your shoulder at your paper during a test.

Card 2

Scenario: Your sibling comes into your room and starts playing with your favorite video game without asking.

Card 3

Scenario: Someone tells a joke that makes you feel uncomfortable or sad.

Card 4

Scenario: A classmate keeps calling you a nickname you don't like, even after you've asked them to stop.

Card 5

Scenario: Your friend wants you to share a secret that you're not ready to tell anyone.

Card 6

Scenario: Someone keeps nudging you with their elbow at the lunch table.

Card 7

Scenario: You're feeling tired and want to be alone, but a friend keeps trying to get you to play.

Card 8

Scenario: A classmate keeps touching your hair, even though you don't like it.

Card 9

Scenario: Someone is talking loudly right next to you, and you are trying to read.

Card 10

Scenario: A peer is pressuring you to do something you know is against the rules.

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Quiz

Boundaries Post-Test

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