Space Norms Warm-Up Activity

Prompt: Name two places you visited this week and one rule you followed in each.

Place 1:




Rule 1:




Place 2:




Rule 2:

Public vs. Private Spaces Reading

Every space we move through has its own rules. Some places are open for anyone to enter, while others are meant for individuals or small groups. Knowing the difference helps us act respectfully and follow the right norms.

What Is a Public Space?

A public space is an area that anyone can use or visit without special permission. These spaces are shared by many people every day.

Examples of public spaces:

• Parks and playgrounds
• Shopping malls and stores
• Libraries and community centers
• Sidewalks and streets

Common norms in public spaces:

• Speak at a moderate volume so others can concentrate or enjoy their time
• Respect personal space by keeping a reasonable distance from strangers
• Dispose of trash in bins and keep the area clean
• Wait your turn in lines and be courteous to others

What Is a Private Space?

A private space is owned or controlled by an individual or small group. You usually need permission or an invitation to enter.

Examples of private spaces:

• Your home or bedroom
• A friend’s house or backyard
• Private offices or meeting rooms
• Vehicles belonging to family or friends

Common norms in private spaces:

• Knock or ask before you enter
• Speak softly and respect the owner’s rules (e.g., remove shoes, no food in certain rooms)
• Handle personal belongings with care and ask before borrowing
• Keep shared spaces (like living rooms) tidy after you use them

Reflection:
Think of a public or private space you visited recently. What behavior did you notice that matches these norms? Write your thoughts below:

Shared Spaces Discussion Guide

Purpose: Support the student in articulating differences between public and private spaces, deepen their awareness of social norms, and connect those norms to real‐life examples.

1. Introduction (1 minute)

• Briefly restate why we distinguish spaces:
  • “Today we’re talking about how the places we go shape what’s expected of us.”
• Encourage an open, respectful conversation.

2. Core Discussion Questions (5 minutes)

Question 1: What makes a space public or private?

• Prompt: “In your own words, how would you explain public versus private spaces?”
• Follow-Ups:
  • “Can you think of a space that feels like a gray area—partially public or private?”
  • “What clues (signs, fences, invitations) tell you which category it belongs to?”

Question 2: Why do the rules change between these spaces?

• Prompt: “Why do you think store lobbies have different expectations than your friend’s living room?”
• Follow-Ups:
  • “Who benefits when everyone follows those rules?”
  • “What might happen if someone ignored the norms in each place?”

Question 3: Share an example of appropriate behavior in a public space.

• Prompt: “Tell me about a time you saw or practiced good behavior in a park or library.”
• Follow-Ups:
  • “How did that behavior make others feel?”
  • “Could that same behavior work in a private space? Why or why not?”

3. Deepening Understanding (optional extension)

• Scenario Role-Play: Describe a situation (e.g., someone eating loud food in a quiet library) and ask the student how they’d respond or remind the person of the norm.
• Compare & Contrast Table: Have the student verbally list one rule from public spaces on the left and one rule from private spaces on the right.

4. Transition to Worksheet Activity (1 minute)

• Link the discussion back to observation:
  • “Now that we’ve talked about these norms, let’s look around (or remember two spaces) and note the rules you see on the Observing Spaces Worksheet.”

Observing Spaces Worksheet

Instructions: Think of two spaces—one public and one private (or two that you choose). For each, write the space name, identify its type, and list the norms you observe. Then reflect on how these norms affect behavior.

Space 1

Name of Space:

Type of Space (public/private):

Norms Observed:

2. _________________________________




3. _________________________________

Space 2

Name of Space:

Type of Space (public/private):

Norms Observed:

2. _________________________________




3. _________________________________

Reflection

Question: How do these norms help people feel comfortable and safe in each space? Explain your thoughts below.

Question: Which norm from either space will you try to practice this week? Why?

Reflection Prompt Cool-Down

Prompt: Which space norm will you focus on practicing today? Describe one way you can apply it this afternoon or evening.

Property Norms Warm-Up Activity

Prompt: Name something you borrowed recently and reflect on how you handled it.

Item Borrowed:

How did you ask to borrow it?

How did you return it?

Respecting Property Reading

Our belongings and the things we borrow from others are important. When we treat property with care, we show respect and build trust in our relationships. This reading will help you understand why it matters to respect property and how to do it the right way.

Why Respect Property?

Respecting property means you value someone else’s things as much as your own. When you follow property norms:

• People feel safe lending you items
• You avoid conflicts and misunderstandings
• You demonstrate responsibility and trustworthiness

Types of Property

• Personal Property: Items that belong to one person (e.g., a friend’s phone, your sibling’s video game).
• Shared Property: Items that belong to a group or community (e.g., library books, classroom supplies, sports equipment).

Norms for Borrowing

1. Ask Permission First
   • Politely request to borrow: “May I please borrow your notebook?”
   • Explain why you need it and when you will return it.
2. Set Clear Expectations
   • Agree on how long you’ll keep the item.
   • Confirm any conditions (e.g., keep it clean, don’t share with others).

Norms for Caring and Returning

• Handle with Care: Treat borrowed items gently. Avoid dropping or damaging them.
• Maintain Condition: Keep things clean and in the same state you received them.
• Return Promptly: Give the item back as promised or earlier if you finish with it.
• Express Gratitude: Thank the owner when you return the item, showing you appreciate their trust.

Reflection:
Think of a time you borrowed something or lent something to someone. Answer the questions below:

1. How did you ask for or offer permission?
   
   
   
   
2. What did you do to take care of the item while you had it?
   
   
   
   
3. How and when did you return the item?
   
   
   
   

Respecting Property Discussion Guide

Purpose: Support the student in understanding and practicing norms around borrowing, caring for, and returning property to build trust and respect.

1. Introduction (1 minute)

• Restate today’s goal: “We’re discussing why and how we respect others’ belongings.”
• Emphasize respectful sharing and responsibility.

2. Core Discussion Questions (5 minutes)

Question 1: Why ask permission before borrowing?

• Prompt: “Why is it important to ask before using someone else’s things?”
• Follow-Ups:
  • “How would you feel if someone took something of yours without asking?”
  • “What tone or words make a permission request polite and clear?”

Question 2: What happens when property isn’t cared for?

• Prompt: “What could go wrong if you damage or lose something you borrowed?”
• Follow-Ups:
  • “How might that affect your relationship with the owner?”
  • “What could you do to fix or make amends if something gets damaged?”

Question 3: How does returning items properly build trust?

• Prompt: “How does returning something on time and in good condition affect how people see you?”
• Follow-Ups:
  • “Why is saying ‘thank you’ important when you give it back?”
  • “Can you share a time you felt trusted because you returned something responsibly?”

3. Deepening Understanding (optional extension)

• Scenario Role-Play:
  Describe: “You borrowed a friend’s headphones but accidentally broke them. How would you handle it?”
  Discuss: Apology, offer to repair/replace, express gratitude.

• Compare & Contrast Table:
  Have the student list one borrowing norm and one returning norm.

4. Transition to Worksheet Activity (1 minute)

• Link back: “Now let’s apply these ideas to your own experience on the Property Observation Worksheet.”

Property Observation Worksheet

Instructions: Think of two experiences—one where you borrowed an item and one where you lent an item. For each, answer the questions below. Then reflect on what you learned about respecting property.

Experience 1: Borrowing an Item

Item Borrowed:

From Whom (Person or Place):

How I Asked for Permission:

How I Took Care of the Item:

How and When I Returned It:

Outcome (Was it returned in good condition? How did the owner feel?):

Experience 2: Lending an Item

Item Lent:

To Whom (Person or Place):

How I Explained Care and Return Expectations:

How I Checked on the Item’s Condition:

How and When It Was Returned to Me:

Outcome (Was it returned properly? How did I feel?):

Reflection

1. What did you learn about respecting others’ property from these experiences?

2. Which property norm will you practice this week? Why?

Property Reflection Cool-Down

Prompt: What is one promise you will make today to return or care for someone’s property? Describe the steps you will take to keep this promise.

Personal Space Warm-Up Activity

Prompt: Imagine someone standing very close to you in a line. How would that make you feel? Why is personal space important?

How would you feel?

Why is personal space important?

Personal Space and Queuing Norms Reading

Every social setting has unspoken rules about how close we stand to others and how we wait our turn. Understanding personal space and queuing norms helps us feel comfortable and show respect.

What Is Personal Space?

Personal space is the invisible “bubble” we keep around ourselves. Its size changes depending on who we’re with and where we are:

• Intimate Space (0–1.5 feet): Reserved for very close friends and family.
• Personal Space (1.5–4 feet): Typical distance for conversations with friends and classmates.
• Social Space (4–12 feet): Used for interactions with acquaintances or in small groups.
• Public Space (12+ feet): When speaking to a stranger or addressing a group.

Maintaining appropriate personal space:

• Prevents discomfort or anxiety.
• Shows respect for others’ boundaries.
• Helps conversations feel natural and safe.

Why Do People Form Lines?

Lines (or queues) organize groups of people waiting for the same thing (e.g., checkout, bus, tickets). Queues:

• Ensure fairness: First come, first served.
• Provide clear expectations: Everyone knows where to stand and wait.
• Reduce crowding and confusion.

Common Queuing Etiquette

• Stand one or two big steps (about an arm’s length) behind the person in front.
• Face forward, without blocking aisles or doors.
• Keep your belongings close so they don’t take up extra space.
• Wait patiently and avoid cutting in line.
• Respect silent cues (e.g., if people look ahead, join at the back).

How Space and Lines Work Together

• In tight spaces (e.g., crowded bus stop), respect smaller personal bubbles but still avoid bumping others.
• When a line moves, follow the group’s flow and keep your distance.
• If you need to step out (to answer a call, get an item), politely let someone know or step aside.

Reflection:
Think of a time someone respected or violated your personal space or line etiquette. Describe what happened and how it made you feel:

Personal Space & Queues Discussion Guide

Purpose: Support the student in recognizing personal space zones and queuing etiquette, deepen their understanding of why these norms matter, and prepare them to apply these skills in real settings.

1. Introduction (1 minute)

• Restate today’s focus: “We’re talking about how we keep the right amount of space between people and follow line rules.”
• Emphasize respect and comfort for everyone.

2. Core Discussion Questions (5 minutes)

Question 1: What are the zones of personal space?

• Prompt: “Can you name and describe the four personal space zones (intimate, personal, social, public) from the Personal Space and Queuing Norms Reading?”
• Follow-Ups:
  • “When do we use each zone? Give an example with a friend, a teacher, or a stranger.”
  • “How might you know when someone feels their personal space is too small?”

Question 2: Why is an arm’s-length distance common in lines?

• Prompt: “Why do you think we stand about one or two big steps (an arm’s length) behind someone in a queue?”
• Follow-Ups:
  • “What happens if you stand too close? How does it make you or others feel?”
  • “How does this distance help the line flow smoothly?”

Question 3: What are the unwritten rules of lining up?

• Prompt: “Tell me the unspoken norms people follow when waiting in line.”
• Follow-Ups:
  • “What would you do if someone tried to cut in front of you?”
  • “How can you remind someone politely about the line without causing conflict?”

3. Deepening Understanding (optional extension)

• Scenario Role-Play:
  • Scenario 1: Someone stands too close behind you on the bus. How do you ask them to give you more space?
  • Scenario 2: You’re in the cafeteria line and a friend joins in front of you. What do you say or do?

• Compare & Contrast Table:
  Have the student verbally list one personal space rule and one queue rule.

4. Transition to Worksheet Activity (1 minute)

• Link back to practice:
  • “Now let’s use what we discussed in the Personal Space & Lines Worksheet.”
  • “Later, we’ll reflect on which behavior you’ll practice in our Personal Space & Queue Reflection Cool-Down.”

Personal Space & Lines Worksheet

Instructions: For each scenario below, identify the appropriate personal space zone or distance you should keep, describe the behaviors you will follow, and then reflect on which behavior you will practice today.

Scenario 1: Standing in Line at a Store

Appropriate Distance (feet or zone):

Behaviors to Follow:

Scenario 2: Talking with a Friend

Appropriate Distance (feet or zone):

Behaviors to Follow:

Scenario 3: Boarding a Bus

Appropriate Distance (feet or zone):

Behaviors to Follow:

Reflection

1. Which personal space or line behavior will you practice today? Why?

2. How will you remind yourself to keep appropriate distance or follow queue etiquette?

Personal Space & Queue Reflection Cool-Down

Prompt: Which personal space or line behavior will you practice today? How will you remind yourself to use it in upcoming situations?