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Safe Space

Lesson Plan

Crafting Your Safe Space

Guide a 2nd-grade student through a calming visualization to create and personalize an internal “Safe Space,” then reinforce the experience with drawing and journaling to foster self-regulation and emotional grounding.

Teaching a mental Safe Space gives students an accessible coping tool to reduce stress, build resilience, and support emotional well-being during challenging moments.

Audience

2nd Grade Student

Time

25 minutes

Approach

Guided visualization followed by creative expression and reflection.

Materials

Safe Place Visuals, - Guided Visualization Script, - Safe Space Drawing Activity, and - Feelings After Visualization Journal

Prep

Review Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Introduction

3 minutes

  • Greet the student and build rapport with a brief check-in.
  • Explain the purpose: creating an internal Safe Space to use when feeling upset or anxious.
  • Show key images from the Safe Place Visuals and discuss what a safe place means.

Step 2

Guided Visualization

10 minutes

  • Invite the student to sit comfortably and close their eyes if they’re comfortable.
  • Read slowly from the Guided Visualization Script, pausing to let the student imagine each detail.
  • Encourage deep, steady breathing and remind them they are safe throughout the journey.

Step 3

Drawing Activity

5 minutes

  • Provide the Safe Space Drawing Activity worksheet and coloring tools.
  • Ask the student to draw their envisioned Safe Space, including colors, sounds, and items that make it comforting.
  • Prompt them to label or describe any special features they included.

Step 4

Journal Reflection

5 minutes

  • Give the student the Feelings After Visualization Journal.
  • Ask them to note or sketch how they feel now compared to before the visualization.
  • Discuss their reflections and highlight any moments of calm or safety they experienced.

Step 5

Debrief and Closure

2 minutes

  • Summarize the session: what they created and how to use it when stressed.
  • Ask the student to name one action they can take to revisit their Safe Space mentally.
  • Encourage them to practice this technique daily or as needed, and plan a brief follow-up check-in.
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Slide Deck

Welcome to Your Safe Place

Today, we’ll look at what a “Safe Place” means and imagine one that makes you feel calm and happy.

Welcome the student warmly. Explain that today they'll explore peaceful places in their mind to feel calm whenever they need.

What Is a Safe Place?

A Safe Place is somewhere you feel comfortable, calm, and protected. It can be real (like a cozy bedroom) or made up in your imagination.

Define safe place in simple terms and check for understanding. Emphasize feelings of safety and comfort.

Examples of Safe Places

• A sunny beach by the ocean
• A treehouse high in the woods
• Your favorite cozy bedroom
• A soft meadow with flowers

Show each example image and ask the student if they’ve been to a place like this or how it makes them feel.

Think About Your Safe Place

Close your eyes and imagine a place where you feel happy and relaxed.

What does it look like?
What sounds do you hear?
What colors do you see?

Encourage the student to close their eyes briefly or picture quietly. Ask guiding questions to spark ideas.

Let’s Explore Your Safe Space

Soon we’ll go on a guided journey to your Safe Space.
Get comfortable, and remember: this is your own special place.

Set the stage for the upcoming guided visualization script. Remind the student they can open their eyes if needed.

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Script

Guided Visualization Script

Teacher Script (Read Slowly and Calmly):

“Hi there, friend. Let’s get comfortable. You can sit in a chair or on the floor—wherever feels cozy. If you’d like, gently close your eyes. If you’d rather keep them open, that’s okay too. Just pick one spot in the room to look at softly.

Now, let’s take two big, slow breaths together. Breathe in… (pause for 4 seconds) …and breathe out… (pause for 4 seconds).

Great job. I want you to imagine a door in front of you. It could be any color you like—it might be blue, purple, green, or rainbow! Notice how that door looks. What color did you choose?
[pause for student to imagine, 6 seconds]

When you’re ready, imagine opening that door. As it swings open, you see your very own Safe Space. This place is just for you—it might be outside, inside, or even somewhere magical. Take a moment to look around that special place.
[pause for 8 seconds]

What do you notice first? Maybe you see soft grass or fluffy pillows. Maybe there’s a lake, a treehouse, or a big, comfy couch. Picture it clearly in your mind.
[pause for 8 seconds]

Now, listen carefully. What sounds do you hear? Could it be birds singing, gentle waves, or the wind whispering through leaves? Or maybe you hear music or a favorite story being read. Let those sounds fill your Safe Space.
[pause for 8 seconds]

Next, think about the colors around you. Are there bright yellows, soft blues, or warm oranges? Imagine those colors wrapping you in calm and happiness.
[pause for 8 seconds]

Take another deep breath in… (pause for 4 seconds) …and breathe out… (pause for 4 seconds).

As you breathe, notice any nice feelings in your body. Maybe your shoulders feel softer, or your tummy feels happy. That’s your body telling you that you’re safe here.
[pause for 6 seconds]

If there are any special things in your Safe Space—like a teddy bear, a yummy snack, or a magical friend—see them clearly now. You can reach out with your mind and touch them, hug them, or talk to them.
[pause for 8 seconds]

I’m going to count from one to three. When I finish counting, you can open your eyes if they are closed, and come back to this room feeling calm and happy.

1…
2…
3.

Open your eyes, or gently shift your gaze back to me.

Wonderful. How do you feel right now?

(pause for student response)

Remember, you can visit this Safe Space any time you feel upset, worried, or just need a calm moment. Just close your eyes, breathe slowly, and imagine that special door opening to your place of peace.”

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Activity

Safe Space Drawing Activity

Instructions:

  • Think back to the Safe Space you created during our guided visualization.
  • In the box below, draw that special place. Include colors, sounds, objects, and anything that makes you feel calm and safe.

Draw Your Safe Space:













Label Three Special Features in Your Drawing:

  1. Feature 1: _______________________________________


  2. Feature 2: _______________________________________


  3. Feature 3: _______________________________________


When you’re done, be ready to share what you chose and why it’s important in your Safe Space.

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Journal

Feelings After Visualization Journal

Think back to the Guided Visualization you experienced in our session. Use these prompts to reflect on your feelings before and after visiting your personal Safe Space.

  1. How were you feeling before you closed your eyes and began your journey?
    (Think about your body and your mind.)






  1. After you opened your eyes and returned from your Safe Space, how do you feel now?
    (Describe any changes in your body or feelings.)






  1. What was the most special part of your Safe Space that made you feel calm or happy?
    (Was it a sound, color, object, or something else?)






  1. If you visit your Safe Space again, what new detail would you add or change to make it even more comforting?






  1. When and how will you use your Safe Space in real life?
    (List one or two moments during your day when you can close your eyes, breathe, and imagine your special place.)



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