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Safe Space Check-In

Alyssha Walker

Tier 3

Lesson Plan

Safe Space Check-In

In this 30-minute one-on-one Safe Space Check-In, the student will share personal bullying experiences, identify emotional responses, and collaboratively develop two coping strategies plus a personalized action plan for self-advocacy.

Providing a confidential space for students struggling with bullying builds emotional awareness, resilience, and practical coping skills. It reduces isolation and empowers them to address bullying proactively.

Audience

6th Grade Students (Tier 3 Individual Support)

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Guided reflection, discussion, and collaborative action planning.

Materials

Bullying Reflection Worksheet, Emotion Wheel Chart, Coping Strategies Template, Action Plan Template, and Notebook and Pen

Prep

Preparation

10 minutes

  • Print or prepare digital copies of the Bullying Reflection Worksheet.
  • Review the Emotion Wheel Chart to familiarize yourself with key emotional terms.
  • Customize the Coping Strategies Template if needed for this student.
  • Have the Action Plan Template ready in print or digital form.
  • Ensure a quiet, private space is arranged for the session.

Step 1

Welcome and Check-In

5 minutes

  • Greet the student warmly and explain this is a safe, confidential space.
  • Ask how they’re feeling today and if any experiences they’d like to share.
  • Reinforce that there’s no judgment and they can speak freely.

Step 2

Reflection on Bullying Experiences

10 minutes

  • Distribute the Bullying Reflection Worksheet.
  • Guide the student to describe a recent bullying incident: who, what, when, where.
  • Encourage detail on their thoughts and feelings during the incident.
  • Listen actively and validate their experiences.

Step 3

Emotional Awareness

5 minutes

  • Introduce the Emotion Wheel Chart.
  • Help the student identify and label the emotions they felt during the bullying incident.
  • Discuss how these emotions show up physically (e.g., “tight chest,” “racing mind”).

Step 4

Coping Strategy Development

5 minutes

  • Provide the Coping Strategies Template.
  • Brainstorm 2–3 coping strategies (e.g., deep breathing, seeking a trusted adult, using assertive language).
  • Fill in each strategy with steps the student can follow when they feel triggered.

Step 5

Action Plan and Closing

5 minutes

  • Use the Action Plan Template to outline:
    • Who the student will turn to (names and roles).
    • Specific steps to take if bullying recurs.
    • A timeline or checkpoint for follow-up.
  • Confirm the student feels supported and remind them of available resources.
  • End with positive affirmation and schedule the next check-in.
lenny

Slide Deck

Safe Space Check-In

A confidential, one-on-one session to explore your experiences with bullying, build emotional awareness, and develop coping strategies.

Welcome the student warmly. Explain that this is a confidential, judgment-free space to talk about personal experiences with bullying and work together on strategies to feel safer and more confident.

Session Objectives

  • Share your personal bullying experiences
  • Identify and label the emotions you felt
  • Develop 2–3 coping strategies
  • Create a personalized action plan for support

Read through each objective aloud, pausing to answer any questions. Emphasize that the student will guide the conversation at their own pace.

Reflecting on Your Experience

  • Think of a recent bullying incident
  • Describe who was involved, what happened, when and where
  • Note your thoughts and feelings at the time

Prompt the student to think back on a recent incident. Encourage them to add as much detail as they’re comfortable sharing. Validate their feelings throughout.

Identifying Your Emotions

  • Use the Emotion Wheel Chart
  • Choose the specific emotions you felt
  • Notice how these emotions showed up in your body

Introduce the Emotion Wheel Chart and point out core feeling words. Help the student select the words that best match their experience.

Developing Coping Strategies

  • Brainstorm 2–3 strategies (e.g., deep breathing, assertive language, seeking support)
  • Write down clear step-by-step instructions for each
  • Practice one strategy briefly together

Facilitate brainstorming by offering examples and then letting the student lead. Ensure each strategy has clear, actionable steps.

Your Personalized Action Plan

  • List who you will turn to (names and roles)
  • Define specific steps if bullying happens again
  • Set a timeline for a follow-up check-in

Guide the student to fill out each section. Confirm they know who to contact and when you will check in next.

lenny

Worksheet

Bullying Reflection and Planning

Section 1: Reflection on Your Bullying Experience

  1. When did the incident occur? (Date & Time)






  2. Where did it happen?






  3. Who was involved? (Names or descriptions)






  4. What exactly happened?











  5. What were you thinking at the time?











  6. How did you feel in the moment?











Section 2: Identifying Your Emotions

Use the Emotion Wheel Chart to help you choose specific words.

  1. Emotion #1: ____________________________
    Physical sensations (e.g., tight chest, sweaty palms):







2. Emotion #2: ____________________________
Physical sensations:







3. (Optional) Emotion #3: ____________________________
Physical sensations:






Section 3: Developing Coping Strategies

Refer to the Coping Strategies Template as you fill in each strategy below.

Strategy 1 Name: ____________________________________
Step-by-Step Instructions:








Strategy 2 Name: ____________________________________
Step-by-Step Instructions:








(Optional) Strategy 3 Name: ____________________________
Step-by-Step Instructions:







Section 4: Your Personalized Action Plan

Complete the sections below using the Action Plan Template.

  1. Who can you turn to for help? (Name & role)
    • Primary person: ____________________________
    • Secondary person: ____________________________





  2. If bullying happens again, what steps will you take?
    a. _______________________________________________
    b. _______________________________________________
    c. _______________________________________________





  3. When will you check in about your plan? (Date or time frame)






End of Worksheet.

lenny
lenny

Reading

Emotion Wheel Chart

Understanding your feelings can help you respond in healthier ways. Use this chart to identify a core emotion and then choose a more specific feeling word.

Core EmotionSpecific Feelings
JoyHappy, Content, Excited, Proud, Playful
TrustSafe, Secure, Confident, Supported, Understood
FearScared, Anxious, Nervous, Worried, Insecure
SurpriseShocked, Amazed, Confused, Startled
SadnessSad, Lonely, Disappointed, Miserable, Grief
DisgustRevolted, Nauseated, Repulsed, Displeased
AngerMad, Frustrated, Bitter, Resentful, Annoyed
AnticipationHopeful, Curious, Eager, Excited (about what’s next)

How to Use This Chart

  1. Look at the Core Emotion that best matches how you felt during the bullying incident.
  2. Pick one Specific Feeling word that fits your experience.
  3. Notice any physical sensations in your body (e.g., "tight chest," "sweaty palms").

Practice Identifying Emotions

  1. Core Emotion: ________________
    Specific Feeling: ________________
    Physical Sensation: ________________





  2. Core Emotion: ________________
    Specific Feeling: ________________
    Physical Sensation: ________________





  3. (Optional) Core Emotion: ________________
    Specific Feeling: ________________
    Physical Sensation: ________________





lenny
lenny

Worksheet

Coping Strategies Template

Use this template to record each coping strategy, when you’ll use it, and how to carry it out effectively.

Strategy 1: ____________________________________

Description:







When to Use:







Step-by-Step Instructions:




2. _______________________________________________



3. _______________________________________________







Reminders/Tips:






Strategy 2: ____________________________________

Description:







When to Use:







Step-by-Step Instructions:




2. _______________________________________________



3. _______________________________________________







Reminders/Tips:






(Optional) Strategy 3: ____________________________________

Description:







When to Use:







Step-by-Step Instructions:




2. _______________________________________________



3. _______________________________________________







Reminders/Tips:






End of Template — Ready to help you stay calm, safe, and empowered.

lenny
lenny

Worksheet

Action Plan Template

Use this template to turn your coping strategies into a clear, step-by-step plan and set a time to check in on your progress.

1. Your Support Network

Primary Person (Name & Role):






Secondary Person (Name & Role):






Other Trusted Adults (Optional):





2. Steps to Take If Bullying Happens Again






2. ___________________________________________________________





3. ___________________________________________________________





(You can add more steps if you need to.)

3. Follow-Up Timeline

When will you check in about your plan?
(Date or time frame)






How will you review your progress?
(e.g., talk with your teacher, journal entry)





4. Additional Notes or Reminders









End of Action Plan Template.

lenny
lenny