Lesson Plan
Creating Our Safe Space
Students will build a trusting group by co-creating norms, practice “I feel … when …” statements, identify and verbalize personal boundaries, map trusted supports, and reflect on their learning.
Teaching emotional literacy and boundary-setting empowers students to communicate needs clearly, respect others’ limits, and feel safer in one-on-one interactions.
Audience
8th Grade Small Group
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Interactive icebreaker, guided discussions, partner work, and reflective exercises
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Review Expressing Emotions Safely Slide Deck.
- Print one copy per student of Boundary Brainstorm Discussion Guide and My Safety Circle Worksheet.
- Shuffle and place Emotion Check-Out Cool-Down Cards in a basket.
- Arrange chairs in a circle to foster open sharing.
- Prepare a timer or clock for pacing activities.
Step 1
Icebreaker & Group Agreements
10 minutes
- Quick Round: Each student names themselves and shares one word for how they feel today.
- Explain purpose: building trust for sharing emotions and boundaries.
- Collaboratively list 4–5 group norms (e.g., confidentiality, active listening, nonjudgmental responses) on chart paper.
- Display slide 1 from Expressing Emotions Safely Slide Deck as visual anchor.
Step 2
Emotion Vocabulary Activation
10 minutes
- Show slides 2–3 from Expressing Emotions Safely Slide Deck.
- Invite volunteers to act out or describe scenarios for selected emotion words.
- Model “I feel [emotion] when [situation]” statements; have each student craft one.
Step 3
Boundary Brainstorm Discussion
15 minutes
- Introduce the concept of personal boundaries with slide 4 from Expressing Emotions Safely Slide Deck.
- In pairs, distribute Boundary Brainstorm Discussion Guide.
- Give each pair a scenario (e.g., friend borrows phone without asking).
- Pairs list feelings and draft one boundary statement using “I feel” language.
- Reconvene; each pair shares one boundary phrase with the group.
Step 4
Personal Safety Circle Activity
15 minutes
- Hand out My Safety Circle Worksheet.
- Explain concentric circles: closest supports in center, wider network outside.
- Students complete mapping of trusted adults, peers, and resources.
- Invite 2–3 volunteers to share one connection and why it feels safe.
Step 5
Reflection & Assessment
10 minutes
- Distribute Emotion Check-Out Cool-Down Cards.
- Students pick a card reflecting how they feel post-session.
- In new pairs, share one insight prompted by their card and one boundary they plan to try this week.
- Teacher notes participation, clarity of “I feel” statements, and boundary ideas for formative assessment.
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Slide Deck
Expressing Emotions Safely
• Why we talk about our feelings
• How clear emotion language builds trust
• What you’ll learn today: emotion words, “I feel” statements, and boundaries
Welcome students. Introduce the purpose of today’s session: learning to name and share emotions clearly and practice creating “I feel … when …” statements. Emphasize that this is a safe, confidential space where everyone’s contribution matters.
Why Talk About Feelings?
• Naming emotions helps us feel heard
• Clear language reduces confusion
• Sharing builds connection and trust
Explain that talking about feelings helps us understand ourselves and others, prevents misunderstandings, and builds stronger relationships.
Emotion Vocabulary
Common emotion words:
• Happy • Sad • Angry
• Scared • Excited • Frustrated
• Anxious • Proud • Disappointed
Activate prior knowledge. Invite students to shout out feeling words as you display the slide. Write additional words on chart paper if needed.
Brainstorm Emotions
In pairs:
- Choose 2–3 words from the list.
- Describe a situation that might cause each feeling.
- Be ready to share one with the group.
Pair students up. Ask each pair to list three situations where someone might feel one of the words on the slide. After 2–3 minutes, invite a few pairs to share.
Crafting “I Feel … When …” Statements
Formula:
I feel [emotion] when [situation].
Example:
“I feel anxious when I don’t know what’s expected on a big test.”
Introduce the formula and model creating a statement on the board. Explain that this structure helps others understand exactly how we feel and why.
Examples in Action
• “I feel proud when I finish a hard project.”
• “I feel upset when someone interrupts me.”
• “I feel excited when plans change for the better.”
Show students how to vary emotions and situations. Encourage complete sentences with specific details.
Your Turn: Craft a Statement
- Choose an emotion from the list.
- Think of a situation you’ve experienced.
- Write: I feel [emotion] when [situation].
Give students 3 minutes to write their own “I feel … when …” statement. Circulate and provide support. Invite 2–3 volunteers to share aloud.
Introduction to Personal Boundaries
• Boundary: a statement of what you’re comfortable with
• Why they matter:
– Shows self-respect
– Helps others know your limits
– Keeps relationships safe
Explain that boundaries are ways to let others know how we want to be treated. Stress that clear boundaries help keep relationships healthy.
Reflection & Next Steps
• Which new emotion word did you learn today?
• Share one “I feel … when …” statement you created.
• Name one boundary you’d like to practice this week.
Wrap up the slide deck. Encourage students to use these tools in real life. Prepare to transition to the next activity in the lesson plan.
Discussion
Boundary Brainstorm
Purpose
Students practice identifying emotions in common scenarios and crafting clear personal boundaries using the “I feel [emotion] when [situation].” format.
Instructions for Pairs
- Choose one scenario from the list below.
- Read the scenario aloud together.
- Discuss and record on your paper:
• What feelings this situation might cause:
• Which single emotion word fits best:
• Draft your boundary statement using the formula:
I feel [emotion] when [situation].
- Practice saying your statement aloud to each other.
- After 5 minutes, reconvene and have each pair share one boundary statement with the group.
Scenario Options
- A friend reads your private messages without asking.
- A classmate interrupts you while you’re speaking.
- A sibling borrows your belongings without permission.
- Someone stands too close when you feel uncomfortable.
Example Walk-Through
Scenario: A friend posts a picture of you online without checking with you first.
- Feelings: embarrassed, annoyed
- Chosen emotion word: embarrassed
- Boundary statement:
I feel embarrassed when you share photos of me without asking first.
Reflection & Follow-Up Questions
- How did you decide on that particular feeling word?
- How might the other person react to your boundary?
- If your boundary isn’t respected, what could be your next step?
Reference
For tips on crafting “I feel … when …” statements, see slides 5–6 in Expressing Emotions Safely Slide Deck.
Worksheet
My Safety Circle
Instructions
Below is a diagram of three concentric circles. In the innermost circle, write the people you trust most and feel safest with. In the middle circle, write others in your support network. In the outer circle, list resources (e.g., school counselor, trusted teacher, helpline) you could contact when you need help.
(Draw or imagine three concentric circles here; use the space below to fill in your responses.)
Inner Circle (Closest Supports):
Middle Circle (Additional Supports):
Outer Circle (Resources & Contacts):
Reflection Questions
-
Which person in your inner circle did you feel most comfortable writing? Why?
-
How might you reach out to someone in your outer circle if you need help?
-
What is one new person or resource you could add to your safety circle this week?
Use this worksheet anytime you need a reminder of the people and places you can turn to for support.
Cool Down
Emotion Check-Out Cards
Use these cards at the end of each session. Students draw one from a basket, read their emotion aloud, then respond to the prompt with a partner or in writing.
| Emotion | Prompt |
|---|---|
| Relief | Share one strategy you found helpful today. |
| Anxious | Describe one boundary you want to practice this week. |
| Proud | Share one thing you accomplished during this session. |
| Curious | What emotion word was new for you today? |
| Grateful | Name someone in your safety circle you appreciate and why. |
| Sad | Share one challenge you faced today and how you might address it. |
| Excited | What is one personal boundary you feel confident about setting? |
| Calm | How do you plan to check in with yourself this week? |
| Frustrated | What support from your safety circle could help you next time? |
| Hopeful | What is one positive thing you are looking forward to using? |