Safety Scenario Role-Play

Description: In small groups, students will act out real-life classroom situations to practice and reinforce our Safe Space Protocols. Each group receives a scenario card and collaborates to role-play a respectful, supportive response. After each skit, the class reflects on which protocol was used and how it helped keep everyone safe.

Materials:

• Scenario cards (one per group) – see scenarios below
• Optional: simple props (e.g., hats, signs)

Prep (10 minutes):

1. Print and cut out the scenario cards listed below.
2. Place cards in an envelope or spread them face-down on a table.
3. Arrange the room into small-group spaces.

Instructions (10 minutes):

1. Divide students into groups of 3–4 and have each group pick a scenario card.
2. Within each group, assign roles (e.g., student A, B, observer, narrator).
3. Give groups 3 minutes to plan their short skit, focusing on:
   • Which Safe Space Protocol applies
   • How they’ll use kind words, active listening, and respect
4. Each group performs their 1–2 minute role-play for the class.
5. After each performance, guide a 1–minute discussion:
   • What protocol did they practice?
   • What went well?
   • What might they do differently next time?

Scenario Cards

1. Teasing Over a Mistake
   
   
   A student makes a mistake called out by peers. Show how to respond with kindness and encouragement instead of teasing.
2. Angry Outburst
   
   
   A classmate shouts in frustration when they can’t solve a math problem. Demonstrate how to use calm words and offer help.
3. Feeling Left Out
   
   
   One student notices they’re excluded from a group game. Role-play inviting them in and checking how they feel.
4. Upsetting News
   
   
   A student shares they’re upset about something at home. Show how to listen without interrupting and offer support.
5. Accidental Bump
   
   
   During a hallway transition, two students accidentally bump into each other. Practice checking in and ensuring everyone feels okay.

Follow-Up Points:

• Emphasize that protocols aren’t perfect rules but tools to keep us all safe and respected.
• Encourage students to notice and praise peers using the protocols during regular class time.
• Remind the class they can suggest new scenarios for future practice.

My Personal Safety Plan

Use this worksheet to notice when you feel unsafe or upset, choose ways to calm yourself, and identify people and places you can turn to for support.

1. My Signals of Distress
   Describe how you know you’re feeling upset, stressed, or unsafe. What thoughts, feelings, or body signals do you notice?

1. My Calming Strategies
   List at least three things you can do to help yourself feel safer or calmer when you notice these signals.

• Strategy 1:

• Strategy 2:

• Strategy 3:

1. People I Trust
   Write down the names of at least three adults (at home or school) you can talk to when you’re feeling unsafe or upset.

1. My Safe Space at School
   Describe a spot in our school where you can go if you need a break or feel unsafe. Why does this place help you feel better?

1. My Breathing Plan
   When I need to calm down, I will use the breathing exercise from Peaceful Breathing. My plan:

• Inhale for ___ seconds
• Hold my breath for ___ seconds
• Exhale for ___ seconds

Remember: This plan is yours to keep. Use it whenever you need to feel more safe and in control.

Peaceful Breathing

Use this guided breathing exercise at the end of our lesson to center ourselves and transition calmly to the next activity.

1. Find Your Seat (30 seconds)
   • Sit comfortably with feet flat on the floor and hands resting in your lap.
   • Close your eyes or softly gaze at the floor.
2. Settle In (30 seconds)
   • Place one hand on your belly and one hand on your chest.
   • Notice how your body feels right now.
3. Breathe In (4 seconds)
   • Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of four.
   • Feel your belly rise under your hand.
4. Hold (2 seconds)
   • Gently hold the breath at the top.
5. Breathe Out (6 seconds)
   • Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of six.
   • Feel your belly fall and any tension release.
6. Repeat (3 times)
   • Continue the inhale–hold–exhale cycle three full times.
7. Close (30 seconds)
   • Lower your hands, take one final deep inhale, and let it go.
   • When you’re ready, open your eyes and bring your focus back to the classroom.

Teacher Tip: Model the counts slowly and calmly. Encourage students to notice how their body feels before and after the exercise to reinforce its calming effect.