Connection Code Lesson Plan Lesson Plan & Facilitation Guide
Connection Code
Cracking the code on healthy relationships & boundaries
Target Audience Grades 6 - 8 Duration: 45-60 Mins
Healthy Connections
Understanding trust, mutual respect, and active communication.
Physical Boundaries
Consent, respecting personal space, and keeping hands to ourselves.
Digital Boundaries
Managing texting, online sharing, passwords, and digital consent.
Learning Objectives
Identify elements of healthy relationships vs. unhealthy behaviors in friendships and romances.Formulate clear, assertive verbal and physical boundaries (e.g., maintaining physical space).Analyze social scenarios to establish healthy digital boundaries (passwords, direct messages, photos).
Required Materials Checklist
Connection Blueprint Worksheet (1 per student)
Scenario Sorting Cards (1 set per small group)
Discussion Cards (1 set per small group)
Scissors & sorting spaces for activities
Pacing & Flow Overview
Time
Phase
Core Activity Summary & Goal
5 Mins
Hook: The Human Bubble
Demonstrate physical boundaries live using a volunteer exercise.
10 Mins
Core Concepts
Unpack Healthy vs. Unhealthy relationships; set the framework.
15 Mins
Activity: Scenario Sorting
Students categorize red, yellow, and green light behavioral cards.
15 Mins
Peer Discussion
Small groups answer targeted digital, physical, & emotional questions.
5 Mins
Wrap & Blueprint
Students record personal guidelines on their Blueprint worksheet.
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Detailed Step-by-Step Instruction
1
The Human Bubble Hook (5 Mins)
Invite a student volunteer to stand at the front. Start at a distance of 10 feet. Explain that everyone has an invisible "boundary bubble." Take single steps closer. Instruct the volunteer to say "Stop" or raise their hand when they feel you've entered their comfortable physical boundary zone.
2
Direct Instruction: Connection Codes (10 Mins)
Introduce the three types of relationship behaviors: healthy (Green light), warning sign/unhealthy (Yellow light), and harmful/boundary crossing (Red light).
Healthy Code Markers
Respecting physical space immediately.
Asking permission before taking or touching.
Supporting external friendships & hobbies.
Unhealthy/Overstepping
Spying or scrolling private phone messages.
Tickling/touching after being told to stop.
Sending unsolicited or excessive spam texts.
3
Scenario Sorting Activity (15 Mins)
Divide the class into groups of 3 or 4. Hand out one copy of the printed and cut-out Scenario Sorting Cards . Group members should read each card out loud, discuss the scenario, and place it in the correct category: Healthy, Warning, or Harmful. Walk around, guiding discussions, especially on digital situations like sharing account credentials.
4
Peer Discussion Circles (15 Mins)
Distribute the Discussion Cards to the groups. Have them take turns pulling cards and reading them aloud. Ensure students focus on practical, actionable digital safety elements (e.g., "What do you do if someone takes your phone without asking?").
5
Blueprint & Self-Reflecting Exit Ticket (5 Mins)
Hand out the Blueprint Worksheet . Ask students to individually fill out their personal "Boundary Blueprint" zones and evaluate their relationships using the scorecard. Collect this worksheet as an exit ticket or form of assessment.
Pro Facilitator Tips
Middle schoolers might find relationship discussions awkward. Avoid naming individual couples in the classroom. Focus strictly on behaviors rather than labeling the person as a whole. Keep the digital focus strong, as most boundary violations for this age cohort happen online via messaging platforms and photo sharing.
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Connection Blueprint Worksheet Student Activity File
Connection Blueprint
Map your digital boundaries, physical personal space, and relationship codes.
Student Name
Date
Class Period
1 Part 1: Personal Boundary Zones
Define your boundaries. What rules do you set for your physical space and your digital life? Write your concrete personal expectations in the blocks below.
My Physical Zone (Hands-Off Rules)
E.g., personal space bubbles, friendly touch, hugs vs. high-fives.
My Digital Zone (Tech Guidelines)
E.g., account logins, posting group photos, texting speed, privacy.
2 Part 2: Digital Boundaries Decoder
Read each digital scenario. How would you assert your boundary in a respectful but firm way?
Scenario A: A friend grabs your phone out of your pocket without your permission and starts scrolling through your photos and chat history.
My Assertive Response:
Scenario B: A friend or romantic partner starts spamming you with dozens of texts, getting upset if you do not reply within a minute.
My Assertive Response:
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3 Part 3: Relationship Radar
For each relationship behavior below, check the box that best describes the scenario to help map out actions on your radar.
Behavior Scenario
Green (Healthy)
Yellow (Caution)
Red (Harmful)
Your friend supports you hanging out with other friends in class.
A classmate tickles or grabs you even after you say "stop" or ask them to stay back.
Your partner or friend demands to have your account logins to "prove" trust.
A friend apologizes sincerely and changes their behavior when you tell them they hurt you.
A friend excludes you from lunch because you got a better grade than they did on a project.
Part 4: My Commitment Code
Understanding boundaries helps protect my privacy, my physical self, and my friendships. I commit to honoring the physical and digital boundaries of others, checking in if I am unsure of consent, and using assertive communications when my own boundaries are crossed.
Student Signature
Date
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Scenario Sorting Cards Print & Cut Activity
Scenario Sorting Cards
Cut out these cards. Sort them in small groups into three piles: Healthy (Green), Warning (Yellow), and Harmful (Red).
Classroom Pack 8 Scenario Cards
Cut along the dotted borders to separate the activity cards
Card 1
Friendly Tickle Fight?
A friend starts tickling you in the hallway. You start laughing but tell them to "Stop, I'm going to drop my books!" They keep doing it because you are laughing.
Category: Physical Boundaries ID: B01
Card 2
The Screenshot Leak
You vent to a close friend about a tough family situation in a private text. They screenshot the text and send it to three classmates to get advice on how to help you.
Category: Digital Boundaries ID: B02
Card 3
The Hobbies Veto
You start playing a new online game with other classmates. Your best friend is upset because you don't play with them, so they tell you to choose between the game and them.
Category: Relationship Code ID: B03
Card 4
The Hallway Squeeze
A classmate always runs up and gives you tight bear hugs from behind. When you say you don't like surprises, they say, "Come on, it's just my way of saying hello!"
Category: Physical Boundaries ID: B04
Card 5
Trust Passwords
Your partner says that since you are dating, you should share your Instagram password as a sign of trust. If you say no, they accuse you of hiding something.
Category: Digital Boundaries ID: B05
Card 6
The Solo Cheerleader
You fail a science quiz. Your friend tells you, "That sucks, but I know you'll crush the retake. Do you want to study together in the library this afternoon?"
Category: Relationship Code ID: B06
Card 7
Unapproved Tagging
A friend posts a group photo where your eyes are closed. When you ask them to delete it or crop you out, they immediately do so without making fun of you.
Category: Digital Boundaries ID: B07
Card 8
Overcrowding Desk
Every time you sit at your desk, a peer leans way over onto your side to talk to someone else, putting their arm right over your work notebook.
Category: Physical Boundaries ID: B08
Connection Code sorting pack Print on cardstock for best results
Peer Discussion Cards Group Discussion Pack
Peer Discussion Cards
Use these cards in small groups. Draw one card at a time, read the prompt, and take turns sharing your honest thoughts.
Classroom Pack 8 Discussion Prompts
Cut along the dotted borders to separate the discussion cards
Prompt 1
What's in a Word?
If a friend asks you to stop doing something (like joking or teasing), what is the best way to respond without making it awkward or getting defensive?
Focus: Respectful Responses
Prompt 2
The Digital Password Myth
Why do some people think sharing passwords proves they are "good friends" or "loyal partners"? What are the real risks of sharing password access with anyone?
Focus: Digital Safety
Prompt 3
Friend Jealousy
Is it normal to feel a little jealous when your best friend hangs out with someone else? How can you handle that feeling in a healthy, constructive way?
Focus: Managing Emotions
Prompt 4
Physical Space Bubbles
How can you tell if you are standing too close or invading someone's personal physical space bubble without them explicitly saying so? What body cues should you watch?
Focus: Body Language
Prompt 5
"Double Texting" & Spam
If someone hasn't replied to your text for a couple of hours, how many follow-up texts is too many? Why does "spamming" someone's notifications violate digital boundaries?
Focus: Texting Boundaries
Prompt 6
Asking vs. Assuming
Why is it important to ask "Can I have a high-five?" or "Do you want a hug?" rather than just assuming the other person is okay with physical touch?
Focus: Active Consent
Prompt 7
Healthy vs. Popular
Do popular movie relationships look like "healthy" relationships in real life? Why or why not? What's one unrealistic expectation media gives us about romance?
Focus: Media Realities
Prompt 8
The Digital Paper Trail
"Whatever you send online is forever." How does keeping this in mind protect your boundaries and the boundaries of your friends?
Focus: Online Footprints
Connection Code Discussion Pack Print on cardstock for best results
Boundary Code Slides Connection Code
Session Slides
Grades 6-8 Relationship & Boundaries
Decoding Healthy
Relationships & Boundaries
How to build strong friendships, set digital boundaries, and respect physical personal space.
Middle School Health & Social-Emotional Learning Let's Begin →
Zone 1
The Physical Boundary
Keeping Hands to Ourselves
Everyone travels through school inside their own invisible personal physical "bubble." Respecting that bubble is the first code of friendship.
Ask Permission First: "Can I high-five?" or "Do you want a hug?"
Honoring "No" Instantly: Stop teasing, grabbing, or tickling the second someone says stop.
Did You Know?
Laughing or giggling doesn't always mean someone is having fun. Sometimes, tickling or horseplay triggers automatic laughter even when a person feels uncomfortable or wants it to stop.
Connection Code © 2026
Zone 2
The Digital Boundary
Healthy Digital Codes
• You own your private logins and password data.
• Friends delete or crop photos of you when asked.
• They respect when you do not reply to texts instantly.
Online & Texting Boundaries
Digital boundaries protect your privacy and mental energy. Friendship shouldn't mean sharing absolute 24/7 access to your phone or your screen.
Red Flag: Demanding your social passwords or screenshotting private chats to show other classmates.
Connection Code © 2026
Radar
Relationship Indicators
Reading the Relationship Radar
Green Light
Supportive, secure, and respectful. You are free to pursue other hobbies, and they celebrate your personal achievements.
Yellow Light
Warning indicators. Possessiveness, frequent double texting, guilt-tripping you, or mild physical boundary overstepping.
Red Light
Harmful boundary violations. Verbal threats, physical grabbing, password hacking, rumor spreading, or intentional isolation.
Connection Code © 2026
Code Master
Assertive Communication
How to State a Boundary
Setting boundaries can feel difficult. Good boundaries are respectful, simple, and direct. You do not need to over-explain or make excuses.
The Boundary Formula:
"I feel [Feeling] when [Action]. Please [Expectation]."
Connection Code Survey Part A: Before Lesson
Pre-Lesson Boundary Check
Check your baseline knowledge and attitude before we unpack the Connection Code.
Name:
Date:
1. If a friend laughingly says "Stop, don't touch that!" while tickling, but is still smiling, you should:
Keep going since they are smiling
Stop immediately to respect physical space
Pause, then continue slower
2. Sharing password credentials with a friend or romantic interest is generally:
A great sign of trust and care
A risk that oversteps healthy boundaries
Fine if they promise not to share it
3. When a friend wants to post an unflattering photo of you online, a healthy boundary means they:
Post it anyway since it is a joke
Ask you first and delete it if you say no
Crop you out but post it without asking
4. Rates of text messaging should be balanced. If a partner double-texts you continuously:
It indicates healthy romantic concern
It is a caution indicator (Yellow Light)
You should delete your text profile
Part A score: _____ / 4 Submit before class instruction begins
Cut along this line after printing
Part B: After Lesson
Post-Lesson Connection Survey
Check your growth and understanding of relationships and healthy boundaries now.
Name:
Date:
1. If a friend laughingly says "Stop, don't touch that!" while tickling, but is still smiling, you should:
Keep going since they are smiling
Stop immediately to respect physical space
Pause, then continue slower
2. Sharing password credentials with a friend or romantic interest is generally:
A great sign of trust and care
A risk that oversteps healthy boundaries
Fine if they promise not to share it
3. When a friend wants to post an unflattering photo of you online, a healthy boundary means they:
Post it anyway since it is a joke
Ask you first and delete it if you say no
Crop you out but post it without asking
4. Rates of text messaging should be balanced. If a partner double-texts you continuously:
It indicates healthy romantic concern
It is a caution indicator (Yellow Light)
You should delete your text profile
Part B score: _____ / 4 Submit as you exit class to assess knowledge shifts
