Heart Rules Visual Guide
Heart Rules Guide
How to be a kind friend when you like someone
What is a "Crush"?
A crush is when you have special feelings for someone. You might want to be around them all the time or think they are really cool. This is a normal feeling!
Green Light: Good Friend Behavior
- Saying "Hi" or "How are you?"
- Giving a high-five (if they say yes).
- Playing a game with them when they invite you.
- Telling them: "I like your shirt!" or "Good job!"
Red Light: Stop & Give Space
- Chasing: We only chase for games like Tag. Never chase a friend because you like them.
- Too Close: Give "bubble space" (arms length).
- Not Listening: If they walk away or say "Stop," we must stop right away.
Recess Reminder
Chasing is for games, not for people!
Do This:
Walk up to your friend and ask, "Can I play with you?"
Not This:
Run after them if they are trying to play a different game.
Name: __________________________ Date: __________________
Recess Role Play Cards
Recess Role Play Cards
Practice being a great friend and respecting boundaries!
Scenario 1: Asking to Play
The Situation:
You see your crush on the playground. You want to be near them.
Action
Walk slowly to your friend. Stop when you are an arm's length away.
I Say
"Hi! Can I play this game with you?"
Scenario 2: When They Say "No"
The Situation:
You ask to play, but your friend says, "No, not right now."
Action
Take two steps back. Smile and nod your head.
I Say
"Okay! Maybe next time. Have fun!"
Think
"It's okay. I can find another friend to play with."
Scenario 3: No Chasing!
The Situation:
Your friend is running away to play a different game. You want to follow them.
Rule
Stop! Use walking feet.
Action
Stay where you are. Wave 'Goodbye' with your hand.
I Say
"Bye! See you later!"
Role Play Cards: Set A (Friendship & Boundaries)
Crush Course Facilitator Guide
Crush Course Facilitator Guide
Lesson: Recess Boundaries & Romantic Feelings
30 Minutes
Objective
Students will identify "Green Light" (appropriate) and "Red Light" (uncomfortable) behaviors when they have a crush, specifically focusing on stopping "chasing" behaviors at recess.
Materials Needed
- Heart Rules Visual Guide
- Recess Role Play Cards
- Timer or Visual Clock
Lesson Sequence
5 min
Introduction: What is a Crush?
Define "crush" using the Visual Guide. Keep it neutral and positive. Ask: "How do we know if we like someone?" (Wanting to play with them, thinking they are cool).
Coach Note: For students with Down syndrome, use concrete examples of "like" (e.g., "I like playing Legos with Sam").
10 min
Social Story & Traffic Lights
Review the Heart Rules Guide. Focus heavily on the "Red Light" section.
- Discuss "Bubble Space" (arm's length).
- Explicitly explain that chasing is only for Tag. If a friend runs away, we let them go.
- Highlight "listening with our eyes": Does the friend look happy or scared/annoyed?
10 min
Role Play Practice
Use the Recess Role Play Cards. Have the teacher play the "friend" first, then switch.
Scenario 1: Practice the "Ask" without touching or chasing.
Scenario 2: Practice the "Accept" when the answer is no. This is the hardest part!
5 min
Closing & Check-in
Review the "Recess Reminder." Have students recite: "Chasing is for games, not for friends!"
Differentiation & Support
Visual Support: Keep the "Heart Rules" visible during the entire role-play portion. Point to the "Stop" sign if the student starts to chase during practice.
Physical Prompting: If the student struggles with "bubble space," use a hula hoop or floor tape to show where to stand.
Emotional Support: If a student becomes upset by a role-play "no," acknowledge the feeling: "It feels sad when someone doesn't want to play, but we can be brave and find something else fun!"
