Feeling Safe and Heard Lesson Plan Feeling Safe and Heard
A Tier 1 Social-Emotional Learning Lesson
Duration
30 Min
Why This Matters
Building emotional awareness and help-seeking skills supports students’ well-being, fosters a safe classroom culture, and empowers children to speak up when they need support.
Target Audience
3rd–4th Grade
Teaching Approach
Interactive & Role-Play
Materials
Emotion Face Cards
Feeling Safe and Heard Poster
Help-Seeking Scenario Cards
Chart Paper & Markers
Blank Paper & Pencils
Learning Objective
Students will learn to recognize and name their feelings, identify trusted adults, and practice asking for help when they feel worried or upset.
Teacher Preparation
Est. Time: 10 mins
Print and cut Emotion Face Cards .
Print and cut Scenario Cards .
Display the Feeling Safe and Heard Poster in a visible area.
Gather Chart Paper, Markers, Blank Paper, and Pencils.
Instructional Steps
1
5 min
Introduction
Gather students in a circle near the Feeling Safe and Heard Poster. Explain that today we’ll learn how to recognize feelings, know who can help us, and how to ask for help. Ask volunteers: “What does feeling safe mean to you?” and record key words on chart paper.
2
8 min
Emotion Identification
Show each card from the Emotion Face Cards. Invite students to name the emotion shown. Ask a few students to share a time they felt that way. Record student examples next to each emotion on chart paper.
3
7 min
Trusted Adults Discussion
Point to the Trusted Adults section of the poster. Ask: “Who are some trusted adults you can go to if you feel upset?” Distribute blank paper and pencils; have students draw or write the names of two trusted adults (e.g., parent, teacher, coach).
4
7 min
Scenario Practice
In pairs, give each pair a Help-Seeking Scenario Card. Students read their scenario and discuss which trusted adult they would ask for help and how. Invite pairs to share their scenario and response with the class.
5
3 min
Closure
Review key points: naming feelings, trusted adults, and asking for help. Remind students the poster and chart are available for reminders. Encourage them: “It’s brave to ask for help when you need it.”
Emotion Face Cards Activity Emotion Face Cards
Use these cards to help students identify and name feelings. Hold up one card at a time and invite students to share a time they felt that way.
Print on cardstock and cut along the dashed lines.
Optional: Laminate for long-term use.
😊
Happy
😢
Sad
😠
Angry
😨
Scared
😲
Surprised
🤩
Excited
😬
Nervous
😌
Calm Feeling Safe and Heard Poster Feeling Safe and Heard
1
Recognize & Name Your Feelings
😊 Happy
😢 Sad
😠 Angry
😨 Scared
🤩 Excited
😌 Calm
2
Trusted Adults You Can Turn To
Family
Mom, Dad, Grandparent, or Aunt/Uncle
School
Teacher, Counselor, Nurse, or Principal
Community
Coach, Neighbor, or Family Friend
3
Steps to Ask for Help
1
Pause and take a deep breath.
2
Use a feeling word: “I feel ___.”
3
Find a trusted adult you feel comfortable with.
4
Be clear: “I need help with ___.”
“It is brave to share your feelings and ask for help.”
You are safe and heard here
Help Seeking Scenario Cards Activity Help-Seeking Scenario Cards
Shuffle and give one card to each pair of students. Have them discuss who the best trusted adult is and what words they would use to ask for help.
Cut along dashed lines
Great for pair discussion
1
You saw someone being teased on the playground and feel upset. You want to help, but you’re not sure how.
Discuss with your partner:
• Who is a trusted adult you could talk to?
• What specific words will you use to ask for help?
2
You hurt your knee during recess but feel too nervous to go to the school nurse by yourself.
Discuss with your partner:
• Who could you ask to help you get to the nurse?
• How would you start that conversation?
3
You feel lonely because you miss your grandma who lives far away. You’d like someone to talk to about it.
Discuss with your partner:
• Which trusted adult would you choose to tell?
• What would you say to share your feelings?
4
You forgot to bring your lunch money and feel worried about what will happen at lunchtime.
Discuss with your partner:
• Who at school can help you with this?
• What exactly will you say to that person?
5
You noticed your friend drop their books and they’re having trouble carrying them. You want to help but need advice.
Discuss with your partner:
• Who would you ask for advice?
• How would you ask for help in this situation?
6
You don’t understand the instructions for a new game your classmates are playing. You feel left out.
Discuss with your partner:
• Who could help explain the rules?
• What question will you ask to get help?
7
You and a friend had an argument and now you feel sad and confused about what to do next.
Discuss with your partner:
• Who can you talk to about your friendship?
• How will you start the conversation?
8
You’re feeling overwhelmed by all your homework and after-school activities. You need advice on managing time.
Discuss with your partner:
• Who is the best trusted adult for this?
• What specific help will you ask for?
Trusted Adults Activity My Trusted Adults
I am safe and heard.
Name:
Date:
Who can I talk to?
A trusted adult is someone who listens to you, cares about your safety, and helps you when you feel worried, sad, or confused. Think of two adults you trust—one at school and one at home or in your neighborhood.
1
My first trusted adult is: ____________________
Draw or write about them here...
2
My second trusted adult is: ____________________
Draw or write about them here...
I know how to ask for help.
Feeling Safe and Heard
