Hands Are Helpers Lesson Plan Hands Are Helpers
Tier 1 Classroom Lesson Plan
30 Minutes
Objective
Students will understand the importance of keeping their hands to themselves and identify appropriate ways to use their hands in the classroom.
Audience
1st Grade Students
Why This Matters
Learning to keep hands to oneself fosters a safe, respectful, and focused learning environment. It helps students understand personal boundaries and promotes positive social interactions.
Preparation
Review the Slide Deck and Script .
Ensure whiteboard or projector is ready.
(Optional) Prepare chart paper and markers for group brainstorming.
Materials Needed:
Slide Deck, Script, Projector, Warm-Up/Cool-Down Sheets.
Instructional Steps
5m
Introduction & Warm-Up
Greet students and introduce the topic of 'safe hands' . Ask them what they think it means to have 'safe hands' in school. Explain that today's lesson will help everyone understand how to use their hands safely and kindly.
15m
Social Story Presentation
Present the Slide Deck using the provided Script . Pause at key moments to ask questions and encourage participation. Emphasize the positive reasons for keeping hands to oneself (respect, learning, safety).
5m
Discussion & Role-Play
Facilitate a brief discussion. Ask for examples of 'safe hands' vs 'unsafe hands' in school situations. Optionally, have students role-play walking in line or sharing toys with safe hands.
5m
Review & Cool-Down
Recap the main message: "Our hands are for helping and being kind." Ask students to share one way they will remember to use their hands safely. Distribute the drawing prompt activity.
Teacher Tip
Throughout the day, catch students using 'safe hands' and provide specific positive reinforcement (e.g., "I love how you kept your hands to yourself while walking to lunch!").
Hands Are Helpers Slides Hands Are Helpers!
Our hands are amazing tools!
Teacher Notes:
Welcome students. Ask: "What are some things your hands are good for?" Explain we'll learn how to use hands to be safe and kind.
Our Hands at School
At school, our hands help us learn and play.
But sometimes, our hands can accidentally bother others if we're not careful.
Teacher Notes:
Transition to school context. Ask: "What does it mean to have 'safe hands' when we are at school?"
My Personal Space Bubble
Everyone has a personal space bubble.
Keep hands and feet to yourself to respect our friends' bubbles!
Teacher Notes:
Demonstrate by holding arms out. "Hands should stay outside of other people's bubbles." Have students show their bubble.
What Are 'Unsafe Hands'?
Push or pull
Hit or kick
Poke or pinch
Grab from friends
These actions can make our friends feel sad, hurt, or angry.
Teacher Notes:
Discuss examples. Ask: "What happens if our hands push?" Emphasize that it hurts even if it's an accident.
What Are 'Safe Hands'?
Helping Friends
Drawing & Writing
Raising Hands
Own Things
High-Fives
Teacher Notes:
Ask: "What are ways we can use our hands to be kind?" Praise specific positive suggestions from students.
Why Are Safe Hands Important?
Everyone feels safe and happy.
We can focus on learning.
We show respect for friends.
Our classroom is wonderful!
Teacher Notes:
Connect safe hands to positive outcomes. Ask: "How does it feel when everyone has safe hands?"
Let's Practice Safe Hands!
Our hands are for helping, learning, and being kind!
Teacher Notes:
Reinforce the main message. Ask: "What's one thing you will remember about using safe hands today?"
Hands Are Helpers Script Hands Are Helpers
Social Story Teacher Script
Introduction 5 Minutes
Teacher: "Good morning, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something super important that helps our classroom be a happy and safe place. It's all about our hands! Our hands are truly amazing. What are some of the fantastic things your hands can do?"
(Allow 1-2 student responses. Guide towards positive actions like drawing, building, waving, helping.)
Teacher: "Exactly! Our hands are great for so many things. But, at school, we need to remember to use our hands in special ways to make sure everyone feels safe and respected. That's what we call 'safe hands'. Has anyone heard that phrase before? What do you think 'safe hands' means?"
(Allow a few student responses. Validate their ideas and prepare to introduce the social story.)
Social Story Presentation 15 Minutes
Slide 1-2
Teacher: "Let's dive into our story about how our hands can be the best helpers! Our hands are amazing tools! They help us explore, create, and communicate. Let's look at how we can make sure they are always helpful at school."
"At school, our hands help us learn and play. Think about writing, drawing, or playing with blocks. Our hands are super busy! But sometimes, our hands can accidentally bother others or make someone feel unsafe if we're not careful. We need to be mindful of how we use them."
Slide 3
Teacher: "Every single person has something called a 'personal space bubble'. It's like an invisible bubble all around you. No one else should be in your bubble unless you invite them. It's super important to keep our hands and feet to ourselves to respect our friends' bubbles. Can everyone show me their personal space bubble? Stretch your arms out wide, then bring them back in. That's your space!"
(Encourage students to demonstrate personal space.)
Slide 4
Teacher: "Now, let's think about what 'unsafe hands' might look like. Unsafe hands might push or pull someone. They might hit or kick, even accidentally. They could poke or pinch, or grab things from friends without asking. Why do you think these actions can make our friends feel sad, hurt, or even angry?"
(Allow responses, emphasizing empathy and consequences.)
Slide 5
Teacher: "Okay, let's talk about all the wonderful things 'safe hands' are for! Safe hands are for helping friends, like handing them a crayon they dropped. They're for holding our own things gently, and raising to ask a question. What other ways can you think of using your safe hands?"
(Allow student responses. Praise positive suggestions.)
Safe Hands Warm Up Worksheet Safe Hands Warm Up
Name
Date
Instructions
Think about all the amazing things your hands can do! In the space below, draw or write one thing your hands are good for that helps you at school or at home. Be ready to share!
Teacher Note
After students have a moment to draw/write, ask a few to share their ideas. This helps to connect their personal experiences to the topic of hands before diving into the social story.
Safe Hands Cool Down Worksheet Safe Hands Cool Down
Name
Date
Instructions
Draw a picture that shows you using your hands to be kind or helpful at school. You could be helping a friend, raising your hand, or doing your best work. Feel free to label your drawing!
Teacher Note
Collect these drawings as an informal assessment of student understanding and a chance for reflection on positive classroom behaviors.
