Boundaries Facilitator Guide Safe Boundaries
Smart Choices
3rd Grade • 45 Minutes
Learning Objective
Students will articulate a clear personal boundary statement and identify at least two trusted adults to turn to when conflicts escalate or they feel unsafe.
Why This Matters
Teaching personal boundaries and help-seeking equips 3rd graders with the confidence to assert themselves and know exactly who to ask for help, reducing risk of bullying and confusion.
Preparation
Print Practice Cards (1 set per pair)
Print Sorting Cards (1 set per group)
Photocopy Safety Circle Worksheet (1 per student)
Test Scenario Slide Deck
Lesson Instructions
10m
Intro to Personal Boundaries
• Display slides 1–4 of Boundaries and Safety Scenarios .
• Define "personal boundary" as "your own space and feelings."
• Show examples vs. non-examples of healthy boundaries on slides.
• Invite 2–3 volunteers to share a time they asked for space or said “Stop.”
10m
Practice Boundary Statements
• Break students into pairs and distribute Boundary Statement Practice Cards .
• Model one scenario: read card, then say “Please stop _____” respectfully but firmly.
• Partners role-play each scenario, practicing tone and body language.
• Circulate to offer feedback and reinforce clear statements.
10m
Safety Circle Mapping
• Hand out My Safety Circle Trusted Adults Worksheet .
• Instruct students to draw themselves in the center and list two adults they trust for help.
• Encourage a mix of school and home adults (e.g., teacher, coach, parent, neighbor).
• After 5 minutes, have students pair-share their safety circles.
8m
Sort Bullying, Rudeness, or Conflict
• Form small groups and give each set of Is It Rude Bullying or Conflict Sorting Cards .
• Groups read scenarios, categorize them, and place under headings.
• Discuss: when should you talk to a friend vs. an adult?
7m
Reflection and Closing
• Ask: “What’s one boundary you’ll use this week?” and “Which adult will you go to if you feel unsafe?”
• Reinforce that using a boundary statement and seeking help are both smart choices.
Pro Tip: Watch for students who struggle to name a trusted adult. Use this as an opportunity for 1:1 follow-up to identify school staff (counselor, nurse, or custodian) they feel comfortable with.
Boundaries and Safety Scenarios Slides Boundaries &
Safety Scenarios
Learning how to set personal boundaries, speak up for yourself, and stay safe.
Stay Safe
Speak Up
Teacher Notes: Welcome students and introduce the topic. Say: “Today we’re going to learn about personal boundaries—what they are, why they matter, and how to use them to stay safe and feel confident.”
What Is a Personal Boundary?
1
Your personal boundary is your space and your feelings .
2
It tells others what’s OK and what’s NOT OK .
3
Boundaries help you stay safe and feel respected .
Teacher Notes: Explain key term in kid-friendly language. Emphasize space, feelings, and respect.
Healthy Boundaries
"Please stop tickling me, I don't like it."
"Can I have a turn with that toy when you're done?"
"I need a little more space, please step back."
"No thank you, I don't want to play that game right now."
Teacher Notes: Read each example aloud. Invite students to give a thumbs-up if they recognize a healthy boundary.
What is NOT a Boundary?
Staying silent when you feel uncomfortable.
Pushing someone away in anger without using words.
Using mean words to hurt someone's feelings.
Letting people cross your space without speaking up.
Teacher Notes: Discuss why these are non-examples and how they might make people feel unsafe or upset.
SCENARIO 1
The Unwanted Hug
At recess, a classmate rushes over and gives you a big hug even though you said, "I don’t want a hug."
Question 1
What could you say or do to set a clear boundary?
Question 2
If they don’t stop, which trusted adult could you talk to?
Teacher Notes: Read scenario. Ask pairs to come up with a boundary statement first, then share who they might ask for help.
SCENARIO 2
Mean Teasing
On the playground, someone keeps making jokes about your shoes and calls them "weird."
Question 1
How can you tell them to stop in a respectful but firm way?
Question 2
Who could you ask for help if it continues?
Teacher Notes: Guide pairs: one plays the friend, one practices the boundary statement. Then switch roles.
My Safety Circle Worksheet My Safety Circle
Name:
Date:
A Safety Circle helps you remember which adults you can turn to when you feel unsafe, upset, or when someone crosses your boundaries.
1 Draw Your Safety Circle
Draw yourself in the middle of the circle. In the space around you, write or draw the two adults you trust most at school or at home.
Me
2 My Trusted Adults
Adult's Name
Their Role (e.g., Mom, Teacher)
When would I go to them for help?
Adult's Name
Their Role (e.g., Coach, Nurse)
When would I go to them for help?
Remember: You can always add more people to your circle! Trusted adults are people who listen, keep you safe, and follow your boundaries.
Boundary Statement Practice Cards Activity Practice Your Power
Use these cards with a partner to practice setting clear boundaries. Remember: use a firm but respectful voice!
Eye Contact
Clear Voice
Strong Stance
1
Unwanted Tickling
Your friend keeps tickling your sides even after you asked them to stop once already.
Your Boundary Statement:
"Please stop ________."
2
Borrowing Items
A classmate grabs your favorite art supplies from your desk without asking permission.
Your Boundary Statement:
"Please stop ________."
3
Interrupting
Someone keeps talking over you very loudly while you are trying to share news with the class.
Your Boundary Statement:
"Please stop ________."
4
Pushing in Line
A student pushes past you in the lunch line to get ahead without saying excuse me.
Your Boundary Statement:
"Please stop ________."
5
Name-Calling
A peer keeps calling you a nickname you don't like even after you asked them to stop.
Your Boundary Statement:
"Please stop ________."
6
Unwanted Help
An adult you know well tries to straighten your clothes or hair even though you said you can do it.
Your Boundary Statement:
"Please stop ________."
7
Standing Too Close
Someone stands right behind you in the hall and makes you feel crowded and uncomfortable.
Your Boundary Statement:
"Please stop ________."
8
Taking Your Seat
A classmate moves into the carpet spot or seat you were just using without asking you first.
Your Boundary Statement:
"Please stop ________."
Partner Discussion
After you practice, talk with your partner: Which statement felt the most confident? Why did it feel that way? How did your body language change the message?
Rude Bullying or Conflict Sorting Activity The Sorting Challenge
Is it Rude , a Conflict , or Bullying ? Work with your group to sort the scenarios under the correct headings.
Rude
Saying or doing something hurtful that wasn't planned and usually happens once.
Conflict
A disagreement or fight where both people have power and are upset at each other.
Bullying
Hurting someone on purpose, over and over again, using power to make them feel unsafe.
1
Someone accidentally bumps into you in the hallway and says, “Oops, sorry!”
2
A classmate calls you “stupid” after you get an answer wrong, but stops when you ask nicely.
3
Two friends both want the same toy and start pushing each other to get it.
4
A peer keeps calling you “baby” and laughs every time you tell them to stop.
5
Someone takes your pencil without asking and uses it for the whole class period.
6
A group of students refuses to let you join their game and makes fun of you each time.
7
A student says, “That’s gross!” when you show your lunch, then walks away.
8
Two students argue about the rules of a game, raising their voices and scowling.
Talk It Out
What clues helped you decide a scenario was bullying rather than just rude?
When should you try to solve a problem on your own, and when should you talk to a trusted adult ?
What boundary statement could you use for Card #4?