Safe Hands Lesson Plan
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Safe Hands Lesson Plan
Target Grade: Pre-K - Grade 1
Duration: 35-45 Minutes
Focus: SEL Self-Management
Learning Target 1
Students will identify safe, gentle uses of hands versus hurtful actions (hitting, grabbing).
Learning Target 2
Students will state and practice calming scripts: "Stop, please," and "May I have a turn?"
Learning Target 3
Students will demonstrate when and how to seek help from a trusted adult calmly.
Lesson Materials Required Safe Hands Squad Slides, "Problem Solver Choice Activity" sheets (1 per student), crayons/pencils, "Safe Hands Helper Exit Ticket" slips, puppet or stuffed helper (optional).
Instructional Sequence: Part 1
1. Circle Hook & Chant: "Gentle Hands, Helping Hands" (8 mins) Slide 1-2
Gather learners in a circle. Ask students to hold both hands in front of them and open/close them gently.
"Hands can build, hands can share, hands show people that we care! When we get angry or want a toy, safe hands protect every girl and boy."
Prompt: "What are three wonderful things our hands can do in our classroom?" (Draw, hug, high five, build blocks, help a friend).
2. Concept Introduction: Big Feelings vs. Safe Actions (10 mins) Slide 3-4
Normalize emotional triggers: It is okay to feel angry, disappointed, or frustrated. It is never okay to hit, push, or snatch.
🚫 Unsafe Reflexes: Snatching blocks, pushing in line, hitting when mad. These hurt bodies and break trust.
✅ Safe Power Choices: Take 2 belly breaths, keep hands in lap or pockets, speak words, walk to teacher.
Safe Hands Squad • Teacher Lesson Guide Page 1 of 2
Instructional Sequence: Part 2 & Practice
Interactive Modeling & Assessment
3. The Safe Hands Protocol: Stop, Talk, Seek (10 mins) Slide 5
Teach students the 3 superhero steps with physical motions:
Step 1: STOP
Put hands by sides or on tummy. Take one deep dragon breath in and blow out.
Step 2: TALK
Look at friend. Say: "Stop, I don't like that" or "May I have that when you're done?"
Step 3: SEEK HELP
If friend does not listen or hands want to hit, walk straight to a grown-up and ask for help.
Guided Roleplay Scenarios (8 mins)
Scenario A: Leo is driving the blue race car. Maya desperately wants it right now. Practice: Maya takes a breath, puts hands in pockets, says "Can I have next turn, Leo?"
Scenario B: Devon accidentally knocks over Sam's block tower. Sam feels angry heat in his fists. Practice: Sam freezes hands, says "I feel mad! Please help me fix it" or finds teacher.
Application & Formative Assessment (9 mins)
Transition students to tables to complete the Problem Solver Choice Activity. Circulate to prompt verbalization: "What will your hands do here?" Close the lesson with the Safe Hands Helper Exit Ticket where learners choose their problem-solving superhero commitment.
In-the-Moment Teacher Scripts (During Incidents)
When grabbing happens: "I will keep you both safe. Hands to your own sides. What words can we use to ask?"
When hands get aggressive: "I cannot let you hurt others. You are angry, and anger is okay. Hitting is not safe. Breathe with me."
Safe Hands Squad • Teacher Lesson Guide Page 2 of 2
Safe Hands Squad Slides
Our Classroom Community
Safe Hands Squad!
How we use words, keep our friends safe, and solve problems together.
Gentle Hands
Use Our Words
Ask Grown-Ups
Superpower of Hands
What Are Our Hands For?
Building
Making towers, drawing art, and holding books.
Helping
Giving high fives, waving hello, and comforting peers.
Sharing
Passing toys gently and taking patient turns.
When Big Feelings Happen
It is okay to feel angry or sad, but...
Hands Are NOT For:
- ✖ Hitting or pushing others
- ✖ Grabbing toys away
- ✖ Hurting bodies or things
What Can We Do?
- ✔ Freeze hands on tummy
- ✔ Take 2 deep belly breaths
- ✔ Use words or ask a grown-up
Problem Solving Superpowers
Our 3 Super Steps
1
STOP
Keep hands still. Put them on your tummy and take a slow breath.
2
USE WORDS
Say what you feel: "Stop, please" or "May I have a turn?"
3
ASK HELP
If you need help, walk to an adult. Grown-ups are here to help!
Super Squad Challenge
What Would You Do?
The Scenario:
You really want to play with the red fire truck, but your friend is holding it right now.
Choice A
Snatch the truck quickly with both hands?
Choice B
Say "May I have next turn?" or ask a teacher?
Our Safe Hands Pledge
"I have safe and gentle hands.
When big feelings start,
I use my words and ask for help!"
We are all safe and kind helpers!
Problem Solver Activity
Problem Solver Activity
I use safe hands, speak my words, and ask for help!
Name:
Date:
1
Circle the Safe Choice for Each Story
Story 1: The Favorite Crayon
You need the yellow crayon that Kai is using right now.
Snatch the crayon quickly
Say: "May I have next turn?"
Story 2: In the Lunch Line
Someone accidentally bumps your shoulder while walking.
Push them back hard
Take a breath & say "Please be careful"
Story 3: A Problem That Feels Big
A peer will not share and you feel your hands getting mad.
Hit or throw the pieces
Walk to an adult helper
2
My Words Superpower
Instead of hitting or grabbing, what words can you say? Trace and finish the sentence:
"Stop, please. May I have a ?"
(Word bank: turn • book • toy • car)
3
My Trusted Grown-Up Helper
Draw a grown-up at school you can go to when you need help:
When I need help, I can tell:
Helper Name:
Remember: Grown-ups are here to keep everyone safe and help us solve big problems!
Safe Hands Squad • Student Problem Solver Sheet Keep hands gentle and hearts kind
Safe Hands Exit Ticket
Safe Hands Squad Exit Ticket
How I solve problems peacefully
Name:
Date:
1. When I want a toy or feel mad, I can: (Color all that are safe)
Stop & take a deep breath
Use polite words to ask
Ask a grown-up for help
2. Draw your safe hands doing something kind at school:
I promise: My hands are for helping, not hurting!
My Signature:
CUT HERE (2 TICKETS PER PAGE)
Safe Hands Squad Exit Ticket
How I solve problems peacefully
Name:
Date:
1. When I want a toy or feel mad, I can: (Color all that are safe)
Stop & take a deep breath
Use polite words to ask
Ask a grown-up for help
2. Draw your safe hands doing something kind at school:
I promise: My hands are for helping, not hurting!
My Signature:
