Safety Signals Teacher Guide Safety Signals
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Duration
45 Minutes
Lesson Objectives
Identify "Body Alarms" (physical feelings of discomfort).
Distinguish between Safe, Uncomfortable, and Unsafe situations.
Practice the "No, Go, Tell" safety response.
Materials Needed
Safety Signals Presentation
"Listening to My Body" Social Story
Danger Detectives Sorting Cards
Stay Safe Action Cards
Pacing & Flow
0-10 Min
The "Body Alarm" Hook
Ask students: "What does a smoke alarm do?" (It warns us of danger). Explain that our bodies have alarms too. Use the Safety Signals Presentation to show physical signs (fast heart, butterflies, "uh-oh" feeling).
10-20 Min
Social Story Reading
Read "Listening to My Body" aloud. Pause after each page to ask: "Has your body ever felt like that?" Emphasize that these feelings are important messages.
20-35 Min
Danger Detectives Sorting
Divide students into small groups. Use the Danger Detectives Sorting Cards . Students sort scenarios into "Safe," "Uncomfortable/Unsure," and "Unsafe." Circulate to prompt reasoning: "Why does that feel like a Red Signal?"
35-45 Min
Interactive Roleplay: No, Go, Tell
Use Stay Safe Action Cards . Model the response: 1. SAY NO (Strong voice) 2. GO AWAY (Walk to a safe place) 3. TELL A TRUSTED ADULT (Keep telling until someone helps)
Pro-Tips for Inclusion
Visual Support
Always pair the "No, Go, Tell" steps with physical gestures (hand up for No, walking in place for Go, pointing to mouth for Tell).
Concrete Examples
If students struggle with "Uncomfortable," relate it to "Yellow Light" behaviors like standing too close or asking a private question.
Listening to My Body Social Story Listening to
My Body
A Social Story About Staying Safe
My body is amazing.
It helps me run, play, and learn.
My body also helps me stay safe.
Sometimes, something feels wrong.
My body might send me a Safety Signal .
It's like a little alarm bell going off inside of me.
What does it feel like?
Fast Heartbeat
Butterflies in Stomach
Feeling Sweaty or Cold
An "Uh-Oh" Feeling
Step 1: Say NO
If I feel unsafe or uncomfortable, I can say "NO" or "STOP IT."
I use my strong, brave voice.
Step 2: GO AWAY
I walk or run to a safe place.
I go where there are other people or where I feel safe.
Step 3: TELL
I find a Trusted Adult and tell them what happened.
I keep telling until someone helps me.
Who can I tell?
Parents or Family
Teachers
School Counselors
Listening to my body helps me stay safe and happy!
Safety Signals Presentation Safety Signals
Trust Your Gut • Stay Safe
What is a Body Alarm?
Your body sends you a message when something feels unsafe or wrong .
"I have an 'Uh-Oh' feeling."
Fast Heartbeat
Sweaty Palms
Butterflies
Chills
Traffic Light Safety
SAFE
I feel happy, calm, and relaxed.
UNSURE
I feel a little weird or confused.
UNSAFE
I feel scared or my Body Alarm is on!
What should I do?
1
NO
Say it loud and strong!
2
GO
Get away to a safe place.
3
TELL
Find a trusted adult right away.
Let's Practice!
"Someone you don't know asks you to come to their car to see a cute puppy."
SAFE?
UNSAFE?
Let's Practice!
"A friend at school stands very close to you and won't move when you ask."
YELLOW SIGNAL?
Is this okay? What should you do?
Remember...
YOU have the right to feel safe!
Danger Detectives Sorting Activity Danger Detectives
Cut out the cards and sort them onto the Safety Mat!
SAFE
Unsure
UNSAFE
A friend gives you a high-five.
A stranger asks for your phone number.
A classmate takes your lunch without asking.
A relative gives you a hug that feels nice.
A stranger tells you to keep a secret from your parents.
Someone touches your private parts.
An older student tries to make you do something scary.
A teacher helps you with your homework.
Someone is following you home from the bus stop.
A friend says something mean about your clothes.
Someone asks you to send a picture of your body.
A neighbor asks you to come inside when no one is home.
Teacher Key & Discussion Guide:
Safe: 1, 4, 8 (Positive social interactions with boundaries).
Unsure/Yellow: 2, 3, 10 (Could be social friction or a boundary cross that needs a 'No').
Unsafe/Red: 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12 (Direct threats, secret-keeping, or private part violations).
Stay Safe Action Cards Stay Safe Action Cards
Practice: No • Go • Tell
1
The Stranger Sceneario
"A person in a car stops and asks you for directions. They ask you to come closer to the window."
Say NO
"No! I can't help you."
Go Away
Walk quickly to the school door or a teacher.
Tell Someone
"Someone in a car was talking to me and I felt unsafe."
2
The Secret Keeper
"Someone at school wants to show you something on their phone. They say, 'Don't tell your teacher!'"
Say NO
"I don't keep secrets."
Go Away
Move away from them and go to your desk.
Tell Someone
"This person asked me to keep a secret. I felt my Body Alarm."
3
Space Invader
"Someone you know keeps touching your arm or hair. You want them to stop."
Say NO
"Stop! Don't touch me."
Go Away
Move to the other side of the room.
Tell Someone
"I told them to stop and they didn't. I need help."