Stop Signal Squad Lesson Plan K-2 SEL Curriculum
Stop Signal Squad
Teacher Guide
Duration
40 Minutes
Target Grade
K - 2nd Grade
SEL Core
Self-Regulation
Topic
Body Boundaries
Objectives
Identify physical & verbal "Stop Signs" from peers.
Define the "Body Bubble" (personal boundaries).
Practice immediately stopping actions when requested.
Materials Checklist
Anchor Chart: "My Body Bubble & Stop Signs"
Activity Sheets: Detective & Pledge pages
Scenario Cards: Handed out for roleplay
Lesson Flow & Pacing
Part 1
5 Min
Warm-Up: Red Light, Green Light, Stop!
Have students stand behind a line. Call out "Green Light" (walk slowly) and "Red Light" (stop instantly). The Twist: Have students take turns being the leader calling "Stop!" in a loud, clear voice. Discussion: "How fast can you freeze when you hear the word stop?"
Part 2
12 Min
Direct Instruction: What is a "Stop Signal"?
Introduce the Anchor Chart . Explain the concept of the Body Bubble (our personal space). Teach that a "Stop Sign" isn't just on the street. Our friends show us "Stop Signs" when they feel uncomfortable.
🗣️ Teacher Script Highlight: "Put your hands in front of you and draw a giant, invisible circle around your body. That is your Body Bubble ! You are the boss of your bubble, and others are the boss of theirs. If someone tries to enter your bubble or plays in a way you don't like, you can give them a Stop Sign ."
Part 3
15 Min
Guided Practice: Stop Signal Detectives
Explain that sometimes friends don't say "Stop," but their body language says it. Break students into pairs. Give them Scenario Task Cards . They will take turns reading/demonstrating the scenarios and practicing the 3-step squad response:
1. Stop Immediately 2. Take a Deep Breath 3. Make a New Plan
Lesson: Stop Signal Squad Page 1 of 2
Stop Signal Squad — Teacher Guide
Pacing & Differentiation
Part 4
8 Min
Independent Practice: Detective Activity & Pledge
Hand out the Stop Signal Squad Activity Sheets . On Page 1, students evaluate if faces & statements are Stop Signs. On Page 2, they sign their "Stop Signal Pledge" and draw what positive activities they can choose instead when someone tells them to stop.
Part 5
5 Min
Closure & Reflection
Bring the class together in a circle. Ask several students to share their pledges. Use the final check-out questions to test comprehension:
❓ Reflection Question 1
"What should we do with our bodies the very second we hear a friend say "No" or "Stop"?"
❓ Reflection Question 2
"How does your friend look when they are feeling uncomfortable during play?"
Essential Classroom Implementation Strategies
👂 Actively Listen
Model the difference between a playful "stop" and a serious "STOP!". Practice hearing both.
👁️ Visual Cues
Hang the Anchor Chart at student eye level near play spaces (blocks, dramatic play) for quick reference.
🛑 Instant Feedback
If conflict arises during playtime, prompt with: "Look at your friend's face. What sign are they giving you?"
Differentiation & Accommodations
Support (Kindergarten / Emerging)
Focus heavily on the verbal word "STOP" and hand-signal actions.
Partner struggling students with roleplay-confident peers.
Accept drawings instead of written words on independent sheets.
Challenge (2nd Grade / Advanced)
Focus on subtle cues (turning away, sighing, going limp/quiet).
Encourage them to come up with their own scenario cards.
Write a short sentence detailing *why* boundaries keep friends safe.
Lesson: Stop Signal Squad Page 2 of 2
Boundary Bosses Anchor Chart Stop Signal Squad Anchor Chart
My Body Bubble & Stop Signs!
Everyone is the BOSS of their own body bubble. When a friend shows a stop sign, we show self-control and STOP!
My Body Bubble
Your body bubble is the personal space all around you. It helps you feel safe, comfortable, and happy!
😃 ME! My Safe Space
Bubble Boundary
"Only people I choose can enter my body bubble! I respect my friends' bubbles too!"
What's a Stop Sign?
Friends give us stop signs to let us know they need space or want to change play.
Stop Signs We HEAR
"STOP!" "NO!" "I don't like that" "Please don't"
Stop Signs We SEE
Frowning or looking sad/angry
Turning away or pulling body back
Going quiet or looking uncomfortable
Pushing hands out to block space
🏆 The 3-Step Stop Signal Squad Routine
1
STOP!
Freeze your body and hands instantly. Stop the activity immediately.
2
BREATHE!
Take one deep balloon breath to calm your play engine.
3
CHOOSE A PLAN!
Pick a new, safe, and fun way to play that makes everyone feel happy.
🌟 WE CARE FOR OUR FRIENDS & RESPECT THEIR BOUNDARIES 🌟
Stop Signal Squad Activity Sheets Stop Sign Detective!
Identify Personal Space Boundaries
Name
Date
Detective Mission Instructions:
Look at each friend below. Read their words and check their faces. Are they giving a STOP Sign or a GO Sign ? Circle the correct sign below each scenario! (Remember, both options are styled identical so you have to look closely!)
Case File #1 🎒
Leo says: "I don't want to play chase anymore today."
His face is frowning and his hands are in his pockets.
🛑 STOP SIGN
🟢 GO SIGN
Case File #2 🎨
Maya says: "Can we paint together? Sit next to me!"
She is smiling and patting the chair next to her.
🛑 STOP SIGN
🟢 GO SIGN
Case File #3 🧩
Sam says: "Don't touch my block tower right now!"
He stretches his arms over the tower to protect it.
🛑 STOP SIGN
🟢 GO SIGN
Case File #4 📚
Ella gets quiet, pulls her book away, and looks down.
You are leaning close to her, looking at her book pages.
🛑 STOP SIGN
🟢 GO SIGN
🧠
Stop Signal Squad Reminder
If our friends look uncomfortable, go quiet, or pull away, we don't wait for them to yell. We respect their bodies and check in with them!
Stop Signal Squad Activities Page 1 of 2
My Stop Signal Pledge
A Promise to My Friends
Name
Date
✨ I Am a Stop Signal Hero! ✨
"I promise to keep my hands and feet in my own bubble. When a classmate says STOP or NO , I will freeze my body, take a breath, and choose a brand new play plan!"
My New Play Plan Drawing Space
If a friend wants to stop playing tag or block building, what is a fun alternative you can do by yourself or with someone else? Draw your plan inside the box!
My Caption:
Stop Signal Squad Activities Page 2 of 2
Scenario Task Cards Print & Cut: 8 Scenario Task Cards (Cards 1-4)
Set 1
Card 01
👾
The Tickle Monster
You are playing "Tickle Monster" with Leo. You start tickling him and he laughs a lot. After a minute, he turns his head away and says, "Okay, stop, I'm tired!" in a quiet voice.
🛑 The Stop Sign:
Leo turns his head away and says "Okay, stop."
🧠 Your Move:
Freeze instantly! Take a breath. Ask: "Are you okay? Do you want to play blocks instead?"
Card 02
🧸
The Secret Toy
Maya is playing with a special toy car. You really want to see it, so you reach into her personal bubble and snatch it from her hand. Maya's face frowns, and she pulls her arms in close.
🛑 The Stop Sign:
Maya frowns and pulls her arms and body away.
🧠 Your Move:
Give the car back! Say: "I'm sorry I entered your bubble. Can I play with it when you are done?"
Card 03
🤗
The Big Bear Hug
You see your friend Sam after the weekend and you are so excited! You run up and hug him tightly around the neck. Sam goes very stiff and says, "Whoa! Too close!"
🛑 The Stop Sign:
Sam's body goes stiff and he says "Whoa! Too close!"
🧠 Your Move:
Let go immediately! Take a step back. Offer a high five or a wave instead.
Card 04
🏃
Speedy Chase Game
You are chasing Ella on the playground. She is running very fast, but she trips and drops her headband. She sits on the grass, starts to sniffle, and doesn't stand up.
🛑 The Stop Sign:
Ella sits on the grass, sniffling (uncomfortable body language).
🧠 Your Move:
Stop chasing! Sit near her (not in her bubble) and say: "Are you okay? Do you need a teacher?"
Stop Signal Squad Scenario Cards Page 1 of 2
Print & Cut: 8 Scenario Task Cards (Cards 5-8)
Set 2
Card 05
📖
Storytime Snuggle
During library time, you sit right next to Lucas. You lean your whole shoulder against his arm to see the book. Lucas shifts his body away and turns his back toward you.
🛑 The Stop Sign:
Lucas shifts his body away and turns his back.
🧠 Your Move:
Slide over! Leave a little "air" between your shoulders so his bubble is respected.
Card 06
🧱
The Lego Kingdom