Thumbs Up Down Lesson Plan
A Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down Feeling
Kindergarten • Social-Emotional Learning • 20 Minutes
Tier 1 Lesson
Objective
Students will be able to differentiate between a safe touch and an unsafe touch and communicate their feelings about different types of touch using "Thumbs Up" and "Thumbs Down" signals.
Why This Matters
"Understanding safe and unsafe touches is crucial for personal safety and well-being. This lesson empowers students to recognize and articulate their boundaries, fostering a sense of self-protection from a young age."
Prep & Materials
- Review Feelings & Touches Slides
- Print/Cut Safe Touch Sorting Cards
- Projector for Slide Deck
Approach
Scenario-based learning & movement
Instructional Steps
5m
Review & Introduction
- Begin by asking students about different feelings and how their bodies react to those feelings. Use the Feelings and Touches Slides to guide the discussion.
- Introduce the concept of "touches" and explain that some touches make us feel good (thumbs up) and some make us feel bad or uncomfortable (thumbs down).
10m
Scenario-Based Learning
- Present various scenarios related to touch using the slide deck.
- For each scenario, have students give a "thumbs up" if it's a safe/comfortable touch and a "thumbs down" if it's an unsafe/uncomfortable touch.
- Facilitate a brief discussion for each scenario: "Why is this a thumbs up/down touch?" and "What could you do if you experienced a thumbs down touch?"
5m
Movement Activity & Closing Circle
- Distribute the Safe Touch Sorting Cards to small groups or individuals.
- Have students sort the cards into "Safe Touch" and "Unsafe Touch" piles.
- Gather students in a closing circle. Ask a few students to share one thing they learned.
- Reinforce: "Your body belongs to you, and you get to decide who touches it and how." Recap key takeaways from the slides.
The Power Phrase
"My body belongs to ME. I can say NO and tell a trusted adult!"
Feelings and Touches Slides
How Are You Feeling Today?
🤗
Happy
😔
Sad
😠
Mad
😨
Scared
Our bodies tell us how we feel!
Teacher: Greet students, discuss feelings and body reactions.
Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down!
Thumbs Up Touch
Makes you feel happy, safe, and loved.
Thumbs Down Touch
Makes you feel confused, scared, or uncomfortable.
YOUR BODY BELONGS TO YOU!
Teacher: Explain the analogy. Focus on the FEELING in the body.
Scenario 1
Your grandma gives you a big hug.
How does that make you feel?
SAFE
UNSAFE
Teacher: Discuss WHY and what to do if it's uncomfortable.
Scenario 2
Someone pushes you on the playground.
How does that make you feel?
SAFE
UNSAFE
Scenario 3
Your uncle tickles you, and you don't like it.
How does that make you feel?
SAFE
UNSAFE
Teacher: Focus on "I don't like it" and the right to say "Stop".
Scenario 4
Your friend gives you a high five when you score a goal.
How does that make you feel?
SAFE
UNSAFE
Remember These Things!
You choose who touches your body.
It's okay to say "NO!"
Tell a trusted adult! (Teacher, Parent)
Teacher: Reinforce the "Trusted Adult" concept.
Safe Touch Sorting Cards
Safe Touch Sorting Cards
Sorting Activity
Instructions for Students:
Look at each card or listen as your teacher reads the sentence. Decide if it is a Thumbs Up Touch (safe and comfortable) or a Thumbs Down Touch (unsafe or uncomfortable). Cut out the cards and sort them into two piles!
CARD 1
👩👦
Your mom gives you a goodnight kiss on your forehead.
CARD 2
👤
Someone you don't know tries to hold your hand.
CARD 3
✋
Your friend gives you a high-five after you share your toys.
CARD 4
😠
A classmate pulls your hair because they are mad.
CARD 5
👩🏫
Your teacher pats you on the back to say "good job!".
CARD 6
✋🚫
Someone tries to tickle you even after you say "stop!".
CARD 7
👦🫂
Your brother gives you a hug when you are sad.
CARD 8
🧔❓
A grown-up you don't know tries to give you a hug.
SAFE TOUCH PILE
UNSAFE TOUCH PILE
