Safe Stay Lesson Plan Why We Stay in Class
Tier 3 Social Story Lesson Plan
15 Minutes
Objective
The student will understand the reasons for staying in the classroom and identify appropriate strategies for expressing needs when feeling overwhelmed or wanting to leave.
The "Why"
Learning to stay in the classroom helps the student feel safe, learn effectively, and participate in classroom activities, building trust and a sense of belonging.
At a Glance
Preparation
Review the Why We Stay in Class Slide Deck and the Social Story to familiarize yourself with the content.
Prepare a quiet, comfortable space for a one-on-one session with the student.
Print the Warm Up and Cool Down sheets or have them ready.
Instructional Sequence
2'
Introduction
Greet the student and explain that you'll be reading a special story together about staying in class. Emphasize that this story is to help them understand and feel comfortable in the classroom.
10'
Read Social Story & Discuss
Present the Slide Deck or read the Social Story aloud with the student. Pause at key points to ask reflection questions:
"What does 'staying in class' mean?"
"How do you think it makes others feel when you leave?"
"What are some ways we can ask for help if we need a break?"
Validate their feelings while gently reinforcing the importance of staying in the designated area.
2'
Role-Play & Practice
Briefly role-play a scenario where the student feels like leaving and practices using a pre-determined strategy (e.g., raising hand, using a 'break card'). Praise any attempt at using the strategy.
1'
Summary & Positive Reinforcement
Briefly summarize the main points. End with positive encouragement: "I know you can do this, and I'm here to help you every step of the way!"
Safe Stay Slides Why We Stay in Class
A story about staying safe and learning together.
Teacher Note
Introduce the topic in a gentle way. Emphasize that this story is to help them feel safe.
Our Classroom
This is our classroom. It's where we learn new things and play with our friends.
Discussion Topic
Talk about how the classroom is a special place for learning and fun.
Staying Inside
Safety First
Staying in class keeps us safe and sound.
Learning Time
It helps us hear all the cool things we learn.
Teacher: Explain why staying in the room is important for safety and learning.
Sometimes I Feel...
Sometimes, I might feel mad, sad, or just need a break.
That's okay!
Teacher: Discuss feelings that might make a student want to leave. Validate these feelings.
What Can I Do?
If I feel like I need to leave, I can:
Raise my hand.
Ask my teacher for a break.
Use my "break card."
Teacher: Model and practice these strategies together.
My Teacher Helps Me
My teacher is here to help me. I can tell my teacher how I feel, and they will listen.
Teacher: Reinforce that you are there to help and want them to succeed.
We Learn Together
When I stay in class, everyone feels safe, and we can all learn and grow together!
I am a great student!
Safe Stay Social Story Why We Stay in Class
A special story for a great student
This is a story about me and my classroom. Our classroom is a special place where we learn new things every day! We read books, draw pictures, and play with our friends.
Staying Safe
It is very important to stay inside our classroom when we are supposed to. Staying in the classroom keeps me safe. My teacher knows where I am, and I know where my friends are.
When I stay in the classroom, I can hear my teacher and learn all the cool things they teach us.
Sometimes I Feel Like Leaving
Sometimes, I might feel a little wobbly inside. Maybe I feel mad, or sad, or just need a quiet moment. It's okay to feel these things.
When I feel like this, my body might want to walk away from the classroom. But my brain remembers: "My classroom is where I need to be right now to be safe and learn."
What I Can Do Instead
If I feel like I need to leave, I have some special things I can do instead:
I can raise my hand and ask my teacher for help.
I can use my "break card" to let my teacher know I need a short break.
I can tell my teacher, "I need a moment," or "I need to calm down."
My teacher is always there to help me. They want me to feel happy and safe in class.
Learning and Growing Together
When I choose to stay in the classroom and use my strategies, I am being a super helper! I am helping myself learn, and I am helping my friends feel safe too.
I am a great student! 🌟
Safe Stay Script Teacher Script
Lesson: Why We Stay in Class
Introduction (2 Minutes)
"Hi [Student's Name], thanks for meeting with me today. I have a special story I want to read with you. It's called 'Why We Stay in Class,' and it's all about how our classroom is a great place to be and how we can feel good about staying here."
Read & Discuss (10 Minutes)
Present the Slide Deck or Social Story and use the following prompts:
1. Our Classroom
"Look at our classroom! What do you like to do in our classroom?"
"What makes our classroom a good place to learn?"
2. Staying Inside
"The story says it's important to stay inside. Why do you think staying in the classroom keeps us safe?"
"How does staying in the classroom help us learn?"
3. Sometimes I Feel...
"The story talks about feeling mad or sad sometimes. Have you ever felt that way? What does it feel like for you?"
"It's totally okay to have those big feelings."
4. What Can I Do?
"Instead of leaving, the story gives us some ideas! What are some of the things you can do if you feel like you need a break?"
"Which one of these do you think might work best for you?"
Role-Play & Practice (2 Minutes)
"Let's practice! Imagine you're feeling a little bit [mad/frustrated/sad]. What would you do instead of leaving the room? Show me how you would [raise your hand/ask for a break/use your break card]."
Praise and encourage their attempt. Provide specific positive feedback.
Summary (1 Minute)
"Wow, [Student's Name], you did a great job today. We talked about how important and safe it is to stay in our classroom, and we learned some awesome ways to ask for help when you have big feelings. Remember, I know you can do this, and I'm here to help you every step of the way!"
Safe Stay Warm Up Name: __________________________
Date: ____________
Warm Up
My Favorite Spot
Let's start with something we love about our room!
1
Can you tell me your favorite spot in our classroom? What do you like about it?
2
What makes you feel happy or comfortable in that spot? Safe Stay Cool Down Name: __________________________
Date: ____________
Cool Down
My New Plan
You did a great job! Let's think about what we learned.
1
Can you tell me one thing you learned today about staying in the classroom?
2
What is one thing you can do if you feel like you need a break or want to leave?
I am ready to stay safe!
"I know you can do this, and I'm here to help you every step of the way!"
