Your Space My Space Lesson Plan Your Space, My Space
Tier 2 Social Skills Lesson Plan
Duration 45 Mins
Objective
Students will be able to define personal space, identify situations where personal space is important, and practice respecting others' personal space.
Why This Matters
Understanding personal space helps students navigate social interactions more comfortably and build positive relationships with peers and adults. It's a crucial skill for social-emotional learning, particularly for students who may struggle with non-verbal social cues.
Preparation
Review Slide Deck & Script
Print Worksheets , Readings , & Quizzes
Clear space for Zone In! activity
Cut Scenario Slips for Charades
Audience: 6th Grade ASD
Lesson Sequence
Min 05
Warm Up: Personal Space Poll
Gauging initial understanding and comfort levels. Use the first slide of the slide deck to prompt discussion about physical proximity.
Min 10
Instruction & Reading
Introduce the "Personal Bubble" concept using the slide deck and script. Distribute and engage with the "Understanding Your Bubble" reading passage.
Min 10
Activity: Zone In!
Hands-on experience with Intimate, Personal, and Social zones. Use tape/markers on the floor to visualize distances.
Min 10
Game: Personal Space Charades
Practicing scenario identification. Small groups act out situations (appropriate and inappropriate) while peers guess the boundary being tested.
Min 05
Worksheet & Discussion
Individual reflection on "My Personal Space Reflections" followed by a group debrief on respecting boundaries.
Min 05
Review & Cool Down
Choose between the "Personal Space Detectives" game or the "Review Quiz". Conclude with the "Space Reflection" exit ticket.
Personal Space Poll Warm Up Name:
Date:
Warm Up
Personal Space Poll
Think about these questions and be ready to share your thoughts with the class.
1
How close do you like people to stand next to you when you are talking?
2
How do you feel when someone stands too close to you?
3
How do you know if you are standing too close to someone else?
Space Reflection Cool Down Name:
Date:
Cool Down
Space Reflection
Reflect on what you learned today about personal space.
Answer the following questions to help process your thinking about personal bubbles.
1
What is one new thing you learned about personal space today?
2
Why is it important to respect other people's personal space?
3
What is one way you can show you respect someone's personal space?
"Respecting space is a way to say: 'I care about how you feel.'"
Zone In Activity Guide Zone In!
Personal Space Activity Guide
25 Mins
Whole Class
Objective
To visually and physically demonstrate different personal space zones (Intimate, Personal, and Social) and practice moving between them based on social context.
Materials
Masking tape or chalk
Large open floor space
Zone Labels (printed or handwritten)
1. Define the Zones (5 mins)
Explain that personal space changes depending on who we are with. Introduce the three zones:
Intimate Zone
0 - 1.5 Feet
Family, close friends, pets.
Personal Zone
1.5 - 4 Feet
Friends, classmates.
Social Zone
4 - 12 Feet
Groups, new people.
2. Create the Zones (5 mins)
Use masking tape to create three concentric circles on the floor. Start with a small center circle and expand outwards. Label each ring clearly.
3. Practice Moving (10 mins)
Start students in the Social Zone . Read scenarios and have them jump/move to the correct ring:
"You're talking to a new student you just met." (Social Zone)
"You're whispering a secret to your best friend." (Intimate Zone)
"You're working on a group project with classmates." (Personal Zone)
"You're asking your teacher a question after class." (Personal/Social)
4. Teacher Debrief (5 mins)
Key Discussion Questions:
Did anyone feel uncomfortable in a certain zone? Which one and why?
How do these zones help us understand how close to stand to different people?
Why is it important to pay attention to other people's personal space zones?
Personal Space Charades Game Space Charades
Activity Cards & Instructions
Instructions
Divide into groups of 2-3. Pick a card and act it out silently. The audience guesses the scenario and if the space used is appropriate .
Social
Greeting a new classmate you've never met before.
Inappropriate
Standing way too close to someone waiting in the lunch line.
Intimate
Whispering a secret into your best friend's ear.
Inappropriate
Reading a text message over someone's shoulder without asking.
Personal
Sitting down on a bus seat next to another student.
Personal
Asking your teacher for help while they are at their desk.
Inappropriate
Waving your hand right in someone's face to get their attention.
Inappropriate
Picking up a classmate's pencil from their desk without asking.
Detective Discussion
After each group acts out a card, ask the class:
"What was the situation being acted out?"
"Was the personal space appropriate or inappropriate?"
"What clues did you see (body language, distance)?"
"How would you feel in this scenario?"
Understanding Your Bubble Reading Understanding Your Bubble
A Guide to Your Personal Space
Imagine you have an invisible bubble all around you. This bubble is your personal space . It's the area around your body that you like to keep just for yourself. Just like a real bubble, it's invisible, but it's there!
Comfort
Helps us feel safe and relaxed, not crowded or anxious.
Privacy
Gives us distance to think and work without feeling watched.
Respect
Shows others we care about their feelings and comfort.
How Big Is Your Bubble?
1
Who you are with:
Family & Close Friends: Your bubble might be smaller. You might hug or sit close.
Classmates: Your bubble is usually bigger (arm's length).
Strangers: Your bubble is the biggest. You keep plenty of distance.
2
Where you are:
In crowded places like an elevator, bubbles might overlap. In quiet places like a library, we expect more space.
3
What you are doing:
When talking , you stand at a comfortable distance to see and hear. When working , you might need more space to concentrate.
Know About Others' Bubbles
Look for clues:
Watch body language! Are they leaning away? Stepping back? Avoiding eye contact?
Just ask!
"Is this a good distance for you?"
My Personal Space Reflections Worksheet My Personal Space Reflections
Reflect on your personal bubble and boundaries.
Name:
Date:
Instructions: Read each question carefully and write your answers. Think about what we discussed and learned about personal space today.
1 Define personal space in your own words.
2 Why is it important for you to have your own personal space?
3 Think about a time when you felt someone was too close to you. How did that make you feel?
4 Think about a time when you might have accidentally stood too close to someone else. What happened?
5 How might your bubble be different with these people?
Parent/Family
Classmate
Stranger
6 What are two ways you can show someone you respect their personal space?
7 What can you do if you need more personal space from someone?
Respecting Boundaries Discussion Guide Respecting Boundaries
Class Discussion Guide
Teacher Resource
Objective
To foster understanding and empathy regarding diverse personal space needs through peer sharing and collaborative problem-solving.
Guided Discussion Questions
1
What did you learn about your own personal space preferences from the worksheet?
Prompt: Encourage students to think about if they like more space or less space than average.
2
Why do you think different people might need different amounts of personal space?
Prompt: Discuss sensory sensitivities, cultural differences, and current mood/state.
3
What are some non-verbal cues (body language) that tell you someone needs more space?
Prompt: Leaning back, arms crossed, looking away, taking a small step backwards.
4
How can we make sure we are respecting everyone's personal space in our classroom?
Prompt: Brainstorm specific rules, like "asking before touching" or "one arm length when talking".
5
What can you do if you feel someone is too close to you and you need more space?
Prompt: Practice "I-statements" like "I need a little more space right now, thank you."
Facilitation Tips for ASD Students
Processing Time
Allow at least 10 seconds of "wait time" after asking a question before calling on students. This supports auditory processing needs.
Validate Feelings
Acknowledge that personal space preferences are personal and neither "right" nor "wrong"—everyone's comfort zone is unique.
Visual Supports
Point to the zones created on the floor or the bubble reading to ground abstract concepts in physical or visual evidence.
Model Scripts
Provide specific words for students to use when they feel their space is being invaded, ensuring they feel empowered and polite.
Personal Space Review Quiz Personal Space Quiz
Review Your Knowledge
Name:
Date:
1
What is personal space?
The area where you keep your personal belongings.
An invisible bubble around you that makes you feel comfortable.
The space between two chairs.
The area only for adults.
2
Your personal space bubble is always the same size.
True
False
3
Name two things that can make your personal space bubble change in size.
4
Which of these is a non-verbal cue that someone might need more space?
They say, "Excuse me."
They take a step back.
They smile at you.
They start talking louder.
5
Why is it important to respect other people's personal space?
Personal Space Exploration Script Personal Space Exploration
Instructional Script & Facilitation Guide
Teacher Guide
Part 1: Warm Up (5 Mins)
[Teacher Dialogue]
"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something really interesting and important: personal space . Has anyone heard that term before? What do you think it means?"
Wait for initial student responses. Validate all attempts.
"We're going to start with a quick poll. I want you to think about these questions, and you can share your thoughts with a show of hands or by quickly jotting them down. No right or wrong answers, just your feelings!"
"How close do you usually like people to stand next to you when you are talking?"
"How do you feel when someone stands too close to you? Does it make you feel comfortable or uncomfortable?"
"How do you know if you are standing too close to someone else? What clues do you look for?"
Part 2: Introduction (10 Mins)
[Slide 1 & 2 Facilitation]
"Imagine you have an invisible bubble all around you. This bubble is your personal space. It's the area around your body that you like to keep just for yourself. It's like your own personal comfort zone. Everyone has one, and everyone's bubble is a little bit different."
[Slide 3 & 4 Facilitation]
"Why does this bubble matter? It helps us feel safe and respected. Now, here's the trick – your bubble isn't always the same size! With family, it's small. With classmates, it's about an arm's length. With strangers, it's the biggest. It's like a volume knob that you turn up or down based on who is around."
[Slide 5 & Reading Facilitation]
"I have a short reading that explains all of this in more detail. Let's read 'Understanding Your Personal Space Bubble' together. While we read, look for one reason *why* we have bubbles."
Part 3: Activity & Game (20 Mins)
"Now that we've talked about it, let's actually feel personal space! We're going to do 'Zone In!' where we move through the zones on the floor. Pay attention to how your body feels when you are in the Social Zone versus the Intimate Zone."
Transition to Charades: "Excellent job! Now for 'Personal Space Charades.' In your groups, you'll act out a scenario silently. The rest of us will be 'Space Detectives' to see if the bubble is being respected."
Personal Space Review Quiz Answer Key Personal Space Review
Quiz Answer Key & Rationale
1
What is personal space?
Correct Answer: An invisible bubble around you that makes you feel comfortable.
Reasoning: Personal space is described as the area around a person that they prefer to keep for themselves to feel comfortable, much like an invisible bubble.
2
Your personal space bubble is always the same size.
Correct Answer: False
Reasoning: The reading and lesson explain that personal space changes depending on who you are with, where you are, and what you are doing.
3
Name two things that can make your personal space bubble change in size.
Who you are with (Family vs. Stranger)
Where you are (Crowded place vs. Quiet place)
Note: Students may also mention "What you are doing" (Talking vs. Working). All these are correct.
4
Which of these is a non-verbal cue that someone might need more space?
Correct Answer: They take a step back.
Reasoning: Taking a step back is a physical action that indicates a desire for more distance without using words.
5
Why is it important to respect other people's personal space?
Possible Answers:
It helps them feel comfortable and safe.
It shows you care about their feelings.
It builds positive relationships and trust.
Your Space My Space Presentation Slides Your Space,
My Space
Understanding Personal Space
Teacher Notes: Welcome students and introduce the concept of personal space. Briefly gauge their understanding with a quick poll or show of hands.
What is Personal Space?
Why Does Personal Space Matter?
Comfortable
Not too crowded or anxious.
Safe
Knowing we have our own area.
Respected
Showing others we care about their feelings.
Who Are You With?
SMALL
Close Friends & Family
Smaller bubble for hugs and whispers.
MEDIUM
Classmates & Acquaintances
Medium bubble (arm's length distance).
BIG
Strangers
Bigger bubble for more safety and distance.
Where Are You?
Crowded Places
Sometimes bubbles overlap a little. That's okay—everyone is doing their best!
Quiet Places
In libraries or classrooms, we usually expect more space.
How Do You Know?
Look for clues that someone needs more space:
Body Language
Leaning away
Stepping back
Avoiding eye contact
Words & Asking
"Could you give me some space?"
When in doubt... ASK!
"Is this a good distance for you?"
It's all about respect!
Be aware of your own bubble.
Be aware of others' bubbles.
Everyone deserves to feel comfortable!
Activity:
Zone In!
Let's Explore
INTIMATE
0 - 1.5 Feet
PERSONAL
1.5 - 4 Feet
SOCIAL
4 - 12 Feet
Instructions: Follow your teacher to explore these zones!
Game: Space Charades
In small groups, pick a scenario.
Act it out
Personal Space Detectives Game Guide Space Detectives
Quick Review Activity
Game Guide
Objective
To quickly review understanding of personal space cues and brainstorm appropriate responses in real-world situations.
Materials
Scenario Cards (from Charades game)
Detective magnifying glass (optional)
1. Introduce the Mission (1 min)
"Alright, detectives! For our final mission, we have one or two tricky personal space cases. Your job is to identify the space issue and brainstorm the best response!"
2. Analyze the Case (3 mins)
Present 1-2 pre-selected scenarios to the class. For each case, lead a brief discussion:
Identify
"Is personal space being respected here? Why or why not?"
Respond
"What's a respectful way to handle this situation?"
3. Quick Recap (1 min)
Summarize the key takeaways. Remind students that being a Space Detective means always looking for cues and checking in with friends.
Recommended Tricky Cases
Case: The Shoulder Surfer
Someone is reading your private notes over your shoulder during quiet time.
Case: The Slow Retreater
You are talking to a friend, but they keep taking small steps back as you talk.
Teacher Note: Choose scenarios that are straightforward. Encourage brief, focused responses to keep within the 5-minute time limit for this review.
