Body Boundaries Story Slides
3rd Grade Social Story
Personal Space & Self-Regulation
My Body Superpower
Keeping My Hands & Body to Myself
How safe boundaries help me make great friends and earn positive attention every day!
Goal: I control my own body, respect friends' bubbles, and use words to connect.
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Our 3rd Grade Champion
[Add a smiling, proud photo of the student at school]
Read together with a teacher or counselor Slide 1 of 7
Chapter 1: The Personal Bubble
Understanding Safe Distance
Everyone Has an Invisible Space Bubble
1
One Arm's Length Away
In 3rd grade, everyone has an invisible safety bubble that extends one full arm's length all around their body.
2
Why Bubbles Matter
When I keep my hands to myself and protect their bubble, friends feel safe, calm, and happy to hang out with me!
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Demonstrating the Bubble
[Photo of student extending one arm forward to show one arm's length distance]
One arm's length keeps everyone comfortable! Slide 2 of 7
Chapter 2: Reading the Clues
Perspective & Feelings
How Friends Feel When Space Is Invaded
When someone grabs or pushes without asking, friends feel uncomfortable, startled, or frustrated.
Watch for These Uncomfortable Clues:
- Stepping back or leaning their body away
- Frowning, crossing arms, or freezing up
- Saying words like: "Stop," "Give me room," or backing off
When I see these clues, I step back and say: "Sorry, I've got my hands to myself!"
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Reading Peer Clues
[Photo of a friend modeling a polite 'hands out / please step back' cue]
Respecting how friends feel builds true trust! Slide 3 of 7
Chapter 3: Body Boundaries
Private Areas Rule
Private Areas Are Always Private
The Swimsuit Rule
Private areas are covered by a swimsuit. My private areas belong only to me, and others' belong to them.
- • I never touch or grab anyone else's private areas.
- • My hands stay outside my clothes and off my own private areas.
Need to adjust clothing? Ask the teacher to visit the restroom stall to adjust clothes privately.
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Safe Hallway Walking
[Photo of student walking safely with hands calmly at their sides or in pockets]
Privacy keeps me and my classmates safe! Slide 4 of 7
Chapter 4: Gym & PE Time
Taming the Excitement Rush
Controlling My Energy at PE
Gym is loud and fast! When games get wild, I feel silly inside. That is when self-control matters most!
1. The 3-Second Turbo Brake
When the whistle blows, freeze both feet. Hands go straight on hips!
2. The Ready Stance
Keep elbows close to my body. Focus my hands on the ball, not on friends.
3. The Reset Breath
Take 2 big belly breaths when excitement turns into silly chaos.
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PE Ready Stance
[Photo of student in gym clothes showing the 'Turbo Brake' with hands on hips]
True athletes show awesome self-control! Slide 5 of 7
Chapter 5: Positive Attention
Replacement Strategies
How to Get Great Attention (Without Touching!)
1. Offer a Fist Bump
Say: "Hey, fist bump?" Wait for their bump!
2. Drop a Compliment
Say: "Awesome catch!" or "Nice shoes!"
3. Ask to Join In
Ask: "Can I join this game?" or "Partner up?"
4. Be a Helper
Help carry gym cones or open doors for peers!
These tools earn smiles, thumbs up, and high praise from teachers and friends!
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Positive Connection
[Photo of student offering a polite fist bump or smiling with a classmate]
Kind words and helpful actions make friends want to play! Slide 6 of 7
Chapter 6: My Daily Power
Action Plan & Pledge
When I Feel Wild: Stop, Breathe, Choose!
1. STOP Stop moving my body right away.
2. BREATHE Breathe deep through my nose for 3 seconds.
3. CHOOSE Choose a kind word, joke, or game invite!
My 3rd Grade Pledge:
"I have the strength to control my body. I respect other people's space and private areas. I am proud to be a great classmate!"
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Superstar Thumbs Up
[Photo of student giving two big thumbs up, proud of their self-control]
I control my body, and I am proud of myself! Slide 7 of 7