Space Bubble Social Story
Social Skills & Body Safety
My Personal Space Bubble
Name:
Date:
Everyone Has an Invisible Bubble!
Personal space is the invisible boundary around our bodies. It keeps us feeling comfortable, safe, relaxed, and ready to learn. When we respect each other's bubbles, our school is a happy place for everyone!
Core Rule: The Arm's Length Test
My Bubble
1 Arm's Length Away
Keep hands & feet inside
1
Reach Out Gently
Stretch your arm out in front of you. If you can touch someone without leaning, you are standing too close.
2
Take One Calm Step Back
Gently slide back until both of you have room to turn around, raise your hands, and breathe easily.
3
Check Your Body Signals
If a friend leans away, crosses their arms, or frowns, their bubble feels crowded. Give them extra space right away.
When Personal Space Is Respected:
- Everyone feels calm, secure, and respected.
- We have room to see the board and work.
- Accidental bumps and spills don't happen.
- Friends feel excited to talk and play together!
When Someone's Bubble Gets Popped:
- Friends can feel trapped, nervous, or upset.
- Bodies feel tense and minds get distracted.
- People may pull away or feel frustrated.
- It becomes hard to listen and enjoy school.
My body belongs to me, and your body belongs to you!
Page 1 of 4
School Situations: Part 1
Classrooms, Hallways & Buses
Quiet & Focus Zones
In the Classroom & on the Rug
During work time and carpet lessons, we share close quarters. Staying in our own territory helps everyone concentrate.
Friendly Habits
- Keep hands in your lap or on your own desk.
- Sit criss-cross on your own carpet square.
- Ask before borrowing pencils or supplies.
Bubble Poppers
- Leaning on or touching someone's hair or chair.
- Reaching across another student's notebook.
- Sprawling feet into a neighbor's seat space.
Walking in the Hallway & Lining Up
Hallways stay safe and quiet when we travel with a gentle bubble cushion between each walker.
Friendly Habits
- Leave a 2-foot space cushion ahead of you.
- Keep hands down by your sides or pockets.
- Face forward so you see sudden stops.
Bubble Poppers
- Pushing or bumping from behind in line.
- Touching the backpacks or jackets of friends.
- Running or zooming past walkers closely.
Riding the School Bus
Bus seats are cozy! Because the bus moves and bumps, we need to be extra mindful of our seatmate's personal space.
Bag on Lap
Keep backpack in your own lap or by your feet.
Feet Forward
Sit facing ahead without swinging legs into the aisle.
Inside Voices
Quiet speech protects our ears and personal space.
Every room has a rhythm: safe distance helps us travel smoothly!
Page 2 of 4
School Situations: Part 2
Lunchrooms & Playgrounds
Busy & Active Zones
In the Cafeteria & Lunchroom
The cafeteria is full of tasty food, heavy trays, and busy friends. Eating peacefully means keeping elbows and snacks in your own bubble.
Tray Space
Keep your food, milk, and napkins right directly in front of your own seat.
Elbow Wings In
Tuck elbows in like little bird wings so you do not knock someone's drink.
Ask Before Sitting
"Is this seat open?" gives your friends a chance to make comfortable room.
Out on the Playground & Recess
Recess has high energy, running, and climbing! Big movements need big space bubbles so nobody trips or collides.
Equipment Room
Stay clear of the swing arc and slide exits until the friend is fully off.
Gentle Tag Rules
Use a soft two-finger butterfly touch on the shoulder. Never shove or grab.
Ask Before Hugs
Always ask: "Can I give you a hug or high-five?" A wave is great too!
My Boundary Toolkit: What Can I Say?
If crowded:
Say calmly: "Please take one step back. I need a little space."
If I bump:
Say right away: "Excuse me! I'm sorry, I'll move back."
If friend says no:
Respect their answer: "No problem! We can give an air-five instead."
Kind words and clear boundaries help our friendships bloom!
Page 3 of 4
Check & Connect
Space Champion Challenge
Self-Check & Pledge
Part 1: Bubble Buster or Space Hero?
Read each situation and color in the circle next to the respectful boundary choice.
1. You are standing in the hallway line and the person in front stops suddenly. What should you do?
Push gently so they keep walking.
Stop your walking feet and keep arm's length.
2. You want to see a cool drawing your classmate is making at their table. What is the best step?
Ask from a step back: "May I see your drawing?"
Lean right over their shoulder and touch the page.
Part 2: My Personal Space Strategy
Write or share one safe thing you will do when you notice someone needs more space:
Official Boundary Pledge
Personal Space Champion Pledge
"I promise to keep hands, feet, and objects in my own space. I will remember the arm's length rule in class, hallways, buses, lunch, and recess. When friends need space, I will step back with a smile!"
Student Signature:
Teacher / Helper:
Congratulations on becoming a certified Personal Space Champion!
Page 4 of 4
