Boundary Bosses

This sequence equips 5th-grade students with foundational safety skills, including defining personal boundaries, recognizing physiological 'Uh-Oh' feelings, distinguishing between secrets and surprises, and developing assertive refusal techniques. By identifying a network of trusted adults, students build the confidence to advocate for their own physical and emotional well-being.

Boundary Bubbles

Students define physical and emotional boundaries using the 'personal space bubble' concept and categorize interactions to build a safety vocabulary.

Trusting Your Instincts

Students learn to identify physiological responses to danger, often called the 'Uh-Oh' feeling. The lesson focuses on validating gut feelings as a primary safety tool rather than dismissing them to be polite.

Secrets Versus Surprises

This lesson distinguishes between fun surprises (that are eventually told) and unsafe secrets (that are meant to be kept forever). Students analyze scenarios to determine if a secret is being used to manipulate or isolate them.

Assertive Refusal Skills

Students practice verbal and non-verbal techniques for saying 'no' effectively in pressure situations. The lesson uses role-playing to help students overcome the social pressure to be compliant when they feel unsafe.

Identifying Trusted Adults

Students map out their personal safety network, identifying adults in various contexts (home, school, community) who can help. They practice how to initiate a conversation if they feel their boundaries have been violated.