Space Patrol Slides Peer Playbook • Module 1
Personal Space & Boundaries
Mastering Your
Space Bubble
How to read body radar, keep safe physical distances, and make every classmate feel comfortable and respected.
The 1-Arm Bubble Rule
Body Radar Clues
Reset & Respect Steps
The Core Rule Slide 2 of 5
The Arm's Length Rule
Every person carries an invisible comfort bubble wherever they walk.
Check Your Radius
Extend one arm straight out. If your fingers can touch a classmate's shoulder without stepping forward, you are inside their bubble!
💡 Safe distance = At least fingertips to shoulder away.
Why It Matters
When someone enters our bubble uninvited, our brain triggers stress. Respecting space helps everyone stay calm, focused, and safe.
🤝 Permission rule: Always ask before high-fives or hugs.
Key Takeaway: Respecting space is the simplest way to show peers you respect them.
Reading Nonverbal Cues Slide 3 of 5
Decode the Body Radar
People do not always use words when their bubble is crowded. Look for these signs:
The Step Back
Leaning away, shifting feet backward, or turning shoulders toward an exit.
The Physical Block
Crossing arms over chest, holding a backpack or binder like a barrier, or tensing neck.
The Gaze Shift
Avoiding direct eye contact, looking down, or giving very short one-word replies.
Action step: When you see any of these signs, immediately take one full step back and check in with a kind tone.
Classroom Scenarios Slide 4 of 5
Spot the Space Fix
How would you adjust in each everyday school situation?
Scenario A: Hallway Lineup
The student behind you is bumping into your backpack every time the class stops.
Smart Move: Turn calmly: "Hey, could you give me a little space so we don't trip?"
Scenario B: Screen Hover
A peer leans right over your shoulder to watch what you are typing on your device.
Smart Move: Tilt screen gently: "I need room to work right now. I'll share when I finish!"
Practice: Notice your distance in hallways, locker areas, and lunch tables today!
Group Challenge Slide 5 of 5
Space Patrol Mission
Work with a partner for 3 minutes to test your boundary radar:
1
Stand face-to-face and find your one-arm distance.
2
Partner A steps in too close; Partner B demonstrates the calm step-back gesture.
3
Switch roles so both partners practice adjusting naturally.
Ready for Individual Practice? Complete the Space Patrol Worksheet next!
Space Patrol Worksheet Peer Playbook • Module 1 Personal Space & Boundaries
Space Patrol Mission Sheet
Mapping personal bubbles and respecting peer comfort zones
Name:
Date:
PART 1
The 3-Zone Space Radar
Review the three physical space zones. Match each zone with the correct distance and peer situation.
Red Zone: Intimate
Under 1 Foot
Close family or whispering secrets with permission.
⚠️ Too close for normal classroom work!
Green Zone: Peer
1 Arm's Length (2–3 Ft)
Talking with friends, group projects, partner games.
✅ The gold standard for class safety!
Blue Zone: Public
4+ Feet Away
Hallway walking, whole-class discussions, presentations.
👋 Safe distance for crowds and lines.
PART 2
Body Radar Detective: Reading Discomfort
Circle whether each observed cue means Comfortable (C) or Needs Space (S) , then write the respectful response.
1. Leans back and crosses arms tightly across chest.
C S
2. Relaxed shoulders, open smile, nods while you speak.
C S
3. Takes one step back when you stand next to their desk.
C S
PART 3
My Space Advocate Script
Imagine a classmate is crowding your desk during independent reading. Write what you will say and do using the 1-arm rule.
What words will I use? (Firm & Kind)
What body movement will I make?
Space Patrol Pledge: "I promise to protect my bubble and respect everyone's comfort zone."
Signature:
Talk Tracks Slides Peer Playbook • Module 2
Conversation & Listening
Riding the
Talk Tracks
How to start strong conversations, pass the talking turn back and forth, and listen so peers feel heard and valued.
The Catch Metaphor
Question Launchers
Active Listening Signals
The 2-Way Rule Slide 2 of 5
Conversation is a Game of Catch
A great conversation never belongs to just one person.
The Reciprocal Pass
Step 1: You toss a question.
✅ Balanced: Both speakers share airtime equally.
Conversation Traps
The Ball Hog: Talking non-stop without pausing.The Drop: Giving a 1-word grunt like "fine" or "nah".The Hijacker: Turning every topic back to you.
🛑 Beware: Ball hogs make conversations run out of gas!
Goal: Every time you finish speaking, hand the spotlight back to your partner.
Launchers & Starters Slide 3 of 5
Launch Open Questions
Open questions invite stories; closed questions get dead ends.
Closed Questions (Dead Ends)
❌ "Did you like the movie?" → "Yeah."
❌ "Is art your favorite class?" → "No."
❌ "Are you doing soccer today?" → "Yep."
Open Launchers (Stories)
✨ "What was the wildest scene in that movie?"
✨ "What kind of project are you creating in art?"
✨ "How did your game go this weekend?"
Golden Stem: Try starting your questions with "What do you think about..." or "How did you decide..."
Connection Cues Slide 4 of 5
Show You're Locked In
Listening is not waiting for your turn to talk. It's active connection.
Torso & Eye Aim
Point your shoulders toward the speaker and maintain comfortable, friendly eye focus.
Micro-Nods
Nodding slowly shows you follow their ideas without needing to cut them off mid-sentence.
Bridge Words
Use short supportive words: "Totally," "That makes sense," "Really?" "Tell me more."
The Echo Technique: Repeat their last 2-3 words before adding your thought to prove you heard them!
Talk Tracks Activity Peer Playbook • Module 2 Conversation Skills & Active Listening
Talk Tracks Rally Log
Launching great questions, trading turns, and proving active listening
Name:
Date:
PART 1
Launcher Lab: Upgrading Dead-End Questions
Rewrite each closed question into an open-ended question that prompts a story or detail.
Closed: "Did you play video games yesterday?" Starts with: How / What / Tell me...
Closed: "Do you like the school cafeteria lunch?" Starts with: What is your favorite / If you could design...
PART 2
The 4-Pass Conversation Rally
Choose a topic with a partner. Record each pass to prove you kept the rally alive without hijacking!
Topic Chosen: Partner's Name:
Pass 1: Starter Question Tossed
Pass 2: Answer & Follow-up Caught & Returned
Pass 3: Connecting Thought Built On
Pass 4: Deepener Question Rally Completed
PART 3
Active Listener Self-Assessment
Check off the habits you practiced during your partner rally:
Shoulders angled toward partner
Used nods and bridge words
Stayed on topic (no hijacking)
Golden Rule of Conversation: Listen to understand, not just to plan your reply!
Rally Champion
Voice Shield Slides Peer Playbook • Module 3
Self-Advocacy & Assertive Words
Activate Your
Voice Shield
How to set clear boundaries with words, say "Stop" with calm confidence, and call in adult backup when needed.
The Three Voices
3-Part Voice Formula
Reporting vs. Tattling
Communication Styles Slide 2 of 5
The Three Voices: Which One Wins?
When someone crosses a line, how you speak decides what happens next.
Passive Voice
Looking at your shoes, whispering, or saying nothing while feeling upset inside.
Result: The boundary is ignored.
Aggressive Voice
Yelling insults, getting in their face, slamming desks, or making threats.
Result: Fight escalates rapidly.
Assertive Voice
Strong posture, calm eye contact, steady voice volume, and clear boundaries.
Result: Power and respect restored!
Remember: Being assertive does not mean being mean. It means being clear and firm.
The Formula Slide 3 of 5
The 3-Part Voice Shield Formula
When you need someone to stop, lock in these three steps:
1
Name the Action
State exactly what they are doing without insults or accusations.
"When you take my pencil without asking..."
2
State the Impact
Explain how it affects your work, space, or feelings.
"...I feel frustrated because I can't finish my math problem..."
3
State the Need
Give a clear, actionable direction of what they must do now.
"...Please put it back and ask me next time."
Pro Stance: Head level, two feet flat on the floor, calm steady breath before speaking.
Adult Support Slide 4 of 5
When & How to Call Backup
Knowing the difference between tattling and reporting keeps everyone safe.
Tattling (To Get Someone in Trouble)
• No one is hurt or in physical danger.
• You haven't tried your Voice Shield yet.
• Goal is to see the other person get punished.
• Example: "Ms. Diaz, Leo used two napkins!"
Reporting (To Keep People Safe)
• Someone is hurt, bullied, or unsafe.
• You asked them to stop twice, and they refused.
