Kindness Compass Worksheet Kindness Compass
Name: ___________________________
What is a Social Signal?
Just like a traffic light, people give us signals! Green means it is safe and kind. Yellow means we should slow down and be careful.
Green Light: Real Kindness
Safe Space
They respect your personal space bubble.
No Pressure
They don't force you to do things or go places.
Helping Hands
They help without asking for anything back.
Public Places
They talk to you where other people can see.
Yellow Light: Be Careful!
Too Fast
They act like your "best friend" immediately.
Space Invaders
They touch you or stand way too close.
Secret Talk
They ask you to keep a secret from staff or family.
The Trade
They give you a gift but want a favor later.
"Real kindness feels safe. Manipulative behavior feels pushy or confusing."
Is it Green or Yellow?
Read each story. Circle the signal that matches.
Scenario 1: The Bus Stop
A person sees you dropped your glove. They pick it up, hand it to you, smile, and say "Here you go!" then walk away to their bus.
GREEN
YELLOW
Scenario 2: The New "Friend"
A stranger at the mall comes up and says, "You look like a great person! I'm your new best friend. Come over here, I have a cool video to show you on my phone in this quiet corner."
GREEN
YELLOW
Scenario 3: The Library Help
You are looking for a book. A student in a school shirt says, "The science books are on aisle 4. Do you want me to show you where they are?" They stay in the open area of the library.
GREEN
YELLOW
Scenario 4: The Coffee Shop
A person sitting near you says, "Hey, you're cute. Let me buy your coffee. But don't tell your teacher I did it, okay? It's our little secret."
GREEN
YELLOW
Rule of Thumb: If someone asks you to keep a secret or leave with them, it is always a YELLOW light signal!
Kindness Compass Slides Friendly or Fake?
Finding your Kindness Compass to stay safe in the community.
GREEN LIGHT
Yellow Light
Our Goal Today
We will learn how to spot Real Kindness .
We will learn when to be Careful with strangers.
Green Light: Real Kindness
Public Talk
They talk to you in front of other people.
Space Bubble
They give you enough room to move.
One-Time Help
They help once and then keep moving.
Feels Safe
Your body feels calm and relaxed.
Yellow Light: Be Careful
"New Best Friend"
They act too friendly too fast.
Private Corner
They try to move you away from others.
Secrets
They ask you to keep a secret from staff.
The Trade
They give you something but want a favor.
Is this a Green Light?
"A stranger at the park gives you a soda and says, 'Let's go sit over by those trees so we can talk where it's quiet.'"
Yes
No
Friendly or Fake Teacher Guide Teacher Resource
Friendly or Fake
Facilitation Guide
Lesson 01
Time
45-60 Minutes
Goal
Distinguish genuine kindness from manipulation.
Prep
Print Kindness Compass Worksheets.
1
Introduction: The Traffic Light Metaphor
Begin by asking students what colors are on a traffic light and what they mean. Connect this to social situations: just like cars, we need to know when it is safe to "go" and when we need to "caution" and look around.
Prompt: "Have you ever met someone who was super friendly, maybe even TOO friendly? How did that feel?"
2
Direct Instruction (Slides)
Use the Kindness Compass Slides to define Green and Yellow lights.
Green Light: Respects personal space, talks in public, doesn't ask for favors.Yellow Light: Acts like a "best friend" immediately, asks for secrets, tries to move you to a private area.
3
Guided Practice: Worksheet
Distribute the Kindness Compass Worksheet . Read Scenario 1 aloud. Ask students to identify the "signals" before circling the answer.
Differentiation Tips
For Intellectual Disability: Focus on the physical space signal. Use a physical "space bubble" demonstration (3 feet apart).
For Autism: Explicitly label the "Secret" as a red flag. Social rules for secrets: We never keep secrets from staff or family.
4
Closing: The "Check In"
End the lesson by reminding students that if they ever see a Yellow Light signal, they should immediately tell a trusted staff member or family member.
Spotting the Hook Slides Spotting the Hook
How to tell when someone is trying to "reel you in."
What is a Hook?
A Hook is something a person says to get you to do what they want.
"If you do this for me, I'll give you a prize."
The "Help Me" Hook
Strangers should NOT ask students for help.
Wait!
If an adult needs help, they should ask another adult or a police officer.
"Can you help me find my lost puppy?"
"Can you help me carry these boxes to my car?"
The "Gift" Hook
Gifts from strangers usually have a Catch .
The Rule
Don't take gifts, money, or snacks from people you don't know well.
"I'll give you $20 if you come with me."
"Want some of my special candy?"
Truth or Hook?
"Excuse me, do you know what time it is?"
TRUTH
"I lost my cat. Can you help me look in the woods?"
THE HOOK
The Hook Hunt Worksheet The Hook Hunt
Name: ___________________________
What is a Hook?
A Hook is a trick someone uses to get you to do something unsafe. It is usually a "Yellow Light" signal.
Part 1: Match the Hook
Draw a line from the story to the type of hook it uses.
"Can you help me find my lost kitten in the woods?"
"I'll give you $10 if you come over to my car."
"Don't tell your teacher I gave you this phone."
The Gift Hook
The "Help" Hook
The Secret Hook
Safety Rule
Adults should ask other adults for help. If an adult asks a student for help, it is a Hook!
The Safety Check
Read the scenario. Check the boxes that tell you why it is a Hook .
"Hey there! You look like a strong guy. I need help moving some heavy boxes inside my garage. If you help me for 5 minutes, I'll give you a free video game!"
Why is this a Hook? (Check all that apply):
The person is asking for help (they should ask an adult).
The person is offering a "Gift" (a video game).
The person wants you to go into a private place (a garage).
The person is a stranger.
What should you do?
"Don't get reeled in! Spot the hook and walk away."
Spotting the Hook Teacher Guide Teacher Resource
Spotting the Hook
Facilitation Guide
Lesson 02
Time
45-60 Minutes
Goal
Identify common manipulative hooks: help, gifts, and secrets.
Prep
Print Hook Hunt Worksheets.
1
Recap: Green vs Yellow Lights
"Last time, we learned about Green and Yellow light signals. Today, we're looking at a specific Yellow light called 'The Hook.' It's a way people try to trick you."
2
The Golden Rule: Adults Ask Adults
One of the most common hooks is a stranger asking a student for help. Emphasize the "Golden Rule" for community safety:
"If an adult needs help, they should ask another adult."
Discuss: "Why would a grown-up ask you for help instead of the person next to them who looks older or more experienced?"
3
Role-Play Practice: Responding to Hooks
Model the following scenarios with an assistant or another student. Focus on Firm Tone and Walking Away .
Scenario: The Gift
"No thank you, I don't take things from people I don't know." (Walk away)
Scenario: The Help
"You should ask that man over there for help. I have to go now." (Walk away)
Instructional Tips
Scaffolding Scenarios: For students who struggle with reading, use visual scenario cards with pictures showing the "Gift" or the "Lost Puppy".
Firmness vs Rudeness: Clarify that saying "No" to a stranger who is being a "Yellow Light" is NOT being mean—it is being safe. Use the phrase "Safe First, Polite Second."
Trusting Your Gut Slides Trusting Your Gut
Listening to your body's early warning signals.
What is a "Gut Feeling"?
Your body has an "Early Warning System."
It tells you something is wrong BEFORE you even know what it is.
Signal Detected
Common Body Signals
Racing Heart
Thump-thump-thump!
Chills / Cold
Feeling a shiver.
Tight Tummy
Feeling "butterflies" or pain.
Shaky Hands
Hard to hold things still.
The Signal Means "WAIT!"
If your body says "Icky" or "Scared," you should:
1
Stop talking.
2
Step back.
3
Look for a Safe Adult.
Your Body is Smart!
If you feel "Yellow Light" body signals, trust them.
Even if the person seems "nice," if your body says NO, the answer is NO!
Next: The Body Signal Map
Body Signal Map Worksheet Body Signal Map
Name: ___________________________
My Internal Alarm
When something feels unsafe, your body sends you a signal. It is like an alarm that says, "Wait! Be Careful!"
HEART
TUMMY
HANDS
HANDS
LEGS
Part 1: Signal Search
Circle the words that describe a Yellow Light body signal:
Safe
Tummy Ache
Shaky Hands
Happy
Racing Heart
Feel "Icky"
Calm
Shivers
Part 2: What do I do?
If I feel a body signal, I should (Number in order 1, 2, 3):
Tell a safe adult or staff member.
Stop talking and step back.
Walk away to a public place.
"Your body is smart. It knows how to keep you safe!"
Trusting Your Gut Teacher Guide Teacher Resource
Trusting Your Gut
Facilitation Guide
Lesson 03
Time
45-60 Minutes
Goal
Identify physical body signals and connect them to safety instincts.
Prep
Print Body Signal Map Worksheets.
1
What is a Gut Feeling?
"Have you ever had a tummy ache when you were nervous? Or did your heart ever beat fast when you were scared? That's your body giving you a message!"
Explain that our "gut" is our body's safety alarm. It's often smarter than our brains in a tricky situation.
2
Activity: Body Signal Mapping
Distribute the Body Signal Map Worksheet . Lead students through coloring/marking their "alarm centers."
How to Guide the Mapping:
Stomach: "Butterflies," tight feeling, nausea.Heart: Thumping, racing, pounding.Hands: Shaking, sweating, cold fingers.Brain: Feeling dizzy, confused, or "icky."
3
Practice: The "Stop, Step, Scan" Strategy
Teach students the 3 steps to take when they feel a body signal:
STOP
Stop talking and listening.
STEP
Step back from the person.
SCAN
Look for a safe adult / staff.
Instructional Tips
Concrete Connections: For students with Down Syndrome, use high-sensory descriptions (e.g., "Like a cold ice cube on your neck" for shivers).
Validation: Remind students that even if the person isn't "doing anything bad" yet, if they feel the signal, it's okay to walk away. They don't have to wait for a "reason."
Saying No Safely Slides Saying No Safely
Setting clear boundaries and keeping your personal space safe.
The Space Bubble
The "One Arm" Rule:
Keep strangers at least one arm's length away from you.
If they step in, YOU step back.
My Space!
Practice Your Power
"No thank you, I have to go."
Use this anytime
"Please step back. I need more space."
If they are too close
"I don't know you. I'm going to my staff now."
Firm & Clear
"STOP! Don't touch me!"
Use a loud voice
The Safe Exit
If a stranger won't leave you alone, find a Public Place .
Look for:
Cashiers / Stores
Security Guards
Busy Restaurants
Safety in Numbers
Go where people can see you.
Call for Help
Use your phone to call staff immediately.
Safe First, Polite Second
"You do not have to be nice to a stranger who is making you feel unsafe. Your safety is much more important than being polite."
I am Strong I am Safe
Safety Script Cards Worksheet Safety Script Cards
Name: ___________________________
My Safety Shield
Cut out these cards. Use them to practice saying "NO" safely. Remember: Safe First, Polite Second!
1
Stranger Offers a Gift
"No thank you. I don't take things from strangers."
Say it firm. Walk away.
2
Stranger Asks for Help
"You should ask an adult. I have to go now."
Step back. Keep walking.
3
Someone is too Close
"Please step back. I need more space."
Put your hand out like a stop sign.
4
Someone won't stop
"STOP! Don't touch me! I am calling for help!"
Use a LOUD voice. Run to safety.
Practice these with your teacher until they feel easy to say. Being safe is your #1 job!
Saying No Safely Teacher Guide Teacher Resource
Saying No Safely
Facilitation Guide
Lesson 04
Time
45-60 Minutes
Goal
Practice setting physical boundaries and using refusal scripts.
Prep
Print and cut Safety Script Cards.
1
Demonstration: The Space Bubble
Use a hula hoop or a piece of string to show a "Personal Space Bubble." Have students stand with one arm extended. This is the "One Arm Rule."
"If a stranger steps inside your bubble, you must step back. You have the right to keep your space safe."
2
Practice: Safe First, Polite Second
Many students are taught to be "nice" above all else. This lesson challenges that. Explain that safety is more important than manners when someone is a Yellow Light signal.
Polite Brain says:
"I don't want to hurt their feelings by saying no."
Safety Brain says:
"I don't know them. I need to leave now to be safe."
3
The Script Challenge
Give students the Safety Script Cards . Pair students up or work in small groups. One person acts as the "Stranger" (offering a gift or asking for help) and the other uses their card to refuse and walk away.
Teacher Check-In
Is the student making eye contact? (Helpful but not mandatory)
Is the student's voice firm?
Is the student physically moving away ? (Crucial step)
Differentiation & Support
Non-Verbal Students: Provide a physical "STOP" card they can hold up or teach them the ASL sign for "NO" or "STOP" to accompany walking away.
Anxiety Support: Reassure students that the "Stranger" in these roles is just a game, but the skills are real tools they can use to feel more powerful and independent.
Community Detectives Slides Community Detectives
Applying your safety skills in the real world.
Graduation Day
Our Detective Toolkit
Social Signals
Green Light vs. Yellow Light behaviors.
The Hook
Secrets, Gifts, and Help requests.
Gut Feelings
Body signals that say "Wait!"
Safe Scripts
How to say "No" and walk away.
Case File: The Mall
Detective Challenge
"A stranger walks up and says, 'I'm looking for a cool teen to help me model some clothes in my office downstairs. I'll pay you $50. Come on, it'll be fun!'"
Detectives: What do you see?
It's a "Gift" Hook ($50).
They want a private area.
Who is in your Safety Circle?
Family
Staff
Community
"If you feel a Yellow Light, always tell someone in your Safety Circle immediately."
You Are a Safety Star
You have the power to stay safe!
Trust Your Gut.
Spot the Hook.
Say No Safely.
Detective Training Complete
Scenario Challenge Worksheet Scenario Challenge
Name: ___________________________
Are you a Community Detective?
Read each "case." Circle the right answers to show you know how to stay safe!
Case #1: The Library
"You are at the library. A stranger says, 'I have a special gift for you in my bag. Come sit with me behind these tall shelves and I'll give it to you. But don't tell the librarian!'"
Signal:
Green Yellow
Why?
They want a Secret and a Private place.
What do you say?
"No thank you. I have to go."
Case #2: The Park
"You are at the park. A person with a school shirt says, 'Excuse me, do you know where the restrooms are?' They are standing in an open area."
Signal:
Green Yellow
Why?
They are asking a Simple Question in a Public place.
What do you say?
"They are by the trees. Have a nice day!"
Case #3: The Store
"A person at the store says, 'I need help loading these heavy bags into my car. You look strong, can you come out to the parking lot and help me?'"
Signal:
Green Yellow
Why?
They are asking a Student for help (they should ask an adult).
What do you say?
"You should ask a worker. I have to go."
Community Detectives Teacher Guide Teacher Resource
Community Detectives
Final Wrap-Up Guide
Lesson 05
Time
45-60 Minutes
Goal
Apply all unit skills to community-based case files.
Prep
Print Scenario Challenge Worksheets.
1
Case File Analysis
Distribute the Scenario Challenge Worksheet . Encourage students to think like "detectives" and look for the specific clues (hooks) they learned about. Read scenarios together as a group to ensure comprehension.
Prompt: "You found the hook! What body signal do you think you'd feel in this situation?"
2
Personal Safety Circle
It is important for students to know exactly who to tell if they feel a Yellow Light. Have students identify 3-5 specific people in their own lives who are part of their Safety Circle.
School Circle
Ms. Smith (Teacher), Officer Joe (Security), Mr. Davis (Aide).
Community Circle
Mom/Dad, Older Sister, Store Cashier with a name tag, Bus Driver.
3
The Safety Pledge
To end the series, lead a call-and-response pledge to empower students.
"I listen to my gut."
"I spot the hook."
"I say no to stay safe."
"I am a safety star!"
Final Teacher Notes
Keep it Fresh: Review these concepts once a month, especially before community-based instruction (CBI) or field trips.
Independence: Praise students when they use these skills in non-dangerous but relevant settings (e.g., setting boundaries with peers).
