Lesson Plan

Creating Our Safe Space

Students will collaboratively establish classroom norms by brainstorming respectful agreements, creating a shared Safe Space poster, and reflecting on emotional safety using a thumbs-up check-in.

Building a classroom Safe Space fosters mutual respect, active listening, and emotional support, helping 4th graders feel secure, valued, and ready to participate.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials and Space

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Ball Toss Agreements

5 minutes

Step 2

Present Rules of Respect

5 minutes

Step 3

Main Activity: Norms Poster Creation

20 minutes

Step 4

Cool-Down: Thumbs-Up Check-In

10 minutes

Slide Deck

Our Rules of Respect

Welcome students and introduce the purpose of this mini-lesson. Explain that these rules help everyone feel respected, safe, and ready to learn together.

1. Listen Without Interrupting

Explain that listening without interrupting shows we value each other’s ideas. Ask for a volunteer to demonstrate listening vs. interrupting.

2. Use Kind Words

Discuss how words can build people up or tear them down. Invite students to share an example of a kind phrase.

3. Respect Personal Space

Demonstrate what “personal space” looks like. Remind students to ask before touching someone else’s belongings.

4. Raise Your Hand to Speak

Show how raising a hand helps everyone get a turn. Practice a quick thumbs-up when you see a raised hand!

5. Keep Hands & Feet to Yourself

Clarify that keeping hands and feet to ourselves prevents accidents and hurt feelings. Role-play gentle vs. rough touches.

Discussion Time!

Invite students to share their thoughts. Record responses on chart paper. Wrap up by reminding students these rules are our promise to one another.