To view this lesson plan as a PDF, click here.
Objectives
Students will:
- Understand that communities work best when we help keep one another safe.
- Identify caring behaviors vs. harmful behaviors.
- Learn that adults need to know when something is wrong to help keep everyone safe.
- Practice talking about concerns in safe, simple ways.
Materials
- Picture cards: Link *
- Chart paper titled “Caring Behaviors” and “Harmful Behaviors” *
- Drawing Paper: Link
- Drawing materials: pencils, crayons, or markers
*There is also a technology-based option in this lesson plan for this part of the lesson if preferred. Click here for the Google Slides version.
Lesson Activities
Introduction
- Ask students: “What does it mean to help keep each other safe?”
- Students brainstorm ideas (Examples: sharing, telling an adult if someone is hurt, playing safely).
Caring vs Harmful Sort
- Show pictures cards one by one.
- Students sort pictures into “Caring Behaviors” or “Harmful Behaviors” on chart paper.
Ask questions like:
- “Why is this caring?”
- “Why might this be harmful?”
Communication That Keeps Us Safe – Explanation
- Explain: “When we see something harmful, we can tell a trusted adult. Telling helps keep people safe, not get them in trouble.”
- Introduce anonymous reporting: “Sometimes you can tell an adult without giving your name. This helps kids feel safe sharing concerns.”
Optional Discussion Prompt:
- “Why do we need safe ways to tell adults our worries?”
Reflection Drawing:
- Provide students with paper and prompt them to draw: “Draw a picture of a caring behavior you can do at school.”
- Optional: Have students journal about this topic as well.