First HMW: How might we prevent child abuse?
Adapted HMW: How might we teach young people about consent?
The Boundary Buddies team planned station rotation activities and implemented with Future Public School’s two Kindergarten classes. The series of activity-based stations focused on learning the basics of body boundaries, consent language, and self love. All kindergarteners received buttons at each station to remind them of the lessons.
Stations:
Activity #1 Give and Take
Students played 2 rounds of Toy Share.
In the first round, students were given a task of collecting a certain color of toys from each other. This round purposely had very little structure and few rules. The next round included some stipulations such as, asking before you take from someone and being able to decide if you want to share your item or not.
Students practiced asking for what they would like and also communicating their own decisions. Additionally, this activity reminded the students that it is ok to share and ok to say “no thank you.” Students had a short discussion and reflection about how the activities made them feel when they were able to choose and how they wanted to share their items vs when the items were taken from them.
Activity #2 Story Time
The team created a short, illustrated story about a kid and an alien who have some lessons to learn about consent, asking for permission, appropriate boundaries, and self compassion. The team brought sock puppets for students to use to help act out scenarios practicing consent. Students role played common scenarios and were given examples for how they can give and receive consent.
Station #3 - I love me!
Students worked with team members to design stickers and a worksheet. They identified three things that they love about themselves, three people in their life that can help them, and three things they like about their friends. Through research the team found out that self love and compassion help motivate young learners to make healthy choices in life. When you hold yourself in high esteem, you’re more likely to choose things that nurture your wellbeing and serve you well.
Station #4 - Body Boundaries
The team talked about personal space bubbles and why it is important to respect personal body bubbles. Students drew their own bubble with their fingers and used hula hoops to help define their individual bubbles and boundaries. They discussed what it feels like when your bubble is popped and how to ask for more space when someone is in your bubble. They also talked about the importance of respect for ourselves and others. Students left this activity with an understanding of personal space and respecting other’s personal space.
The entire project took about 60 minutes to complete per each classroom.
Fast Facts Sheet
Year(s): Fall 2021 - Spring 2022
Focus: Consent and a proactive approach to child abuse
Recipients: Kindergarten students
Community partner: Future Public School
Number of recipients: 45
