Intentions
How can you tell if someone is joking in a nice way or trying to be mean?
By their tone, body language, and how it makes you feel.
A friend calls you a silly name and laughs. How do you know if it’s a joke or they’re being mean?
If you feel bad and they don’t stop, they may be being mean.
What can you do if you’re not sure if someone is being playful or mean?
Ask them or tell them how it made you feel.
How do you feel when someone plays with you in a fun way?
Happy, included, and excited.
Role-play: A friend teases you about your clothes. What do you say?
“I don’t like that. Please stop.”
What does it look like when someone is trying to hurt your feelings?
They might laugh at you, ignore your feelings, or keep going when you ask them to stop.
Someone pushes you during a game. How can you tell if it was an accident or on purpose?
Watch their face and response—do they apologize or keep doing it?
Who can you talk to if someone is bothering you?
A parent, teacher, counselor, or trusted adult.
How do you feel when someone teases you too much?
Upset, embarrassed, or annoyed
Act it out: You’re in a game and someone shoves you. What can you do?
Say “Hey, that wasn’t okay. Were you trying to hurt me?”
If someone says something silly to you, how do you figure out their intention?
Look at their face, body language, and how they usually treat you.
Someone laughs when you trip and fall. What might they have meant?
Maybe they thought it was funny, but it might also be rude.
What are some kind ways to play with others?
Take turns, include everyone, and use kind words.
What can your body feel like when you’re uncomfortable with someone’s joke?
Nervous, tight tummy, or wanting to leave.
Practice: Someone says, “I was just kidding!” and you’re upset. What can you say?
“It didn’t feel like a joke to me.”
Can someone be teasing and still be kind? When?
Yes, if it’s gentle, shared fun, and both people are laughing.
Your friend keeps interrupting your turn. What do you do?
Ask them to wait, and remind them it’s your turn.
What if someone says they were “just joking,” but it hurt your feelings?
Tell them it still hurt and you’d like them to stop.
Tell about a time someone made you laugh. Was it fun or not fun? Why?
[Open-ended: student shares story.]
With a partner, show what it looks like to respect someone’s boundary.
[Students act it out.]
What’s a clue that someone isn’t just playing—they’re trying to be hurtful?
When you feel uncomfortable or embarrassed and they don’t stop.
You hear someone saying something mean about you. What can you do?
Stay calm, talk to a trusted adult, or set a boundary with the person.
What’s a good plan if someone keeps teasing even when you ask them to stop?
Walk away, tell a trusted adult, and stay with supportive friends.
How do you know if your feelings are being hurt even when someone is “just joking”?
If you feel sad, embarrassed, or want to be alone.
Create: What’s a class rule everyone can follow to make sure play is fun and safe?
[Class discussion: rule like “We stop when someone says stop.”]