Feeling Safe
“What does it mean when everyone in the classroom can share ideas without fear of being laughed at or judged?”
What is a safe environment?
“Sharing jokes, interests, and hobbies with classmates helps build this.”
What is a sense of belonging?
“Playing games or sharing activities with others helps you practice these skills.”
What are teamwork or social skills?
“Noticing your own feelings and understanding why you feel that way is called this.”
What is self-awareness?
“Inviting someone to join a game or activity helps them feel this.”
What is welcomed?
“When a teacher or classmate reminds you of expectations in a calm, supportive way, it helps you feel this.”
What is supported?
“A new student arrives and no one knows them yet or no one has included them in anything yet. They might feel this.”
What is isolated or excluded?
“Doing fun activities and working together can help reduce this.”
What is stress?
“When you notice someone else’s feelings and respond kindly, you are showing this skill.”
What is empathy?
“Standing up for someone being teased helps them feel this.”
What is safe or respected?
“Being able to move, stretch, or use fidgets can help students manage this.”
What is stress or big feelings?
“Working together in groups helps students feel this in the classroom.”
What is included or engaged?
“When kids play fairly and take turns, it helps build this kind of relationship.”
What is trust or friendship?
“Using calm-down strategies like breathing, counting, or taking space is part of this.”
What is self-regulation?
“Noticing what makes each classmate unique helps the whole group feel this.”
What is valued?
“When everyone understands the rules and follows them, the classroom feels like this.”
What is safe and secure?
“When students get positive feedback or rewarded for their effort, it helps them feel this.”
What is valued or confident?
“Sharing space, materials, or ideas during play helps everyone feel this.”
What is connected or included?
“When students talk about their feelings respectfully, it helps everyone feel this.”
What is safe and understood?
“When everyone shares responsibilities and works together, it helps the class feel this.”
What is connected or united?
“If someone’s behavior makes others uncomfortable during an activity, what can the class do to help restore safety?”
What is talk respectfully, reset expectations, and make sure everyone feels comfortable?
“If a classmate is sitting alone, what can you do to help them feel they belong?”
What is invite them to join and welcome them kindly?
“In a group game, if one person takes over and others don’t get a turn, what can the group do?”
What is make a plan so everyone gets an equal chance?
“If a friend is upset during class or playtime, what can you do to support them?”
What is listen, ask what they need, or help them take a break?
“If you see someone watching but not joining an activity, what can you do?”
What is invite them, explain what’s happening, and include them?