Creating a Safe Space

Lesson Objective

Students will understand the concept of bullying, its effects, and how to take positive action to create a supportive and inclusive school environment.

Curriculum Area

Health and Physical Education | Year 4

General Capabilities

• Personal and Social Capability
• Ethical Understanding

Cross-Curriculum Priorities

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures

Lesson Outline (4 minutes)

Preparation

• Materials Needed:
  • A small whiteboard or paper for the student to write on.
  • A drawing of a circle to represent a safe space.
  • Coloured markers or crayons.

Introduction (1 minute)

1. Greeting and Context Setting:

   • Start with a friendly greeting. "G’day! Today we're going to talk about something really important – making our school a safe and friendly place for everyone."

2. Personal Connection:

   • Ask: "Have you ever felt left out or seen someone else being treated unkindly?" Allow a brief moment for reflection.

Main Activity (2 minutes)

1. Define Bullying:

   • Spend 30 seconds discussing what bullying means. "Bullying is when someone keeps saying or doing mean things to hurt another person on purpose."

2. Effects of Bullying:

   • Quickly discuss the impact: "It can make people feel sad, scared, or lonely."

3. Circle of Safety:

   • Ask the student to draw a circle on their paper. Explain, "This circle is a symbol of safety and friendship."

4. Adding to the Circle:

   • Spend the next minute having the student write or draw things that can make their circle safe, such as "being kind," "listening," "sharing," and "asking an adult for help."

Conclusion (1 minute)

1. Reflection:

   • Have the student look at their circle. Ask, "What’s one thing you can do today to help others feel safe in our school?"

2. Closing Message:

   • Conclude with encouragement: "Remember, we all play a part in making our school a welcoming place. Your kindness can make a big difference!"

Assessment

• Observation:

  • Note the student's engagement during the activity and their understanding of the safety circle concept.

• Feedback:

  • Provide immediate positive feedback on their contributions and encourage them to practice the behaviours they identified.

Extension Ideas

• Role-playing: Practice scenarios of standing up against bullying or supporting someone who is being bullied in a safe and respectful manner.
• Story Reading: Read a short story about friendship and discuss its relation to bullying and safety.

This lesson utilises the Australian Curriculum's framework to empower students with the values of inclusion and respect, fostering a healthier school environment.