Boundary Setting Exercise

Boundary Setting Exercise

Here's a children's activity guide for a boundary-setting exercise focused on social development and assertiveness:

Title: Boundary-Setting Exercise - Developing Assertiveness

Objective: To promote social development and assertiveness skills among children through a boundary-setting exercise.

Materials Needed:

       - Chairs or cushions arranged in a circle

Instructions:

       1. Introduction (5 minutes):

              - Gather the children in a circle and explain the purpose of the activity: to practice setting personal boundaries and assertiveness skills.

              - Emphasize the importance of expressing thoughts, feelings, and needs confidently and respectfully.

       2. Setting the Ground Rules (5 minutes):

              - Establish a set of ground rules together with the children.                       Examples may include:

                            - One person speaks at a time.

                            - Listen attentively to others.

                            - Use kind and respectful language.

                            - Encourage everyone's participation.

       3. Boundary-Setting Discussion (10 minutes):

              - Engage the children in a discussion about personal boundaries. Explain that boundaries are limits we set for ourselves to protect our physical and emotional well-being.

              - Discuss different types of boundaries, such as physical boundaries (personal space) and emotional boundaries (respecting feelings and opinions).

              - Ask the children to share examples of situations where they might need to set boundaries.

              - Emphasize the importance of assertiveness in communicating and maintaining boundaries.

       4. Boundary-Setting Exercise (30-40 minutes):

              - Divide the children into pairs.

              - Instruct each pair to take turns practicing setting boundaries with each other.

              - Provide them with different scenarios where boundary-setting is required. For example:

                     - "Your friend wants to borrow your favourite toy without asking. How would you assertively communicate your boundary?"

                     - "Your classmate keeps interrupting you while you're speaking. How would you assertively express your need for uninterrupted speaking?"

              - Encourage the children to use "I" statements, express their feelings, and clearly communicate their boundaries.

              - After each scenario, have the pairs switch roles so that each child has an opportunity to practice setting boundaries.

              - Observe and provide feedback on their assertiveness skills, offering guidance and suggestions for improvement.

       5. Reflection and Conclusion (5-10 minutes):

              - Summarize the key concepts discussed during the activity, including personal boundaries and assertiveness.

              - Ask the children to reflect on what they have learned about setting boundaries and expressing themselves confidently and respectfully.

              - Discuss practical ways they can apply these skills in their daily lives.

              - Express appreciation for their active participation and willingness to practice boundary-setting and assertiveness.

Remember, the goal of this activity is to help children develop their assertiveness skills and build confidence in setting and maintaining personal boundaries. Encourage them to communicate their boundaries clearly and respectfully, using "I" statements and expressing their feelings. By practicing boundary-setting, they can navigate social situations with confidence and protect their well-being.