For October in our Learning for Life Boost, students learned about personal space and why it is important for helping everyone feel safe, comfortable, and respected.

We talked about how “giving space” means keeping an appropriate distance from others’ bodies, belongings, and activities. “Not giving space” happens when we get too close, touch others without permission, or crowd someone who needs room. Understanding this difference helps students build positive relationships, reduce conflicts, and be more aware of their surroundings.

Our Class Activity

Students participated in a hands-on sorting activity to practice identifying examples of giving space and not giving space. Each student received a picture showing a different situation (such as standing in line, playing on the playground, or working at a desk). One at a time, students placed their picture under the correct category:

• Giving Space

• Not Giving Space

As each picture was added, we discussed what was happening, why it belonged in that category, and how the situation could look if everyone respected personal space. This helped students connect the skill to real-life school settings and think about how their actions affect others.

Why Personal Space Matters

Learning to respect personal space helps children:

• Build stronger friendships

• Avoid accidental conflicts or hurt feelings

• Recognize when someone else needs space to feel calm or focused

• Develop self-awareness and empathy
  
  

This is a foundational social skill that supports emotional regulation, communication, and overall success in the classroom and beyond.

If you’d like to reinforce this skill at home, ask your child to explain what it means to “give space” and share examples from their day. You can also point out moments when someone is doing a great job giving space, it helps the skill stick!