Your Body is Private
Level 2 strengthens application and explanation. 'Your Body is Private' deepens understanding of health responsibility.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Health, Safety and Hygiene
- Learning area: Understanding the World
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Explain safety/hygiene reasoning
- Apply concept independently
- Collaborate during activity
Instructions
Materials
- Large paper doll or a teddy bear with removable clothing.
- A set of bathing suits or undergarments for the doll.
- A visual chart showing the difference between public and private areas.
- Sugar paper and crayons for drawing.
- A mirror for individual self-reflection.
Learning Objectives
- Identify body parts that are considered private.
- Explain the concept of personal boundaries using the phrase my body belongs to me.
- Demonstrate how to say no or seek help if someone touches them inappropriately.
- Distinguish between safe touches and uncomfortable touches.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Gather the children in a circle and introduce the doll. Explain that just like people, the doll has parts of the body that are private.
2. Use the doll to demonstrate that private parts are the areas covered by a bathing suit.
3. Lead a discussion on why these areas are private, focusing on the idea that these parts are for the child alone.
4. Practise the phrase my body belongs to me as a group to build confidence in verbalizing personal ownership.
5. Role-play scenarios where the children practise saying no firmly if someone touches them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable.
6. Teach the children that if they feel unsafe, they must tell a trusted adult, such as a teacher or parent, immediately.
7. Provide paper and crayons for children to draw a picture of themselves and identify their own personal space.
8. Conclude by encouraging children to look in the mirror and repeat the affirmation that their body is their own.
Educator Tip
Keep the tone calm and empowering rather than fearful. If a child becomes anxious, focus on the concept of safe versus unsafe touches in everyday contexts like high-fives or hugs to normalize the conversation.
Assessment
- Observe if the child can correctly identify private areas on the doll.
- Listen for the child using the phrase my body belongs to me during role-play activities.
- Note if the child can name at least two trusted adults they would go to if they felt unsafe.
Educator tip
Require complete thoughts (sentence frames); rotate roles in pairs; photograph work for portfolios.
Assessment
Assess against Early Learning Goals (ELGs). Document evidence of 'expected' or 'exceeding' descriptors. Note: independent application of skills, ability to explain reasoning, and capacity to build on prior learning. Observe reasoning, independence, collaboration.