My Body Belongs to Me
To develop body autonomy and the confidence to say no to unwanted touch.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Personal, Social & Emotional
- Learning area: Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Level: EYFS 2-3
Objectives
- Asserts body boundaries
- Says no to unwanted touch
- Asks before touching others
- Shows understanding of consent
Materials
- Body autonomy books
- Consent discussion cards
- My Body display
- Puppet for role play
Instructions
TEACHING CONSENT LANGUAGE: 'Your body belongs to YOU. If someone wants to hug you and you don't want a hug, you can say NO. And that's okay. You're in charge of YOUR body.'
MODELLING ASKING: 'Would you like a hug? No? That's okay! High five instead? Yes? High five!' Show that asking before touching is normal and important.
READING RELEVANT BOOKS: Share books like 'My Body Belongs to Me' or 'Pantosaurus'. Discuss: 'What can you say if someone touches you and you don't like it? You can say STOP!'
PRACTISING SAYING NO: Let children practise in safe scenarios: 'Can you say NO really loudly? Brilliant! That's your strong voice. You can use that voice if someone does something you don't like.'