Ask before entering body space

Supplied materials

• Paper or a text document; all cases below are original fictional learning inputs.
• An adult may read aloud; drawing or spoken answers are valid. No personal health information or physical performance is required.
• The story says Ali asks, “Would you like a hug?” Bea replies, “No, a wave please.” The answer is clear. Ali keeps their hands to themselves and waves. This respects Bea’s space while still greeting them. Ali does not ask repeatedly or treat yesterday’s hug as permission for today. Bea does not need to provide a reason.
• One character wants to hug a friend but has not asked. What next?
• A friend clearly agrees to a wave. What next?
• A character says “Stop the hug now.” What next?
• A child says stop, but another character keeps grabbing. What next?
• A visitor reaches toward a child who steps away. What next?
• A character asks about a high-five and gets no answer. What next?

Learn the idea

Body space is the room a person needs around their body. People can want different amounts of room. A greeting can be a wave, a spoken hello or another agreed choice.

Ask before a hug or other friendly touch. Wait for a clear answer. If someone says no, steps away or changes their mind, stop. You do not need to persuade them to accept touch.

In these fictional greeting stories, choose the next step. Drawing a greeting is enough. If someone ignores a stop or makes a child feel unsafe, a trusted adult should help; safety is the adult’s responsibility.

1. Read or listen to the pretend story. Point to the details the question gives you.
2. Find what touch the character wants to try. Ask first, wait for the answer, and respect a no or a changed mind.
3. Check your answer against the example. Say what matches and what you would change.
4. Try the practice questions, then the extra task. Drawing or spoken answers are welcome.

Check your reasoning

Your answer is temporary and is not saved to an account. Download your current answer before leaving or reloading. Written work on paper or in another app stays in your own file.

Take it further

Draw two greeting cards for a child who wants no touch. Expected: a wave and a spoken hello, with a clear space between the characters.

Nothing here is saved to an account or sent to a teacher. The answer download includes your current choice and any checked feedback. It does not include choices from the separate More practice section. Download that section separately.