Lesson: My Body Knows - Yes or No

Lesson: My Body Knows - Yes or No

 

💛 Introduction

This gentle lesson helps children begin to recognise and trust the signals in their body.

Children learn that their body can give them important messages - helping them understand when something feels right, safe and comfortable (yes), or uncomfortable and not right for them (no).

This lesson builds body awareness, confidence and early boundaries in a safe, supportive way.

 

🎯 Learning Focus

  • Children begin to recognise body signals

  • Children understand the difference between 'yes' and 'no' feelings

  • Children learn that their body helps keep them safe

  • Children feel empowered to trust their own feelings


🌱 What You’ll Need

  • Calm, comfortable space

  • Optional: Yes / No worksheet


🧠 Lesson Overview

Begin by introducing the idea that our body is always helping us.

Explain in simple, child-friendly language:

  • Sometimes our body feels calm, open and relaxed (yes feeling)

  • Sometimes our body feels tight, wobbly or uncomfortable (no feeling)

Let children know:

👉 There is no right or wrong - just noticing.


🐾 Activity

Invite children to explore 'yes' and 'no' feelings in a gentle, playful way.

You might say:

  • "What does your body feel like when something feels really nice?"

  • "What does your body feel like when something doesn’t feel quite right?

You can also use simple scenarios:

  • "Someone shares a toy with you"

  • "Someone pushes in front of you"

Ask children to notice:

  • Does your body feel open or tight?

  • Calm or uncomfortable?

Encourage movement if helpful:

  • "Show me a YES body" (open, relaxed, smiling)

  • 'Show me a NO body" (tense, turned away, still)


💬 Reflection

Ask gentle questions:

  • What does a "yes" feeling feel like in your body?

  • What does a "no" feeling feel like?

  • Can your body help you make choices?

Reassure children:

👉 It’s okay if we’re still learning - we are just noticing.


🌈 Bringing It Into the Day

Encourage children to check in with their body during the day:

  • "Does this feel like a yes or a no?"

  • "What is your body telling you?"

This supports children to build awareness, confidence and self-trust over time.


📎 Resources

 

Download Full Lesson Plan

 

 Download Lesson Resources


🌿 Gentle Reminder

This is not about telling children what to think or feel.

It is about helping them notice their own inner signals, feel safe and begin to trust themselves.