Understanding Personal Space &

How to Respond to Unwanted Hugs

Activity 1: Personal Space Circle

Objective: Teach what personal space is and how to recognize boundaries.

Materials Needed:

• Hula hoop or masking tape

• Visuals showing “Too Close,” “Just Right,” “Too Far”

Instructions:

1. Create a circle around the participant using a hula hoop or floor tape.

2. Explain that this is their personal space bubble.

3. Have others approach slowly and ask the participant to say “Stop” when they feel someone is too close.

4. Discuss how everyone has a right to their space and how it’s okay to ask for space.

Key Message: “It’s okay to say when someone is too close.”

Activity 2: Practice Saying "No Thank You"

Objective: Practice polite but firm ways to decline a hug.

Instructions:

1. Role-play different situations where someone comes in for a hug.

2. The participant practices responding using phrases like:

   • “No thank you, I don’t like hugs.”

   • “I like high-fives instead.”

   • “Let’s wave instead.”

3. Provide praise for using their voice and making their boundaries clear.

Key Message: “You are in control of your body.”