Talking to adults vs. keeping secrets: Grade 6 health lesson.

📚 Talking to Adults vs. Keeping Secrets: A Grade 6 Health Lesson

This lesson helps you understand the difference between safe secrets and secrets that could be harmful. It will also guide you on when and how to talk to a trusted adult.

🎯 Learning Objectives

• 🔍 Define what a secret is.
• 🛡️ Differentiate between safe and unsafe secrets.
• 📞 Identify trusted adults to talk to.
• 🗣️ Develop skills to communicate concerns effectively.

📝 Materials Needed

• 📃 Whiteboard or projector.
• ✏️ Markers or pens.
• 📒 Student notebooks or paper.
• 🤝 List of trusted adults (prepared by the teacher).

☀️ Warm-up Activity (5 minutes)

Secret Sharing (Optional): Ask students if they have ever kept a secret. Without revealing the secret, have them share how it made them feel (e.g., anxious, excited, uncomfortable).

👨‍🏫 Main Instruction

1. Defining Secrets (10 minutes)

Begin by asking students what they think a secret is. Guide them to understand that a secret is something that is kept hidden from others.

2. Safe vs. Unsafe Secrets (20 minutes)

Explain the difference between safe and unsafe secrets:

• 💖 Safe Secrets: These are fun or surprising things that don't cause harm (e.g., planning a surprise party, knowing a friend's gift).
• 💔 Unsafe Secrets: These are secrets that make you feel uncomfortable, scared, or that could harm you or someone else (e.g., someone telling you not to tell anyone about something that hurts you, witnessing bullying).

Discuss scenarios and ask students to identify whether the secret is safe or unsafe. For example:

• 🎭 Scenario 1: A friend tells you they are getting a puppy for their birthday, but it’s a surprise.
• 😥 Scenario 2: Someone tells you to keep a secret about them getting hurt and not to tell any adults.

3. Identifying Trusted Adults (15 minutes)

Discuss who trusted adults are and why it's important to have them in your life.

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Trusted adults are people who care about you, listen to you, and can help you when you have a problem (e.g., parents, teachers, counselors, relatives).
• 💡 Emphasize that it’s okay to talk to a trusted adult, even if someone tells you not to. Your safety and well-being are the priority.

4. Communication Skills (15 minutes)

Role-play different scenarios to help students practice talking to trusted adults.

• 🗣️ Example Scenario: You know a friend is being bullied, but they asked you not to tell anyone.
• 🎭 Practice how to start the conversation with a trusted adult (e.g., “I need to talk to you about something that’s making me uncomfortable.”).

✅ Assessment

Use these questions to assess student understanding:

1. ❓ What is a secret?
2. ❓ How can you tell the difference between a safe and unsafe secret?
3. ❓ Who are some trusted adults you can talk to?
4. ❓ What can you say to a trusted adult if someone tells you to keep a secret that makes you uncomfortable?