Lesson 2: Voice: The Right To Be Heard

This lesson reinforces the concept of the right to have a voice. Voice is defined as the ability to speak up about thoughts, feelings, hopes, and fears, especially if something is making students feel unsafe or uncomfortable. They will understand that their voice has power – the power to make someone stop and listen. The concept of the right to be safe and feel comfortable in one’s surroundings is reinforced by the introduction of the right to a voice. If students don’t feel safe, then they have the right to use their voice and let others know if something is wrong. That doesn’t mean they only use their voice once. Lauren stresses that students not only have the right to a voice, they may have to exercise that right repeatedly until they are heard and helped.

Students will also learn about a safety tool, their Safety NETwork. Their Safety NETwork is made up of trusted people whom they can turn to when they encounter a situation that makes them feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Most of the people in their Safety NETwork will be trusted adults, with at least one person old enough to drive a car. Trusted adults in a student’s Safety NETwork are the ones who can help them make safe decisions and help keep them protected. Some of the people in their Safety NETwork might be good friends. This lesson stresses the importance of telling someone in their Safety NETwork if something is unsafe or uncomfortable.

Teacher Notes:

• Please refer to the Teacher Guide on this Safer, Smarter, Kids 4-5 page. This will guide the activities as well.

Materials Needed:

• Lesson 2 Learning Log

• Teacher Led Activity sheet

• Parent Letter