Can Your Pupils Recognise The Early Warning Signs Of Feeling Uncomfortable or Unsafe?

As adults, we’re aware that threatening situations can trigger a physiological reaction known as the ‘fight or flight’ response. This reaction has a direct effect on our physical state. These physical reactions represent our body’s way of alerting us to potential danger and preparing us to respond accordingly.

It’s vital that children also comprehend that physical changes in their bodies might indicate that they are feeling uncomfortable or unsafe. Once they’ve recognised this, they can then take appropriate action to remove themselves from any harm.

Use this worksheet as part of your lessons about staying safe at home and in the community. The early warning signs discussed in this activity sheet include:

• My head feels sore and hot.
• I feel like crying.
• My shoulders tense up.
• My heart beats faster.
• My hands feel sweaty.
• I feel sick in the tummy.
• My legs feel wobbly.
• I need to use the loo.

Pupils cut out the warning signs and stick them into the correct box around the child’s body. The child on the activity sheet is gender neutral.

Engaging Approach to Learning About Body Warning Signs

Use this resource to actively engage your students in a hands-on learning experience. Involving them in the task of cutting out and sorting warning signs not only makes learning more interactive but also enhances memory and comprehension. Highlight the connection between physical sensations and feelings of discomfort using the visual representation of a child’s body, making the concept more tangible, especially for younger learners. This resource empowers you, as a teacher, to educate your pupils about recognising their body’s signals of discomfort and the importance of reacting appropriately to ensure their safety.

Download & Print

Ready to enrich your pupils’ learning experience with this resource? Simply click on the dropdown icon on the Download button and choose between PDF or editable Google Slides format.

The download contains a one-page activity sheet for your pupils and an answer key. We suggest that you print one copy of the entire file, then create photocopies of the first page for your pupils to use.