Do Your Students Know the Early Warning Signs That They Are Feeling Unsafe?

As adults, we understand that situations we perceive as threatening can evoke a physiological reaction known as the “fight or flight” response. This phenomenon has subsequent effects on our physical state. These physical reactions are our body’s way of warning us that we may be in danger and are preparing us to respond accordingly.

It is important that children also understand that physical changes in their bodies may indicate that they are feeling unsafe. Once they have identified this, they can then take appropriate action to remove themselves from any harm.

Use this worksheet as part of your Health lessons about staying safe at home and in the community. The early warning signs addressed in this worksheet 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 my tummy.
• My legs feel wobbly.
• I need to use the toilet.

Students cut out the warning signs and paste them into the correct box around the child’s body. The child on the worksheet is gender-neutral.

Easily Download & Print

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. 

This download includes a one-page worksheet and an answer key. It is recommended that you print one copy of the entire file, then make photocopies of page 1 only for the students to complete.

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Don’t stop there! We’ve got a wide range of additional resources to support your students’ social-emotional learning.  

teaching resource How Are You Feeling Today? Poster Help students to recognize and identify their feelings and emotions with this colorful classroom display poster. teaching resource Mindful Breathing Exercises – Task Cards Use these mindfulness breathing exercises to help students calm themselves down when they are feeling upset or anxious. teaching resource Things I Can and Cannot Control – Sorting Activity Help students identify things in life they can and cannot control with this sorting activity.