Safe Spaces (We Do It For The Culture)

Grade Range: 6–8

SEL Domains: Relationship Building 

Estimated Time: 60–70 Minutes

Lesson Description 

Students explore the power of spoken word to build safe spaces by analyzing CHIKA’s poetry, reflecting on their classroom culture, and committing to actions that foster respect, inclusion, and expression.

Learning Objectives

• Define what makes a space feel safe or unsafe

• Reflect on how language and actions influence emotional safety

• Analyze lines from CHIKA’s poem for meaning and connection to SEL competencies

• Identify individual and collective actions that promote a safe classroom culture

Materials Needed

• CHIKA's spoken word video

• Printed copy of the poem

• Chart paper or whiteboard

• Markers

• Highlighters or pens

• SEL competency reference (optional handout or posted anchor chart)

• Anonymous question box and small notecards

• Google slides 

• Spanish Google slides

• Lesson plan