Politeness, Respect & Trust PSHE lesson
A primary PSHE lesson for Years 1 and 2 that helps UK teachers introduce politeness, respect and safe adult recognition through a structured, ready-to-teach lesson. Pupils learn to recognise safe and trusted adults, understand why politeness and respect matter in everyday relationships, and practise simple ways to ask for help when they need it. The lesson keeps the focus on everyday school situations, helping pupils build early language for respectful behaviour, trust and safe help-seeking.
Healthy Relationships & Communication
Snapshot
Politeness, Respect & Trust
The lesson gives teachers a structured way to introduce politeness, respect and trust using simple, age-appropriate language.
Prep time:
5 to 10 minutes
Lesson length:
45 to 50 minutes
Key Focus
Spotting safe, trusted adults and practising respectful behaviour
Lesson Format
Teacher-led discussion and structured activities
What pupils will learn
By the end of the lesson, students will be supported to:
Recognise
recognise polite and respectful behaviour in everyday situations
recognise safe, trusted adults at school and at home
recognise that everyone deserves to be treated fairly, regardless of differences
Understand
understand why politeness and respect matter in relationships with others
understand that trust is built through consistent, respectful behaviour
Practise
practise using polite and respectful language with peers and adults
practise identifying who a safe adult might be in different settings
practise simple ways to ask a trusted adult for help
Who this lesson is for?
This lesson is designed for younger primary pupils in Years 1 and 2 who are beginning to learn about politeness, respect and trust in everyday relationships.
It is suitable for:
primary PSHE lessons
relationships education
pastoral care, circle time or form time
class culture and respectful behaviour expectations
early respect and inclusion work
Suitability should be based on more than age alone. Teachers should consider the lesson focus, pupil maturity, cohort needs, classroom culture, existing discussion norms and available support pathways.
Best used when
Use this lesson when students need clear, practical language for recognising unkind behaviour and knowing what to do next.
Introducing respect and politeness Use when pupils need simple language for everyday polite and respectful behaviour.
Building classroom culture Use when reinforcing kind, respectful and inclusive classroom expectations.
Teaching about safe adults Use when pupils are learning to identify trusted adults at school and at home.
Practising safe help-seeking Use when pupils need practice asking a trusted adult for help.
Supporting inclusion Use when helping pupils understand that everyone deserves respectful, fair treatment.
Preparing for transition Use when pupils are meeting new adults or moving into a new class and need to identify who they can trust.
The lesson can be used proactively with the whole class. It does not need to follow a specific incident.
Why this lesson matters
Pupils need simple, usable language for showing respect and recognising who they can trust before they face situations where these skills matter. Learning about politeness, respect and safe adults is not only about good manners. It also helps pupils build confidence in everyday relationships, understand fair treatment and know who to turn to when they need support. This lesson supports a respectful classroom culture by helping pupils understand that trust and respect are built through everyday choices, and that safe adults are there to help when something feels difficult or unclear.
How this lesson supports wellbeing
This lesson supports student wellbeing by building practical social and emotional skills students can use in everyday school life. It helps students develop:
Capability How the lesson supports it
Social awareness Pupils notice polite and respectful behaviour in everyday interactions.
Trust and safety Pupils learn to identify safe, trusted adults at school and at home.
Respect for others Pupils practise treating peers and adults with politeness and fairness.
Inclusion Pupils recognise that everyone deserves respectful, fair treatment regardless of differences.
Communication skills Pupils practise using polite language in everyday situations.
Help-seeking Pupils learn simple ways to ask a trusted adult for support.
For teachers and school leaders, the lesson contributes to broader wellbeing, respectful relationships, child safety and pastoral care goals in Australian primary schools.
Teaching notes & Delivery Considerations
This lesson includes content about unkind behaviour, exclusion and asking adults for help. It should be taught with calm, clear discussion norms.
Before teaching
Remind pupils not to name classmates or share personal stories about people at home
Frame the discussion around general examples rather than personal disclosures
Identify trusted adults pupils can speak to at school
Be prepared to follow your school's safeguarding procedures and speak with the designated safeguarding lead if a pupil discloses harm or says they feel unsafe.
During delivery
Use simple, everyday examples such as teachers, family members and other familiar helpers
Keep language age appropriate and avoid assuming one type of family or household
Give pupils time to practise polite phrases aloud
Allow pupils to respond through discussion or drawing depending on confidence
Supporting safe discussion
Reinforce that asking for help is a sensible, responsible choice
Explain that pupils can speak to a trusted adult if something feels confusing or unsafe
Follow school safeguarding procedures if any concerns arise
Adaptation options
Use paired discussion for confident groups
Use drawing or simple sorting activities for quieter groups
Spend more time identifying trusted adults if pupils need extra support
Keep messages about safe adults clear and reassuring, focusing on everyday examples rather than specific risks.
