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      Difference between secrets and surprises

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe the difference between secrets and surprises.

      Key learning points

      1. A surprise is something like a present or a surprise party.
      2. Surprises are ok and can make things more fun.
      3. A secret is when someone asks us to not say anything, but it is not fun and can make us uncomfortable.
      4. If a secret makes us feel worried or uncomfortable, we should tell a trusted adult and ask for help until we are heard.
      5. It is not ok to keep secrets if someone is getting hurt or feels scared.

      Keywords

      • Suprise - something that is hidden for a short time to make it more fun, like a present or a party

      • Secret - something that is kept hidden

      • Worried - feeling scared or nervous about something that might happen

      • Uncomfortable - feeling anxious, worried or unable to relax

      • Scared - feeling afraid when you think something bad might happen

      Common misconception

      Surprises are bad.

      If a surprise is short-term and makes people happier, then it is ok to not say something for a little while. For example, not telling someone about their surprise party or what present they are about to get.

      Teacher tip

      Children should learn to listen to their gut instinct. They will often feel that something is wrong before they fully understand why something is bad or dangerous. Listening to our intuition is a valuable life skill.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the word to the definition.

      Correct Answer:permission,approval to do something
      Correct Answer:trusted adult,someone we know offline who makes us feel safe and can help us
      Correct Answer:genitals,the private parts of our body between our legs

      Q2.
      What emotions might we feel if we are safe?

      Correct answer: happy
      Correct answer: calm
      worried
      upset

      Q3.
      Who should help us feel safe?

      strangers
      Correct answer: our parents and carers
      younger siblings
      Correct answer: our teachers and school staff

      Q4.
      What should we do if we don't feel safe?

      ignore how we feel
      keep our feelings to ourselves
      Correct answer: tell a trusted adult
      Correct answer: keep telling other adults if the first adult doesn't listen or help

      Q5.
      Boys have penises and girls have ...

      Correct Answer: vulvas, a vulva, vaginas, a vagina

      Q6.
      Who can look at or touch our genitals when necessary?

      Correct answer: a trusted adult
      anyone
      a friend

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the word to the definition.

      Correct Answer:surprise,something that is hidden for a short time to make it more fun
      Correct Answer:secret,something that is kept hidden
      Correct Answer:uncomfortable,feeling anxious, worried or unable to relax

      Q2.
      A surprise could be ...

      a friend upsetting you and asking you not to tell anyone
      Correct answer: a birthday party
      a sibling breaking a toy and asking you to keep it a secret
      Correct answer: a present

      Q3.
      How can secrets make us feel?

      excited
      happy
      Correct answer: worried
      Correct answer: uncomfortable

      Q4.
      It's not ok to keep if someone is getting hurt or feels scared.

      Correct Answer: secrets, a secret, secret

      Q5.
      Whom should we tell if a secret makes us feel worried, uncomfortable or scared?

      our pets
      Correct answer: a parent or carer
      Correct answer: teachers or school staff
      a stranger

      Q6.
      When it is especially important to tell a trusted adult about a secret?

      if your friend tells you a secret about their favourite food
      if your friend tells you a secret about their favourite colour
      Correct answer: if someone touches our bodies in a way that makes us feel uncomfortable
      if someone tells you a secret about their pet

      To help you plan your 2 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Difference between secrets and surprises, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...