Assertive Is the Answer

Molly Mulhern

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Assertive Is the Answer

Students will be able to differentiate between passive, aggressive, and assertive communication styles and identify assertive as the most effective.

Effective communication is vital for healthy relationships and problem-solving, preventing misunderstandings and building confidence.

Audience

5th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Through skits, direct instruction, and practice scenarios.

Materials

Communication Pre-Test, * Find Your Voice Slides, * Communication Style Sort, * Assertiveness Role-Play Guide, and * Communication Post-Test

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Review all generated materials, including the Assertive Is the Answer Lesson Plan, Find Your Voice Slides, Communication Style Sort, and Assertiveness Role-Play Guide.
Print copies of the Communication Style Sort (one per student).
Prepare the classroom for group work if needed for the role-play activities.

Step 1

Warm-Up: Communication Styles Skit (5 minutes)

5 minutes

Begin by administering the Communication Pre-Test to gauge students' prior knowledge (3 minutes).
Introduce the idea that communication isn't always easy. Ask students to brainstorm situations where communication can be tricky. (2 minutes)
Teacher Note: Do not reveal the types of communication yet. This is to activate prior knowledge and set the stage for the lesson.

Step 2

Introduce Communication Types (10 minutes)

10 minutes

Use the Find Your Voice Slides to introduce passive, aggressive, and assertive communication styles.
Define each style with examples. Encourage students to share examples from their own lives (without naming specific people).
Emphasize 'I-Statements' as a key component of assertive communication. Practice forming 'I-Statements' together as a class.

Step 3

Sorting Activity (10 minutes)

10 minutes

Distribute the Communication Style Sort worksheet to each student.
Explain the activity: Students will read various scenarios and sort them into passive, aggressive, or assertive categories.
Circulate around the room to provide support and facilitate discussion as students work.
Review the answers as a class, discussing why each scenario fits its respective category.

Step 4

Practice Scenarios (5 minutes)

5 minutes

Divide students into small groups or pairs.
Provide each group with the Assertiveness Role-Play Guide.
Students will practice role-playing different scenarios, focusing on using assertive communication and 'I-Statements'.
After a few minutes of practice, bring the class back together for a quick share-out of successful assertive communication examples.

Step 5

Cool-Down: Communication Post-Test (Optional)

Optional

Distribute the Communication Post-Test to assess student understanding and progress.
Collect tests to review student learning.

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Slide Deck

Assertive Is the Answer: Finding Your Voice!

Today, we're going to learn about different ways people communicate and discover the most effective way to express ourselves clearly and respectfully. Get ready to find your voice!

Welcome students and introduce the lesson's main topic: how we communicate. Explain that good communication helps us get what we need and understand others.

What Is Communication?

Communication is how we share our thoughts, feelings, and needs with others. It's like sending and receiving messages!

We communicate in many ways:

Talking
Listening
Body language
Facial expressions

Ask students: "What does 'communication' mean to you? How do we communicate every day?" Encourage a brief discussion. Emphasize that communication is about sending and receiving messages.

Communication Style 1: Passive

Passive communication means you often let others make decisions for you, or you don't express your feelings and needs.

Sounds like:

"Whatever you want is fine."
"I guess so..."

Looks like:

Quiet voice
Avoids eye contact
Lets others walk all over them

Introduce Passive Communication. Ask: "What do you notice about people who communicate passively?" Discuss examples where people might avoid sharing their feelings or stand up for themselves.

Communication Style 2: Aggressive

Aggressive communication means you express your feelings and needs in a way that can be disrespectful, demanding, or even hurtful to others.

Sounds like:

"You always do that!"
"Give me that now!"

Looks like:

Loud voice, yelling
Angry facial expressions
Interrupts others

Introduce Aggressive Communication. Ask: "How do you think others feel when someone communicates aggressively?" Discuss the negative impact and why it often doesn't solve problems.

Communication Style 3: Assertive

Assertive communication means you express your feelings, needs, and opinions clearly and respectfully, while also listening to and respecting others.

Sounds like:

"I understand how you feel, and I need..."
"I would like to share my idea."

Looks like:

Clear, calm voice
Good eye contact
Listens to others

Introduce Assertive Communication. Highlight it as the most effective style. Ask: "How is assertive different from passive and aggressive?" Emphasize respecting both yourself and others.

The Power of 'I-Statements'

An 'I-Statement' is a way to express how you feel without blaming others.

Formula:
I feel [emotion] when [situation] because [reason], and I need [what you need].

Example:
Instead of: "You always take my things!"
Try: "I feel frustrated when my things are taken without asking, because I like to know where my belongings are. I need you to ask me before taking my things."

Explain the power of 'I-Statements'. Guide students through examples, converting demanding statements into 'I-Statements'. For instance, change 'You never listen!' to 'I feel frustrated when I'm not heard.'

Let's Practice!

It takes practice to be assertive! Let's try some scenarios together.

Think about:

How do you feel?
What is the situation?
What do you need?

Lead a quick practice session. Present a few scenarios and have students brainstorm assertive 'I-Statements' as a class or in pairs. Examples: You want to play a different game; someone is interrupting you.

Wrap-Up: Assertive is the Answer!

Remember, assertive communication helps you:

Express your needs clearly.
Understand others better.
Solve problems effectively.
Build stronger relationships.

It's about being strong and kind at the same time!

Summarize the key takeaway: assertive communication is about respecting yourself and others. Encourage students to try using assertive communication in their daily lives.

Activity

Communication Style Sort

Instructions: Read each scenario below. Decide if the person is communicating in a Passive, Aggressive, or Assertive way. Write your answer in the space provided.

Scenario 1

Your friend wants to play a game you don't like, but you say, "Sure, whatever you want to play is fine," even though you'd rather play something else.