Lesson Plan
Brave Voices: Speaking Up for Myself
Students will be able to identify and practice assertive communication, differentiating it from passive and aggressive styles, to effectively express their needs and feelings.
Empowering students with self-advocacy skills builds confidence, fosters healthier relationships, and equips them to navigate various social situations with clarity and respect. This lesson helps students find their voice.
Audience
3rd-5th Graders
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Interactive scenarios, guided practice, and group discussion.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Brave Voices Slide Deck, Communication Styles Worksheet, Role-Play Scenarios Activity, and Speaking Up Discussion Guide
Prep
Prepare Materials
15 minutes
- Review the Brave Voices Slide Deck for content and flow.
* Print copies of the Communication Styles Worksheet for each student.
* Cut out the individual scenarios from the Role-Play Scenarios Activity if you plan to distribute them.
* Familiarize yourself with the discussion points in the Speaking Up Discussion Guide.
Step 1
Warm-Up: What Does Your Voice Say?
10 minutes
- Begin by asking students: "When you want something or need to share how you feel, how do you usually do it?" (2 minutes)
* Show the first few slides of the Brave Voices Slide Deck to introduce the idea of different communication styles without naming them yet. (3 minutes)
* Engage students in a brief discussion about times they found it hard to speak up or times their message wasn't understood. (5 minutes)
Step 2
Understanding Communication Styles
15 minutes
- Using the Brave Voices Slide Deck (slides on passive, aggressive, assertive), clearly define and provide examples of each communication style. (7 minutes)
* Facilitate a short Q&A to ensure comprehension. Ask students to share examples of what each might look like in their daily lives. (8 minutes)
Step 3
Communication Styles Worksheet
15 minutes
- Distribute the Communication Styles Worksheet. (2 minutes)
* Instruct students to read the scenarios and identify whether the character is communicating passively, aggressively, or assertively. Encourage them to explain their reasoning. (10 minutes)
* Review answers as a class, discussing any discrepancies and reinforcing correct understanding. (3 minutes)
Step 4
Role-Play Scenarios Activity
15 minutes
- Introduce the Role-Play Scenarios Activity. Explain that students will work in small groups to practice assertive communication. (2 minutes)
* Divide students into small groups and assign each group a scenario from the activity. (3 minutes)
* Give groups time to prepare their role-plays, focusing on how to communicate assertively. (7 minutes)
* Have a few groups present their role-plays to the class, followed by brief feedback. (3 minutes)
Step 5
Wrap-Up & Discussion
5 minutes
- Conclude with a class discussion using the Speaking Up Discussion Guide. (3 minutes)
* Emphasize that practicing assertive communication helps them to be heard and respected. (2 minutes)
* Encourage students to try using assertive communication in their lives this week.
Slide Deck
Brave Voices: Speaking Up for Myself
How do you share what you need or how you feel?
Welcome students and introduce the idea that our voices are powerful. Ask the opening question and encourage a few students to share their initial thoughts.
Your Voice Matters!
Sometimes it's hard to speak up.
Sometimes our message gets misunderstood.
Today, we'll learn how to use our 'Brave Voice'!
Explain that how we talk can change how people understand us. Introduce the concept of different 'voices' or communication styles.
The 'Quiet' Voice (Passive)
What it looks like:
* Avoiding sharing your feelings.
* Letting others make all the decisions.
* Hoping someone will guess what you need.
Why it's tough: Your needs might not get met!
Introduce Passive communication. Emphasize that it's often quiet and avoids conflict, but can lead to needs not being met. Give examples specific to 3rd-5th graders.
The 'Loud' Voice (Aggressive)
What it looks like:
* Yelling or shouting.
* Interrupting others.
* Ignoring other people's feelings.
* Trying to get your way no matter what.
Why it's tough: It can hurt feelings and push people away!
Introduce Aggressive communication. Highlight that it's loud and forceful, and while it might get results, it often hurts others. Give age-appropriate examples.
The 'Brave' Voice (Assertive)
What it looks like:
* Clearly saying what you need or feel.
* Listening to others.
* Respecting yourself and others.
* Finding a fair solution.
Why it's great: Everyone feels heard and respected!
Introduce Assertive communication – the 'Brave Voice.' Explain that it's about being clear and respectful. Provide simple examples.
Which Voice Will You Use?
Passive, Aggressive, or Assertive?
Let's practice telling the difference!
Review the three styles and set up the worksheet activity. Remind students to think about what they've learned.
Time for Role Play!
Now, let's practice using our Brave Voices in different situations. You'll work with a group to act out scenarios.
Introduce the role-play activity and explain its purpose.
Use Your Brave Voice!
Speaking up clearly and respectfully helps you, and helps others understand you better.
Keep practicing your assertive voice!
Concluding slide, reinforcing the main message of self-advocacy and encouraging practice.
Worksheet
Communication Styles Worksheet: Which Voice Is It?
Read each scenario. Decide if the person is using a Passive Voice, an Aggressive Voice, or a Brave (Assertive) Voice. Write your answer and explain why.
Scenario 1
Your friend accidentally knocks over your tower of blocks. You feel upset but you don't say anything and just start rebuilding it with a sad face.
Which Voice?
Why?
Scenario 2
Someone cuts in front of you in line. You shout, "Hey! No cutting! You always do this! Go to the back!"
Which Voice?
Why?
Scenario 3
Your classmate keeps borrowing your pencils without asking. You walk up to them and say, "Excuse me, I need my pencils back now. Please ask me before you take them in the future."
Which Voice?
Why?
Scenario 4
Your group wants to play a game you don't enjoy. You say, "I'd rather not play that game today. How about we try [another game] instead?"
Which Voice?
Why?
Scenario 5
You are working on a project with a partner, and you feel like you are doing all the work. You say, "I feel like I'm doing most of the work on this project. Can we figure out a way to share the tasks more evenly?"
Which Voice?
Why?
Activity
Role-Play Scenarios: Using Your Brave Voice!
Work in small groups. Read your assigned scenario and decide how you can use a Brave (Assertive) Voice to speak up. Practice acting it out!
Scenario 1: Sharing Supplies
Situation: You are drawing, and a classmate keeps taking your crayons without asking. You feel frustrated because you need them, and they aren't returning them.
Your Task: Show how you would calmly and clearly tell your classmate that you need your crayons back and ask them to ask next time.
Scenario 2: Lunchtime Seating
Situation: You arrive at your usual lunch table, but a new group of students is sitting there, and they tell you there's no room. You feel left out and a bit sad, but you know there's usually space.
Your Task: Show how you would politely but firmly explain that you usually sit there and try to find a solution (e.g., asking if you can squeeze in, or suggesting sharing the space).
Scenario 3: Group Project Idea
Situation: You are working on a group project, and you have a really good idea, but your group members keep interrupting you or talking over you when you try to share it.
Your Task: Show how you would assertively get your group's attention and explain your idea, ensuring your voice is heard without being rude.
Scenario 4: A Game You Don't Like
Situation: Your friends want to play a game during recess that you really don't enjoy. You've played it many times, and it always makes you feel bored or excluded.
Your Task: Show how you would kindly tell your friends that you don't want to play that specific game and suggest an alternative game or activity.
Scenario 5: Unfair Play
Situation: During a game on the playground, one student is not following the rules, making it unfair for everyone else. You feel annoyed and like the game is being ruined.
Your Task: Show how you would address the situation with the student, explaining calmly why their actions are unfair and asking them to follow the rules.
Discussion
Speaking Up Discussion Guide: Using Our Brave Voices
Use these questions to facilitate a wrap-up discussion with your students, reinforcing the concepts of assertive communication.
Discussion Questions:
-
What does it mean to have a "Brave Voice"?
* Prompt: How is it different from being quiet or being bossy? -
Can you think of a time when you used your Brave Voice, or when you wish you had?
* Prompt: What happened? How did it feel? -
Why is it important to communicate assertively (use your Brave Voice) at school and at home?
* Prompt: How does it help you? How does it help others? -
What are some challenges you might face when trying to speak up assertively?
* Prompt: What can you do when it feels hard? -
What is one thing you will try to do this week to practice using your Brave Voice?
* Prompt: Think of a specific situation where you might need to speak up.