Confident Self-Advocates

Abby Lindberg

Tier 2

Lesson Plan

Confident Self-Advocates

Self Advocacy

This lesson aims to teach middle school students with moderate disabilities about self-advocacy. Through a video on assertiveness, an interactive activity, and a reflective discussion, students will learn practical tips for confidently expressing their needs and priorities. Developing self-advocacy skills is crucial for fostering independence and self-confidence in students.

Audience

Middle School Students with Disabilities

Time

1 hour

Approach

Materials

Video: 'How to Be More Confident', Discussion Guide, and Self-Advocacy Activity Sheet

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Welcome the students and introduce the topic of self-advocacy.
Explain that self-advocacy means being able to speak up for yourself and say what you need or want.
Briefly discuss why self-advocacy is important in everyday life.

Step 2

Video: 'How to Be More Confident'

10 mins

Show the video "How to Be More Confident" (5 mins 1 sec).
After the video, ask students to share one thing they learned about being assertive.

Step 3

Self-Advocacy Activity

30 mins

Hand out the 'Self-Advocacy Activity Sheet.'
Guide students through simple, practical scenarios where they can practice self-advocacy skills based on the video they watched.
Provide individual assistance to students as needed.

Step 4

Discussion

10 mins

Lead a discussion using prepared questions to reflect on the activity and video.
Encourage students to share their experiences and thoughts on self-advocacy.
Summarize key points and reinforce the importance of self-advocacy.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

Recap the main takeaways from the lesson.
Encourage students to practice self-advocacy in their daily lives.
Thank the students for their participation and provide positive reinforcement.

Discussion

Self-Advocacy Discussion

This discussion will help students reflect on the self-advocacy lesson and share their thoughts and experiences.

What is self-advocacy?

Help students define self-advocacy in their own words. Emphasize the importance of speaking up for oneself.

Can you share an example of a situation where you had to advocate for yourself?

Encourage students to think of times when they expressed their needs or wants. Support them in sharing their experiences.

Why is it important to be honest and direct when self-advocating?

Discuss the benefits of clear communication and how it helps others understand their needs.

How can you use body language to be more assertive?

Reinforce tips from the video, such as maintaining eye contact, standing up straight, and using a confident tone of voice.

What are some non-negotiable boundaries you have?

Encourage students to think about their own boundaries and why it's important to stick to them.

Worksheet

Self-Advocacy Activity Sheet

This activity sheet includes practical scenarios for students to practice and reinforce self-advocacy skills.

Scenario 1: You are at a restaurant, and you receive the wrong order. What would you say to the waiter to correct your order?

Think about being honest and direct, as mentioned in the video.

Scenario 2: Your friend keeps talking loudly during a movie, making it hard for you to enjoy it. How would you ask them to be quiet?

Use 'I' statements to express your needs without blaming.

Scenario 3: You have a lot of homework and need some quiet time at home. How would you ask your family to help you with this?

Consider your non-negotiable boundaries and how to communicate them assertively.

Scenario 4: You want to join a new club at school but feel nervous about going alone. What could you say to a friend to ask them to join you?

Practice using body language and voice to communicate confidently.