Warm-Up: What Would You Do?

Scenario 1: Imagine you are in class, and the teacher is explaining something important, but you didn't quite understand the last part. What would you do?

Scenario 2: Your friend wants you to join an activity after school, but you already have plans and really need to finish your homework. What would you say or do?

Scenario 3: You feel really strongly about a decision being made in a group project, but everyone else seems to disagree. How would you share your opinion?

Teacher Script: My Voice, My Power

Introduction (5 minutes)

"Good morning/afternoon [Student's Name]. Thanks for joining me today. We're going to talk about something super important that can help you in school, with your friends, and at home: self-advocacy. Our lesson today is called My Voice, My Power."

"Let's start with a quick warm-up. I'm going to give you a few situations, and I want you to tell me what you would do. There's no right or wrong answer, just your honest thoughts."

(Present scenarios from Warm-Up: What Would You Do? and discuss briefly)

"Great job! Now, when we talk about 'self-advocacy,' it simply means speaking up for yourself and your needs. It's about letting others know what you need, what you think, or how you feel, in a respectful way. Why do you think it might be important to speak up for yourself?"

(Listen to student's response. Guide them to ideas like getting help, being understood, feeling confident, solving problems.)

"Exactly! Self-advocacy helps you get the support you need, express your feelings, and set boundaries. It's about making sure your voice is heard and that you have a say in things that affect you."

"Can you think of any times in school, at home, or with friends where someone might need to speak up for themselves?"

(Allow time for student to respond. Offer examples if needed: asking a teacher for clarification, telling a friend 'no,' explaining why you're upset to a family member.)

Self-Advocacy Scenarios Game (10 minutes)

"Now, let's play a game to practice! It's called the Self-Advocacy Scenarios Game. I'll give you different situations, and your job is to tell me how you would self-advocate in that moment. Remember to be clear and respectful."

(Go through scenarios from the Self-Advocacy Scenarios Game. Provide positive reinforcement and gentle coaching on phrasing, tone, and body language.)

"That was excellent practice! You did a great job thinking through those situations."

Reflection and Journaling (5 minutes)

"Speaking up for yourself can sometimes feel tricky, but the more you practice, the easier it becomes. Let's take a moment to reflect on what we've discussed. I'd like you to think about one of the scenarios we just talked about, or even a real-life situation, where you could use your self-advocacy skills."

"We're going to use this Self-Advocacy Journal. I want you to write down your thoughts and a plan for how you would speak up in that situation."

(Provide the journal and writing materials. Offer support and prompts as the student writes.)

Cool-Down: My Advocacy Pledge (5 minutes)

"To wrap things up, we're going to make a pledge. It's like a promise to yourself. This is our Cool-Down: My Advocacy Pledge. I'd like you to complete the sentences, thinking about what we've learned today."

(Provide the pledge sheet. After completion, affirm their commitment.)

"Fantastic, [Student's Name]! Remember, your voice is powerful. You have the right to express your needs and feelings. Keep practicing, and know that I'm here to support you. You've got this!"

"Do you have any questions for me today?"