Lesson Plan
My Voice, My Power
Students will be able to identify a situation where self-advocacy is needed and state their needs clearly and respectfully.
Learning self-advocacy helps students stand up for themselves and others, fostering confidence, respect, and positive social interactions. It's a crucial life skill for navigating challenges.
Audience
4th Grade Students
Time
20 minutes
Approach
Through discussion, examples, and a role-playing activity, students will practice self-advocacy.
Materials
Whiteboard or Chart Paper, Markers, Scenario Cards (provided in Slide Deck Presentation), and Finding My Voice Script-Writing Worksheet
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Review the My Voice, My Power Lesson Plan and all generated materials.
- Prepare the whiteboard/chart paper for
Step 1
Welcome & Warm-Up: What's Your Superpower?
5 minutes
- Begin by asking students: "If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?" (1 minute)
- Transition to discussing a 'real-life superpower': self-advocacy. (1 minute)
- Pose the question: "What does it mean to stand up for yourself or for someone else?" Allow for quick brainstorms/shares. (3 minutes)
- Introduce the lesson objective.
Step 2
Introduce Key Concept: Self-Advocacy Unpacked
5 minutes
- Use the Slide Deck Presentation to introduce the key concepts: Self-Advocacy, Assertiveness, Setting Boundaries, and Seeking Help.
- Discuss examples of self-advocacy in school and daily life. For instance, asking a teacher for clarification, telling a friend you don't like a game, or seeking help from a grown-up when something feels unfair.
- Emphasize the importance of clear, respectful communication.
Step 3
Guided Practice: Scenario Showdown
7 minutes
- Divide students into small groups (2-3 students).
- Present one scenario from the Slide Deck Presentation or a Finding My Voice Script-Writing to each group.
- Instruct groups to discuss how they would use self-advocacy in their given situation, using the concepts discussed.
- Encourage them to think about what they would say and do.
- Circulate and provide support, prompting with questions like: "How could you say that kindly but firmly?" or "Who could help you in this situation?"
Step 4
Reflect & Share: Your Voice Matters
3 minutes
- Bring the class back together.
- Ask each group to share one key takeaway or a brief summary of their self-advocacy plan for their scenario.
- Conclude by reinforcing the idea that everyone's voice matters and that using it respectfully is a powerful skill. Reiterate the lesson objective and how they can apply it moving forward.
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Slide Deck
My Voice, My Power
Speaking Up For Yourself and Others
Welcome students and introduce the exciting topic of the day: using their voice! Ask them to think about what it means to be powerful, not just with muscles, but with words and actions.
Warm-Up: What's Your Superpower?
Imagine you have a superpower! What would it be and why?
Start with a fun warm-up. Ask students, 'If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?' Give them a moment to think and maybe share with a partner or the class. Transition by saying we're learning a real-life superpower today.
What is Self-Advocacy?
Standing up for yourself and others in a respectful way.
Why is it important?
- You get what you need.
- You feel strong and confident.
- You help others feel strong too!
Introduce the core concept. Ask: 'What does it mean to stand up for yourself or for someone else?' Brainstorm ideas as a class. Explain that self-advocacy is about speaking up for what you need or believe is right.
Key Concept 1: Assertiveness
Being clear and confident when you speak, without being rude or aggressive. You state your needs respectfully.
Explain Assertiveness. It's not being mean or shy, but just right in the middle! Give examples: asking for help, saying 'no thank you,' expressing feelings.
Key Concept 2: Setting Boundaries
Communicating your personal limits and needs to others. It’s about letting people know what you are comfortable with.
Discuss boundaries. Explain that boundaries are like invisible fences that protect us. Give examples: personal space, not wanting to share something, needing quiet time. How do we communicate these boundaries?
Key Concept 3: Seeking Help
Knowing when to ask a trusted adult (parent, teacher, counselor) for support. This is a brave and smart way to advocate for yourself!
Emphasize that it's okay, and even smart, to ask for help! Who can they ask for help? Teachers, parents, guardians, counselors, trusted adults. When should they seek help?
Practice Time: Real-Life Scenarios
Work in small groups to discuss these situations. How would you use your voice and power?
Scenario 1: Your friend keeps interrupting you when you're trying to talk.
Scenario 2: You don't understand the math homework, but everyone else seems to get it.
Scenario 3: Someone is saying unkind things about another student.
Scenario 4: You feel uncomfortable with a game your friends are playing.
Present scenarios for guided practice. Divide students into small groups. Give each group one scenario to discuss how they would use self-advocacy. Circulate and guide their discussions. Remind them to think about what they would say and do.
Reflect & Share: Your Voice Matters!
What did you learn about using your voice today?
How will you use your superpower of self-advocacy?
Bring the class back together. Ask each group to share their plan for one scenario. Conclude by reinforcing the lesson's main idea: their voice is a powerful tool for good.
Script
Teacher Script: My Voice, My Power
Welcome & Warm-Up: What's Your Superpower? (5 minutes)
"Good morning, everyone! Today we're going to talk about something really important that can help you in school, with your friends, and even at home. Before we dive in, I have a fun question for you."
"If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Think for a moment, then I'll ask for a few volunteers to share."
"Those are some amazing superpowers! What if I told you there's a real-life superpower that all of us have? It's the power of using our voice. Today, we're going to learn about 'self-advocacy' – which is all about how to stand up for yourself and for others. What do you think it means to stand up for yourself or someone else?"
"Great ideas! We're going to learn how to do that clearly and respectfully, so you can always make sure your needs are heard."
Introduce Key Concept: Self-Advocacy Unpacked (5 minutes)
"Let's look at our Slide Deck Presentation to understand self-advocacy better. Self-advocacy means speaking up for yourself and others in a respectful way. It's about letting people know what you need, what you're thinking, or how you're feeling, without being mean or bossy."
"Why do you think this is an important skill to have? How can it help you?"
"Exactly! It helps you get what you need, feel strong and confident, and even help others feel strong too. We're going to focus on a few key ideas today: Assertiveness, Setting Boundaries, and Seeking Help."
Key Concept 1: Assertiveness
"First, 'Assertiveness.' This means being clear and confident when you speak, without being rude or aggressive. It's about stating your needs respectfully. For example, if you don't understand something in class, being assertive means raising your hand and saying, 'Excuse me, I need some help with this problem.' It's not yelling, 'I don't get it!' and it's not staying silent and confused. It's finding that middle ground."
"Can anyone think of a time they've been assertive, or wished they had been?"
Key Concept 2: Setting Boundaries
"Next, 'Setting Boundaries.' Think of boundaries like invisible fences that protect your feelings, your space, or your things. It’s about letting people know what you are comfortable with. If a friend keeps taking your pencils without asking, a boundary could be saying, 'Please ask before you take my pencils.' You're letting them know your limit respectfully."
"What are some ways you might set a boundary with a friend or family member?"
Key Concept 3: Seeking Help
"Finally, 'Seeking Help.' This is super important! Knowing when to ask a trusted adult for support is a brave and smart way to advocate for yourself. If something feels too big to handle alone, or if you've tried to advocate for yourself and it hasn't worked, it's time to find a grown-up who can help. Who are some trusted adults you could go to for help?"
Guided Practice: Scenario Showdown (7 minutes)
"Now it's your turn to practice using your self-advocacy superpowers! I'm going to put you into small groups, and each group will get a scenario from our Slide Deck Presentation or a specific prompt from your Finding My Voice Script-Writing Worksheet. Your job is to discuss how you would use self-advocacy in that situation. Think about what you would say and what you would do."
"Remember to use what we just talked about: be assertive, think about setting boundaries, and consider if you need to seek help. I'll be walking around to listen and help if you get stuck."
(Divide students into groups and distribute scenario prompts if not using the slide deck. Circulate, listen, and offer guidance. For example: "How could you say that kindly but firmly?" or "Who could help you in this situation if your friend didn't listen?")
Reflect & Share: Your Voice Matters! (3 minutes)
"Alright, class, bring it back together! Let's hear from each group. Who would like to share one key takeaway or a brief summary of how you would use self-advocacy in your scenario?"
"Fantastic work, everyone! You've shown that you have a powerful voice, and you know how to use it respectfully to stand up for yourselves and others. Remember, your voice matters, and using it is a skill that will help you throughout your life. Keep practicing your self-advocacy superpowers!"