Lesson Plan
Self-Advocacy Lesson Plan
In a one-on-one 30-minute session, the student will identify when they need support and practice using self-advocacy strategies (I-statements, requesting accommodations, asking for help, planning) to communicate needs in 70% of observed opportunities.
Teaching self-advocacy builds the student’s confidence and independence by equipping them with strategies to clearly express needs and seek support in academic or social challenges, fostering self-efficacy and success.
Audience
9th Grade Student (Tier 3 Individual)
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Model, practice, and reflect on self-advocacy strategies.
Materials
- I-Statement Prompt Sheet, - Self-Advocacy Scenario Cards, - Self-Advocacy Planning Worksheet, - Notebook or Paper, - Pen or Pencil, and - Timer or Clock
Prep
Prepare Materials
5 minutes
- Gather and print or load digital copies of I-Statement Prompt Sheet, Self-Advocacy Scenario Cards, and Self-Advocacy Planning Worksheet
- Ensure a visible timer or clock is ready for pacing
- Review the student’s individualized goals and any previous self-advocacy notes
Step 1
Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Ask the student to describe a recent academic or social challenge they faced
- Have the student jot down a one- or two-sentence description on Notebook or Paper
- Connect the challenge to the concept of needing support or assistance
Step 2
Teaching Input
8 minutes
- Introduce the concept of self-advocacy and its importance
- Present the I-Statement Prompt Sheet and explain how it structures feelings, needs, and requests
- Model crafting an I-statement for a sample challenge (e.g., "I feel overwhelmed when homework instructions are unclear. Could you please clarify them?")
Step 3
Guided Practice
8 minutes
- Shuffle and draw a card from Self-Advocacy Scenario Cards
- Ask the student to identify which strategy (I-statement, request for help, accommodation, or planning) fits each scenario
- Have the student practice aloud, then provide immediate, specific feedback and prompts
Step 4
Independent Practice
6 minutes
- Give the student the Self-Advocacy Planning Worksheet
- Instruct them to select a real upcoming challenge and complete the worksheet, formulating their own I-statement or request
- Circulate briefly, offering encouragement but allowing independence
Step 5
Cool-Down
3 minutes
- Ask the student to reflect: “How did using these strategies feel?” and note one key insight
- Have the student state one self-advocacy action they will try in the next class
- Offer praise for their effort and schedule a quick follow-up check in future sessions
Slide Deck
Own Your Voice: Self-Advocacy
Objective:
When you face an academic or social challenge, you will identify your need for assistance and use a self-advocacy strategy (I-statement, asking for help, requesting an accommodation, or planning) to communicate your needs.
Welcome the student and introduce the lesson objective: recognizing challenges and using self-advocacy strategies in 70% of opportunities. Explain that today’s session is called “Own Your Voice.”
What Is Self-Advocacy?
Self-advocacy means recognizing when you need help and speaking up for yourself to get support.
Key Points:
• Understand your feelings and needs
• Clearly express what you need
• Ask for help, resources, or accommodations
Define self-advocacy in your own words, then show why it matters. Emphasize confidence and independence.
Using I-Statements
Use this formula:
I feel [feeling] when [situation]. Could you [specific request]?
Example:
“I feel confused when homework instructions are unclear. Could you please explain them differently?”
Introduce the I-statement format step by step. Model a sample on the slide. Refer student to the I-Statement Prompt Sheet for more examples.
Scenario Practice
- Draw a card from Self-Advocacy Scenario Cards.
- Identify which strategy fits (I-statement, ask for help, request accommodation, or planning).
- Practice your response aloud using that strategy.
Guide the student to draw a scenario card and decide which strategy fits. Offer prompts if they struggle. Provide specific feedback.
Plan Your Self-Advocacy
Use the Self-Advocacy Planning Worksheet:
- Describe your upcoming challenge
- Choose a self-advocacy strategy
- Write your statement or request
- Note next steps and follow-up
Explain independent practice: the student completes a real upcoming challenge plan. Circulate to encourage but let them work on their own.
Reflect & Next Steps
• How did it feel to use these strategies? Write one insight.
• What self-advocacy action will you try next class?
• We’ll follow up on your action in our next session.
Lead a brief reflection. Ask how it felt and what they learned. Have them commit to one action next class. Offer praise and schedule a quick check-in.
Worksheet
I-Statement Prompt Sheet
Self-advocacy starts with clear, respectful communication. I-statements help you express your feelings and needs without blaming others. Use the frames below to structure your requests.
What Is an I-Statement?
An I-statement has three parts:
- I feel [your feeling]
- when [the situation]
- Could you / Would you [your request]?
This format helps you:
- Take ownership of your feelings
- Describe a specific situation
- Ask for what you need politely
Sentence Frames
- Basic Frame
I feel ________ when ________. Could you please ________?
- Accommodations Frame
I need ________ because ________. Would it be possible to ________?
- Help-Seeking Frame
I’m having trouble with ________. Could you help me by ________?
- Planning Frame
I would like to plan for ________. Can we set a time to ________?
Examples
• “I feel confused when I don’t understand the instructions. Could you explain them again?”
• “I need extra time on this assignment because the questions are challenging. Would it be possible to have a 24-hour extension?”
• “I’m having trouble solving this math problem. Could you show me another example?”
• “I would like to plan for my group project. Can we meet tomorrow to outline our tasks?”
Your Turn
Choose one frame above and write your own I-statement for a challenge you face today:
I feel __________________ when __________________. Could you / Would you __________________?
Reflect: How did it feel to write your I-statement?
Activity
Self-Advocacy Scenario Cards
Use these cards to practice identifying and applying the right self-advocacy strategy. For each scenario:
- Read the situation.
- Choose which strategy you would use: I-statement, ask for help, request accommodation, or planning.
- Practice your statement or question aloud.
Card 1
Scenario: You’re unsure what the homework directions mean and you don’t want to make mistakes.
Which strategy fits? Practice your response.
Card 2
Scenario: A big test is next week, and you feel overwhelmed by all the material.
Which strategy fits? Practice your response.
Card 3
Scenario: You have a family appointment and won’t finish the assignment on time.
Which strategy fits? Practice your response.
Card 4
Scenario: You want to form a study group but don’t know how to ask classmates.
Which strategy fits? Practice your response.
Card 5
Scenario: In a group project, you haven’t been assigned a role and aren’t sure what to do.
Which strategy fits? Practice your response.
Card 6
Scenario: You’re stuck on a math problem and can’t move forward on your work.
Which strategy fits? Practice your response.
Card 7
Scenario: The classroom is too loud, and you can’t focus on the lesson.
Which strategy fits? Practice your response.
Card 8
Scenario: Public speaking makes you very anxious, and you have to give a presentation tomorrow.
Which strategy fits? Practice your response.
Card 9
Scenario: You’re confused by the reading assignment and missed some key details.
Which strategy fits? Practice your response.
Card 10
Scenario: You’ve written an essay draft and want feedback before the final submission.
Which strategy fits? Practice your response.
Worksheet
Self-Advocacy Planning Worksheet
Use this worksheet to plan a real-life self-advocacy moment. Follow each step to prepare what you will say, how you will say it, and your follow-up plan.
1. Describe Your Upcoming Challenge
What academic or social situation will you face soon that might require support? Be specific about when, where, and who is involved.
2. Choose a Self-Advocacy Strategy
Which strategy fits best for this challenge? (Circle one or write below)
- I-Statement
- Asking for Help
- Requesting an Accommodation
- Planning
Why did you choose this strategy? Explain how it will help.
3. Draft Your Statement or Request
Write exactly what you will say or ask. Use the frames on the I-Statement Prompt Sheet or the Self-Advocacy Scenario Cards for support.
4. Plan Next Steps and Follow-Up
After you make your request, what will you do to ensure you get the support you need? (e.g., set a meeting, send a reminder, check progress)
5. Reflection
How do you expect using this strategy will change your experience with this challenge? What outcome are you hoping for?