Lesson Plan
Self-Advocacy in Action
To practice self advocacy skills
This lesson focuses on helping students develop self-advocacy skills through a combination of video learning, discussion, and practical activities. By engaging in these activities, students will learn how to express their needs and make decisions that align with their personal values, which is crucial for their personal growth and confidence.
Audience
2 8th Grade Students
Time
30 min
Approach
Materials
Video: How to Be More Confident, Worksheet: Self-Advocacy Scenarios, Discussion: Self-Advocacy Strategies, Activity: Role-Playing Self-Advocacy, and Interactive Game: Communication Skills
Step 1
Introduction
5 mins
- Begin by discussing the importance of self-advocacy and how it helps in personal growth.
- Introduce the video How to Be More Confident as a tool to learn about assertiveness.
Step 2
Video Viewing
5 mins
- Watch the video How to Be More Confident.
- Ask students to note down key points about assertiveness and self-expression.
Step 3
Discussion
5 mins
- Use the discussion questions to explore what students learned from the video.
- Encourage students to share personal experiences where they needed to advocate for themselves.
- Highlight the importance of active listening by having students repeat back what they heard before responding.
Step 4
Interactive Game
5 mins
- Conduct a quick icebreaker game focused on communication skills, such as 'Two Truths and a Lie' where students practice expressing themselves clearly.
- Discuss how these skills relate to self-advocacy.
Step 5
Worksheet Activity
10 mins
- Distribute the 'Self-Advocacy Scenarios' worksheet.
- Have students work through scenarios, discussing how they would advocate for themselves in each situation.
- Provide guidance and feedback as needed, focusing on how they listen and respond to others.
Step 6
Role-Playing Activity
15 mins
- Pair students and have them role-play various scenarios from the worksheet.
- Introduce additional scenarios for variety, such as advocating for a leadership role in a group project or expressing disagreement respectfully.
- Include scenarios that involve peer pressure, such as refusing to participate in an activity they are uncomfortable with or standing up to a friend who is pressuring them to do something against their values.
- Encourage them to use assertive communication techniques and practice active listening by summarizing their partner's points before responding.
- Provide feedback on their performance, particularly on their listening skills.
Step 7
Closure
5 mins
- Recap the key points of the lesson.
- Ask students to reflect on how they can apply self-advocacy and active listening skills in their daily lives.
- Encourage them to set a personal goal related to self-advocacy and communication.
Discussion
Self-Advocacy Strategies
A discussion to explore strategies for self-advocacy and reflect on personal experiences.
What are some key strategies for self-advocacy you learned from the video?
Encourage students to mention assertiveness, clear communication, and setting boundaries.
Can you share a time when you had to advocate for yourself? How did it go?
Guide students to reflect on their experiences and what they learned from them.
How can active listening improve your ability to advocate for yourself?
Discuss how understanding others' perspectives can lead to more effective communication.
Worksheet
Self-Advocacy Scenarios
This worksheet provides scenarios for students to practice self-advocacy skills.
Scenario 1: You feel overwhelmed with homework and need to ask your teacher for an extension. How would you approach this situation?
Think about how to express your needs clearly and respectfully.
Scenario 2: You want to join a club, but you're nervous about meeting new people. How can you advocate for yourself to overcome this fear?
Consider ways to build confidence and express your interest.
Scenario 3: You want to take on a leadership role in a group project but are unsure how to express your interest. What steps would you take?
Think about how to communicate your strengths and willingness to lead.
Scenario 4: You disagree with a friend's opinion during a discussion. How can you express your disagreement respectfully?
Consider how to use 'I' statements and active listening.
Scenario 5: A peer wants to copy your homework, but you don't feel comfortable with it. How do you handle this situation?
Think about how to assert your boundaries while maintaining the friendship.
Scenario 6: During a group project, a peer is not contributing equally. How do you address this issue?
Consider how to communicate your concerns and encourage teamwork.
Scenario 7: Your friends are pressuring you to skip class. How do you assertively say no?
Think about how to stand firm in your decision while being respectful.
Scenario 8: A friend wants you to try something you're uncomfortable with. How do you handle this situation?
Consider how to express your discomfort and suggest alternatives.