Script: Guiding Your Voice

Introduction & Warm-Up (15 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning, everyone! Welcome. Today, we're going to talk about something really important: using your voice. We're going to learn how to speak up for ourselves, especially when we're talking with our families, and how to do it without feeling scared they might get upset. It's about making sure your needs and feelings are heard and understood."

"To start, I have a quick activity for you. I'm handing out a paper called Warm Up: My Voice Matters!. Please take a few minutes to read the questions and write down your thoughts. Don't worry, there are no right or wrong answers. Just write what you truly think and feel."

(Distribute Warm Up: My Voice Matters!. Allow 5-7 minutes for students to complete it. Display Speak Up, Be Heard! Slide Deck Slide 2.)

Teacher: "Okay, let's talk about what you wrote. Would anyone like to share something they wrote, or maybe just tell us what makes it hard sometimes to speak up, especially to family? No pressure at all, but if you're comfortable, we'd love to hear your thoughts."

(Facilitate a brief discussion, affirming all responses and creating a safe space. Transition to the next section.)

Teacher: "Thank you for sharing. It's clear many of us feel this way sometimes, and that's completely normal. Today, we're going to learn how to make those conversations a little easier."

Understanding Self-Advocacy (20 minutes)

Teacher: "Let's move on. Look at the screen (or handout). Our first big idea today is 'self-advocacy.' (Display Speak Up, Be Heard! Slide Deck Slide 3: 'What is Self-Advocacy?')"

"Self-advocacy means speaking up for yourself and your needs. It's about knowing what you want and need, and then confidently and respectfully telling others. Most importantly, it's about making sure your voice is heard, especially by your family. It's not about being demanding; it's about clear, respectful communication."

"Why do you think this is important? (Display Speak Up, Be Heard! Slide Deck Slide 4: 'Why is Self-Advocacy Important?')"

(Allow a few student responses, guiding them to concepts like getting needs met, feeling independent, better relationships.)

Teacher: "Exactly! It helps you get what you need, feel more confident, build stronger, more understanding relationships with your family, and ultimately, live the life you want! When your family understands you better, they can support you better."

"Now, I have a short reading for you that talks more about how powerful your voice can be. It's called Reading: The Power of Your Voice. I'll hand it out now, and I'd like you to read it quietly to yourselves." (Display Speak Up, Be Heard! Slide Deck Slide 5: 'Let's Read: The Power of Your Voice.')

(Distribute Reading: The Power of Your Voice. Allow 7-10 minutes for reading.)

Teacher: "Okay, everyone. Any questions about what we just read, or about self-advocacy in general? (Display Speak Up, Be Heard! Slide Deck Slide 6: 'Questions?')"

(Answer any questions, reinforcing key ideas from the reading.)

Open Discussion: Family Communication (25 minutes)

Teacher: "Thank you. Now, let's have a more open discussion about talking with family. We all have families, and sometimes talking with them can be easy, and sometimes it can be really tough. That's totally normal."

"Let's discuss a few things. (Display Speak Up, Be Heard! Slide Deck Slide 7: 'Discussion: Talking with Family.') First, what are some good things about talking with your family? What do you enjoy or appreciate?"

(Facilitate discussion, encouraging participation. Transition to challenges.)

Teacher: "Great points. Now, let's be honest. What makes it hard sometimes to talk with family? And how do you feel when your family doesn't seem to understand you?"

(Allow students to share challenges. Validate their feelings. Display Speak Up, Be Heard! Slide Deck Slide 8: 'Discussion: Making Communication Easier.')

Teacher: "It sounds like many of us face similar challenges. So, let's brainstorm: What are some ways we can try to talk so our family understands us better? What can we do to make communication easier?"

*(Guide students to offer practical tips like 'choosing the right time,' 'using

Warm Up: My Voice Matters!

Take a few minutes to think about these questions and write down your honest answers. There are no right or wrong answers!

1. Have you ever wanted to tell a family member something important (like what you want to do, or how you feel), but you decided not to say anything? Why did you keep quiet?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. What do you think might happen if you did speak up in that situation?
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. On a scale of 1 to 5, how comfortable do you usually feel speaking up about your needs or preferences to your family? (Circle one)
   1 (Not comfortable at all)     2 (A little comfortable)     3 (Somewhat comfortable)     4 (Quite comfortable)     5 (Very comfortable)
   
   
   
   
   
   

The Power of Your Voice: Speaking Up for Yourself

Imagine you're at a family dinner, and everyone is talking about plans for the weekend. Someone suggests an activity that you really don't enjoy, but you stay quiet. You don't want to cause trouble or make anyone upset. So, you go along with it, even though you wish you could do something else.

Have you ever felt like that? It's a common feeling, especially when it comes to talking with the people we care about most—our family. We love them, and we don't want to disappoint them or make them angry. But sometimes, staying quiet means our own needs and wishes get pushed aside.

What is Your Voice?

Your 'voice' isn't just the sounds you make. It's about your thoughts, your feelings, your needs, and your ideas. Everyone has a voice, and every voice deserves to be heard. When you use your voice to tell someone what you think or need, that's called self-advocacy.

Why is it Hard to Use Your Voice with Family?

It can be extra hard to speak up to family because:

• You love them: You don't want to hurt their feelings or make them think you don't appreciate them.
• Old habits: Maybe for a long time, others have made decisions for you, and it feels strange to speak up now.
• Fear of upset: You might worry they'll get angry, sad, or disappointed.
• Feeling misunderstood: You might feel like they won't listen or won't understand what you're trying to say.

These feelings are normal, but they shouldn't stop you from expressing yourself.

The Benefits of Using Your Voice

When you learn to use your voice with your family, good things happen:

1. You get what you need: Whether it's choosing a movie, deciding what to eat, or asking for help with something, when you speak up, you have a better chance of getting your needs met.
2. You feel more confident: Every time you successfully advocate for yourself, you feel stronger and more capable.
3. Stronger relationships: Believe it or not, open and honest communication can make your family relationships better. When your family truly understands you, they can support you in ways that really matter. They might even appreciate that you are sharing your thoughts.
4. You are respected: When you show that you value your own thoughts and feelings by expressing them, others are more likely to respect them too.

How to Start Small:

• Pick a small thing: Don't start with the biggest, hardest topic. Maybe it's about what to watch on TV, or what time to have dinner.
• Think before you speak: What exactly do you want to say? How can you say it clearly and kindly?
• Use "I" statements: Instead of "You always choose the wrong movies," try "I would really like to watch a comedy tonight."
• Choose the right time: Find a moment when your family member isn't busy or stressed. A quiet time is usually best.
• Be polite and respectful: You can advocate for yourself while still being kind. "I appreciate you suggesting that, but I was hoping we could..."

Remember, your voice is a gift, and it helps you share who you are with the world. Learning to use it, especially with family, is a journey, and every step you take is a step towards a more independent and fulfilling life.

Discussion Guide: Family Communication

(This discussion is designed to be facilitated by the teacher. Encourage open and respectful sharing among students. Refer to Script: Guiding Your Voice for teacher prompts.)

Part 1: The Good and The Challenging

1. Thinking about your family, what are some of the good things about talking with them?

   • Prompt: What do you enjoy about conversations with your family? What makes you feel good when you talk to them?

2. Now, let's talk about the other side. What makes it hard sometimes to talk with family?

   • Prompt: Are there topics that are difficult? Do you ever worry about their reaction? What feelings come up when communication is tough?

3. How do you feel when you try to explain something to your family, but they don't seem to understand you?

   • Prompt: What does it feel like when you're not heard or understood? Does it make you want to give up?

Part 2: Strategies for Easier Communication

1. What are some ways we can try to talk so our family understands us better?

   • Prompt: Think about how you say things, when you say things, and what words you use.

2. How can we show respect to our family members even when we disagree with them or are trying to advocate for something different?

   • Prompt: Is it possible to be firm but still polite? What does respectful disagreeing look like?

3. What can you do if you start to feel upset, angry, or frustrated during a conversation with a family member?

   • Prompt: Are there ways to take a break or calm down before continuing? What strategies help you manage strong emotions?

4. Imagine you have a small thing you want to ask your family for (e.g., choosing a different TV show, a certain food for dinner). How might you practice speaking up for that small thing?

   • Prompt: Let's think of some simple phrases or ways to start these conversations.

Worksheet: My Advocacy Plan

It's time to create your own plan for speaking up! This worksheet will help you think about what you want to say and how to say it respectfully.

Step 1: What do I want to advocate for?

Think about one specific thing you want to talk to a family member about. It could be big or small.

• What is it that you want or need? (Example: "I want to choose what movie we watch on Friday.")
  
  
  
  
  
  

Step 2: Who do I need to talk to?

• Which family member (or members) do you need to speak with about this?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Step 3: What do I want to say? (The Message)

Think about how you can explain your need or wish clearly and kindly. Remember to use "I" statements. Don't worry about upsetting them, just focus on expressing yourself.

• Write down exactly what you want to say. Try to keep it simple and direct.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Step 4: When and Where is a Good Time to Talk?

Timing matters! Choose a time when everyone is calm and has time to listen.

• When would be a good time to talk? (Example: "After dinner on Tuesday, when things are quiet.")
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Where would be a good place to talk? (Example: "In the living room, sitting down.")
  
  
  
  
  
  

Step 5: How will I handle their reaction?

Even when you speak respectfully, a family member might still have a different idea or feel surprised. How will you respond calmly?

• If they disagree, what can you say or do? (Example: "I can say, 'I hear what you're saying, but this is important to me.'")
  
  
  
  
  
  
• If you start to feel upset, what is one thing you can do to stay calm? (Example: "Take a deep breath and count to three.")
  
  
  
  
  
  

Step 6: Practice makes progress!

(You will practice this plan with a partner during our activity!)

Role-Playing Activity: Practice Makes Progress

It's time to put your advocacy skills into action! Practice helps you feel more confident.

Instructions:

1. Pair Up: Work with a partner.
2. Choose a Role: One person will be the 'Advocate' (practicing speaking up), and the other will be the 'Family Member.' You will switch roles.
3. Use Your Plan (or a Scenario):
   • Option A: Use the advocacy plan you created on your Worksheet: My Advocacy Plan.
   • Option B: Choose one of the scenarios below if you prefer.
4. Practice: Have the Advocate try to clearly and respectfully express their need or preference to the Family Member. The Family Member should respond naturally, but try to be open to listening.
5. Give Feedback: After each role-play, take a moment to give each other positive feedback. What did the Advocate do well? What did the Family Member do well in listening?

Role-Playing Scenarios (Choose one if not using your own plan):

Scenario 1: Weekend Plans

• Advocate: You want to spend Saturday afternoon doing an activity you enjoy (e.g., going to the library, playing a specific game, working on a hobby). Your family member has suggested a different activity that you really don't want to do (e.g., a long shopping trip, a family visit you find draining).
• Your Goal: To express your preference for your activity respectfully and suggest a compromise or an alternative time for the family activity.

Scenario 2: Meal Choice

• Advocate: Your family often cooks meals you don't particularly like, or you have a preference for a different healthy option. Tonight, they are planning to make something you really don't want to eat.
• Your Goal: To suggest a different meal idea or offer to help prepare something you would enjoy, without sounding ungrateful.

Scenario 3: Needing Quiet Time

• Advocate: You need some quiet time in your room to relax or focus on something, but a family member keeps interrupting you or making a lot of noise nearby.
• Your Goal: To politely ask for some uninterrupted quiet time, explaining why it's important to you.

Scenario 4: Asking for Help with a Task

• Advocate: You are struggling with a household chore or a personal task and need a specific type of help from a family member (e.g., help lifting something, understanding instructions, transportation).
• Your Goal: To clearly explain what help you need and why, and to ask for it politely.

Answer Key: Advocacy Check-In

1. What does 'self-advocacy' mean?

• Correct Answer: Speaking up for yourself and your needs
• Thought Process: Self-advocacy is defined as the act of representing one's own interests or desires. It involves understanding one's rights and communicating them effectively.

2. Why is it important to practice self-advocacy with your family?

• Correct Answer: To build stronger, more understanding relationships
• Thought Process: Practicing self-advocacy with family fosters mutual respect, clearer understanding of individual needs, and ultimately strengthens bonds by promoting honest and open communication.

3. Give one example of an "I" statement you could use to express a need to a family member.

• Correct Answer: Answers will vary but should be in the format of an 'I' statement, e.g., 'I feel tired when we stay up late, and I need to go to bed earlier.'
• Thought Process: "I" statements are crucial for expressing personal feelings and needs without placing blame on others. They help in communicating respectfully and clearly, focusing on one's own experience.

4. When is the best time to try and talk to a family member about something important?

• Correct Answer: When things are calm and they have time to listen
• Thought Process: Choosing the right time for a conversation increases the likelihood of being heard and understood. When individuals are calm and not rushed, they are more receptive to important discussions.

5. Name one strategy you can use if you start to feel upset during a conversation.

• Correct Answer: Answers will vary but could include: taking a deep breath, counting to ten, asking to take a short break, walking away to calm down before returning to the conversation.
• Thought Process: Emotional regulation strategies are important for constructive conversations. Recognizing rising emotions and employing techniques to calm down helps prevent escalation and allows for a more productive discussion.

Cool Down: One Step Forward

Before we finish today, let's take a moment to reflect. Think about everything we discussed and practiced about using your voice and advocating for yourself with family.

1. What is one new idea you learned today about speaking up for yourself?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. What is one small step you feel ready to take to practice self-advocacy with a family member in the next week? (This could be very small, like asking for a specific snack or choosing a TV show.)
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. On a scale of 1 to 5, how confident do you feel now about trying to speak up for yourself with family, compared to how you felt at the beginning of class? (Circle one)
   1 (Less confident)     2 (A little more confident)     3 (Somewhat more confident)     4 (Quite a bit more confident)     5 (Much more confident)