Speak Up Respectfully: Teacher’s Script

Introduction & Goals (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Hi there! Today we’re going to spend about 30 minutes practicing how to speak up respectfully when you have a question or concern with a teacher or other school staff member. By the end of our time together, you’ll know exactly what to say and how to say it so you feel confident advocating for yourself. This skill can help you get the support you need and build positive relationships at school.

Here’s how we’ll spend our time:

1. Review key components of polite requests (10 minutes)
2. Listen to a model conversation (5 minutes)
3. Practice with a role-play (7 minutes)
4. Reflect on what you learned (3 minutes)

Sound good? Let’s dive in!"

Teach Core Components (10 minutes)

Teacher: "First, let’s look at our Polite Request Checklist. This lists four things to remember when you ask for help:

• Use a calm tone and polite words (like ‘please’ and ‘thank you’)
• State the issue clearly and give some context
• Suggest a possible solution or ask for advice
• Listen actively and acknowledge the other person’s response

I’ll read each bullet, and then I’ll ask you a question. Ready?"

1. Calm tone and polite words
Teacher: "What polite word or phrase could you start with?"
Student Response:




Teacher: "Great! Using ‘please’ or ‘excuse me’ helps set a respectful tone."

2. State the issue clearly
Teacher: "If your assignment deadline is too close to finish homework, how might you state that clearly?"
Student Response:




Teacher: "Exactly—that gives the teacher context so they understand your situation."

3. Suggest a solution or ask for advice
Teacher: "How could you offer a solution or ask for advice about that deadline?"
Student Response:




Teacher: "I like that you gave a specific option. That makes it easier for the teacher to help."

4. Active listening and acknowledgement
Teacher: "When the teacher responds, what could you say to show you were listening?"
Student Response:




Teacher: "Perfect! Saying ‘I understand’ or ‘Thank you for explaining’ shows you value their input."

Model with Script (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Next, I’ll read a short conversation from our Teacher-Student Dialogue Script. Listen for the polite words, clear issue statement, suggested solution, and active listening cues."

Teacher reads dialogue:

Student: “Good afternoon, Ms. Jackson. Do you have a moment, please?”
Teacher: “Sure, how can I help you?”
Student: “I wanted to ask if it would be possible to have an extra day on the history project. I’ve been juggling other assignments and I’m worried I won’t finish by tomorrow.”
Teacher: “I see. How much extra time do you think you need?”
Student: “Could I please have until Monday afternoon? That would give me enough time to revise properly.”
Teacher: “That sounds reasonable. I can extend it to Monday by 3 PM. Does that work?”
Student: “Yes, thank you so much for understanding!”

Teacher: "What polite phrases did you notice?"
Student Response:




Teacher: "Which part shows they suggested a solution?"
Student Response:




Teacher: "Excellent observations!"

Role-Play Practice (7 minutes)

Teacher: "Now it’s your turn. I’ll play the teacher, and you’ll be the student. Use the Self-Advocacy Role-Play Prompt to guide you. Start with a greeting, use the checklist items, and I’ll respond. Then we’ll pause so I can give feedback. Ready? You begin."

Student practices. Teacher pauses after response.
Teacher Feedback (example): "I really liked how you said ‘please’ at the start—that set a respectful tone. Next time, try to add ‘could we…’ to suggest a solution. Would you like to try that again?"

Repeat practice with feedback until time is up.

Cool Down & Reflection (3 minutes)

Teacher: "Great job today! To wrap up, please complete the Cool Down Reflection Sheet. Think about one strength you noticed in your approach and one area you’d like to improve."

Student writes.

Teacher: "When you’re done, share one strength you identified."
Student Response:




Teacher: "Nice work! Now, what’s one area you want to keep working on?"
Student Response:




Teacher: "Thank you for sharing. You did a fantastic job practicing self-advocacy politely. Remember to use these steps—calm tone, clear issue, solution suggestion, and active listening—whenever you need help. You’ve got this!"

Cool Down Reflection Sheet

Name: ________________________ Date: ________________________

1. One strength I noticed in my self-advocacy today was:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. One area I want to improve for next time is: