Script: Speak Up & Shine!

Introduction & Warm-Up (5 minutes)

"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something super important for your success in school and beyond: finding your voice in the classroom. Have you ever had a question but felt too shy to ask it? Or had a great idea but kept it to yourself? We've all been there! Today, we're going to explore how to become more confident communicators and advocates for ourselves."

(Display Speak Up & Shine! Slide Deck - Slide 1: Speak Up & Shine!)

"To get us started, I have a quick warm-up activity. I'm handing out a sheet called Warm-Up: My Voice Meter. On it, you'll see a few different scenarios related to speaking up in class. I want you to privately rate your comfort level for each one. There are no right or wrong answers, just be honest with yourselves. You have about 2-3 minutes to complete this."

(Distribute Warm-Up: My Voice Meter. Give students time to complete it.)

"Alright, let's briefly share. By a show of hands, who feels most comfortable asking a question in a small group? How about in front of the whole class? Is it sometimes harder to share an idea if you're not 100% sure it's correct? What about asking for help when you're struggling? It's completely normal to feel different levels of comfort. The goal today isn't to make everyone an extrovert, but to give you tools to use your voice effectively when you need to."

Understanding Communication & Advocacy (7 minutes)

(Display Speak Up & Shine! Slide Deck - Slide 3: What Are We Talking About?)

"So, what exactly do we mean by 'effective communication' and 'self-advocacy'? Take a look at the slide. Effective communication is about clearly expressing your thoughts, ideas, and needs, and also being a good listener. Self-advocacy is about speaking up for yourself and your needs. It's about asking questions when you don't understand, seeking help when you need it, and sharing your ideas and opinions respectfully. Can anyone give an example of effective communication in a classroom? How about an example of self-advocacy?"

(Allow 1-2 student responses for each, provide examples if needed. E.g., "Asking a clarifying question about homework" for communication, "Telling a teacher you need extra time on a project due to a family commitment" for self-advocacy.)

(Display Speak Up & Shine! Slide Deck - Slide 4: Why Does This Matter?)

"Why do you think these skills are so important? Look at the slide for some ideas. When you ask questions, you truly understand the material better. When you advocate for yourself, you get the support you need to succeed. And speaking up, even a little, builds your confidence. Plus, your unique ideas are valuable and can really contribute to our class! Have you ever had a moment where you wished you had spoken up, and then regretted not doing so later? What was that like?"

(Allow for a few student reflections if comfortable. Emphasize that it's a common feeling.)

Activity: Scenario Cards (12 minutes)

(Display Speak Up & Shine! Slide Deck - Slide 5: Activity: Scenario Cards)

"Now it's your turn to practice! I'm going to divide you into small groups of 2-3 students. Each group will receive some Activity: Scenario Cards. These cards describe common classroom situations where communication and self-advocacy are key. Your task is to discuss within your group how you would respond effectively to each scenario, using the strategies we just talked about. Think about what you would say and do. After a few minutes, we'll come back together, and a few groups will share their scenarios and solutions with the whole class."

(Divide students into groups and distribute Activity: Scenario Cards. Circulate and provide guidance as groups work.)

"Alright, let's bring it back together. Who would like to share one of their scenarios and the strategies your group came up with? What did you decide was the best way to communicate or advocate in that situation?"

(Facilitate sharing from 2-3 groups. Provide positive feedback and constructive suggestions.)

Wrap-Up & Cool-Down (6 minutes)

(Display Speak Up & Shine! Slide Deck - Slide 6: Time to Wrap It Up!)

"Fantastic work today, everyone! Let's quickly recap what we've learned. What are some key takeaways about using your voice in the classroom? (Pause for student input) Remember, your voice matters! Effective communication and self-advocacy are powerful tools that help you understand, succeed, and build confidence. And like any skill, the more you practice, the better you'll become."

"Before you go, I have one final, quick task: your Cool-Down: One Question Wonder. On this small slip of paper, I want you to answer the question: 'What is one new strategy you will try to use your voice in class?' This is your exit ticket for today. Please complete it and hand it to me as you leave."

(Distribute Cool-Down: One Question Wonder and collect as students exit.)

Warm-Up: My Voice Meter

Name: ____________________________

Instructions: For each statement below, rate your comfort level from 1 to 5, where:

• 1 = Very Uncomfortable
• 2 = A Little Uncomfortable
• 3 = Neutral / Sometimes Comfortable
• 4 = Comfortable
• 5 = Very Comfortable

1. Asking a clarifying question to a teacher during class time.
   1       2       3       4       5

2. Sharing an idea or opinion during a whole-class discussion.
   1       2       3       4       5

3. Telling a teacher you need extra help on a topic you don't understand.
   1       2       3       4       5

4. Correcting a mistake (yours or someone else's) respectfully in class.
   1       2       3       4       5

5. Participating in a small group discussion about a difficult topic.
   1       2       3       4       5

Reflection Question:

What makes some of these situations easier or harder for you?

Activity: Scenario Cards

Instructions: In your small groups, read each scenario. Discuss how you would use effective communication and self-advocacy skills to respond to the situation. What would you say? What would you do? Be ready to share your strategies with the class.

Scenario 1: Unclear Assignment

Your teacher just assigned a new project, but the instructions are confusing. You don't understand what to do, and you're worried about getting a bad grade. You see other students looking confused too, but no one is asking questions.

How would you respond?

Scenario 2: Group Project Trouble

In your group project, one member isn't doing their share of the work. You're worried it will affect everyone's grade, but you don't want to cause conflict. The deadline is approaching quickly.

How would you respond?

Scenario 3: Disagreeing with a Classmate

During a class discussion, a classmate shares an opinion that you strongly disagree with. You have a different perspective and some evidence to support it, but you're hesitant to speak up and challenge them.

How would you respond?

Scenario 4: Needing an Extension

You've been sick for a few days and fell behind on your homework. You have a big assignment due tomorrow, and you know you won't be able to finish it on time without an extension. You feel embarrassed to ask.

How would you respond?

Scenario 5: Wanting to Share an Idea

Your teacher asks a question, and you have a really interesting idea or answer. However, you're usually quiet in class and worry about how your classmates will react if you speak up.

How would you respond?

Scenario 6: Feeling Overwhelmed

It feels like all your teachers are giving out tests and projects at the same time. You're starting to feel overwhelmed and stressed, and you're not sure how you're going to keep up with everything.

How would you respond?

(Teacher: Cut these into individual cards for groups)

Cool-Down: One Question Wonder

Name: ____________________________

Instructions: Before you leave, please answer the following question in 1-2 sentences.

What is one new strategy you will try to use your voice (communicate or advocate for yourself) in class this week?