Lesson Plan
Speak Up, Step Up Lesson Plan
Students will identify key members of their support network and practice using self-advocacy phrases to ask for help, enabling a smoother transition to middle school.
As students with IEPs move to middle school, knowing who to turn to and how to ask for accommodations builds confidence, ensures they receive necessary support, and fosters independence in their learning journey.
Audience
5th Grade Students with IEPs
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Discussion, organizer, role-play, reflection.
Prep
Set Up Materials
5 minutes
- Review the Speak Up, Step Up Lesson Plan to familiarize yourself with objectives and procedures.
- Print and organize copies of the Support Network Graphic Organizer.
- Prepare sets of the Advocacy Role-Play Scenario Cards for small groups.
- Make enough copies of the Student Self-Advocacy Checklist and Transition Reflection Worksheet for each student.
Step 1
Introduction & Hook
5 minutes
- Welcome students and explain that middle school brings new supports and challenges.
- Ask: “Who do you turn to when you need help at school?” and record answers on the board.
- Introduce the idea of a support network and self-advocacy as tools for success.
Step 2
Identify Your Support
10 minutes
- Distribute the Support Network Graphic Organizer.
- Instruct students to list at least four adults or peers they trust and note how each can help them.
- Circulate to guide students with prompts and examples.
Step 3
Advocacy Role-Play
10 minutes
- Divide students into pairs or small groups.
- Give each group a set of Advocacy Role-Play Scenario Cards.
- Students take turns practicing asking for help, using suggested phrases from the Student Self-Advocacy Checklist.
Step 4
Reflection & Sharing
5 minutes
- Hand out the Transition Reflection Worksheet.
- Ask students to reflect on how they felt speaking up and write one personal goal for seeking help in middle school.
- Invite volunteers to share one insight or goal with the class.
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Slide Deck
Speak Up, Step Up
Welcome! Today we’ll learn to identify our support network and practice self-advocacy. By the end, you’ll know who to turn to and how to ask for help in middle school.
Welcome students. Introduce today’s lesson: learning who can help you in middle school and how to ask for that help. Emphasize that it’s okay and important to speak up.
Why Self-Advocacy Matters
• Builds your confidence
• Ensures you get needed accommodations
• Helps you solve problems faster
• Prepares you for middle school challenges
Discuss why self-advocacy matters. Explain that knowing how to ask for help leads to more success and independence.
What Is a Support Network?
Your support network is the group of people you trust to help you learn and grow.
They can give you advice, accommodations, or just listen when you need it.
Define support network. Ask students: who have they gone to for help before?
Map Your Support Network
Grab your Support Network Graphic Organizer.
- List at least 4 people who can help you.
- Write how each person can support you in middle school.
Hand out the organizer. Guide students step-by-step as they fill in the four boxes.
Who Can Be in Your Network?
• Parents or guardians
• Classroom teachers
• Special education teacher
• School counselor
• Best friend or peer buddy
• Coach or club advisor
Highlight examples to spark ideas and keep a running list on the board.
Self-Advocacy Phrases
Use these phrases to ask for help:
• "Could I please have extra time on this assignment?"
• "I’m not sure I understand—could you explain that again?"
• "I need to use my accommodations so I can do my best."
• "Can we meet after class to review?"
(See the Student Self-Advocacy Checklist)
Introduce key phrases from the checklist. Model saying them with expression.
Role-Play Scenarios
Divide into pairs or small groups. Each group gets a set of Advocacy Role-Play Scenario Cards.
• Take turns playing the student and the helper.
• Practice using at least two advocacy phrases.
Explain role-play process in pairs or groups. Remind them to use the phrases.
Practice Time
Spend 7 minutes practicing your scenario.
• Use your graphic organizer to refer to who you are asking.
• Use self-advocacy phrases from the checklist.
• Give each other positive feedback.
Circulate to listen and give feedback. Encourage students to speak clearly and confidently.
Reflect & Set a Goal
Take out your Transition Reflection Worksheet.
- How did it feel to ask for help?
- Write one personal goal for advocating in middle school.
Pass out reflection worksheets. Give students 3 minutes to write their responses.
Wrap-Up & Next Steps
• Keep your organizer and checklist in your binder.
• Practice your goal each week.
• Remember: it’s okay to ask for help!
Great job speaking up today!
Summarize the lesson. Encourage students to keep their organizers and checklists handy. Remind them to use these tools when they need help.
Worksheet
Support Network Graphic Organizer
Instructions: Think about at least four people you trust who can help you in middle school. For each person, write their name or role and describe how they can support you.
| Person / Role | How They Can Help |
|---|---|
| 1. ______________________________ | _______________________________ |
| 2. ______________________________ | _______________________________ |
| 3. ______________________________ | _______________________________ |
| 4. ______________________________ | _______________________________ |
Once you finish, pick one person from your list and think of a time you might ask them for help. Be ready to share your plan with the class!
Worksheet
Advocacy Role-Play Scenario Cards
Instructions:
Cut along the lines below to create individual scenario cards. In your pairs or small groups, take turns drawing a card and role-playing the situation. Use self-advocacy phrases from the Student Self-Advocacy Checklist as you ask for help. After each role-play, give one piece of positive feedback to your partner.
Scenario 1
You’re working on your math homework but find the questions confusing. Ask your teacher for extra time and clarification on the problems.
Scenario 2
The classroom is very noisy today, and you’re having trouble focusing. Ask to go to a quiet space or resource room so you can complete your work.
Scenario 3
You missed the teacher’s instructions at the start of class because of background noise. Ask the teacher to repeat the directions so you understand the assignment.
Scenario 4
You have dyslexia and need someone to read the passage aloud before you begin the reading quiz. Request this accommodation from your teacher.
Scenario 5
You feel eye strain when reading without your colored overlay. Ask your teacher if you can use your overlay during independent reading time.
Scenario 6
You want to make sure you understand your IEP accommodations for next year. Ask your special education teacher if you can meet after class to review them together.
Scenario 7
You lost the printed handout with the assignment details. Ask your teacher for a new copy or for help accessing it online.
Scenario 8
You’re unsure how to start the group project and would like a peer buddy to explain the instructions. Ask a classmate or the teacher if you can be paired with someone who can help.
Worksheet
Student Self-Advocacy Checklist
Instructions: Read each self-advocacy phrase below. Check the box once you’ve practiced saying it out loud. Then, write how you might use it in your own words.
- “Could I please have extra time on this assignment?”
- “I’m not sure I understand—could you explain that again?”
- “I need to use my accommodations so I can do my best.”
- “Can we meet after class to review this?”
- “Could you please speak more slowly so I can follow?”
- “I remember from my IEP that I can use [insert accommodation]—may I use that now?”
Tips for Self-Advocacy
Use the steps below whenever you need help. Fill in the blanks or jot your ideas under each step.
- Identify the problem or obstacle:
- Choose the person who can help (e.g., teacher, counselor, peer):
- Plan what you will say (use a phrase above or your own):
- Speak clearly and politely:
- Thank them for their help:
- Reflect: How did it feel? What will you do next time?
Keep this checklist in your binder and practice these steps whenever you need support. You’ve got this!
Worksheet
Transition Reflection Worksheet
Instructions: Think back to today’s practice of speaking up and asking for help. Answer the questions below in complete sentences.
- How did it feel to ask for help during the role-play?
- What is one personal goal you will set for yourself to ask for help in middle school?
Great work today! Keep this reflection in your binder and revisit your goal whenever you need a reminder to speak up.