Lesson Plan

Session 1 Lesson Plan

By the end of Session 1, the student will define assertiveness, distinguish it from passive and aggressive communication, and practice crafting “I” statements to express needs clearly.

Developing assertive communication lays the foundation for self-advocacy and healthy relationships. Learning “I” statements helps the student express feelings and needs respectfully, reducing misunderstandings and conflict.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up Discussion

5 minutes

Step 2

Introduction to Assertiveness

5 minutes

Step 3

Teaching “I” Statements

5 minutes

Step 4

Practice Activity

3 minutes

Step 5

Cool-Down & Reflection

2 minutes

Slide Deck

Speak Up Strong: Session 1

Session Objectives

What Is Assertiveness?

Why Assertiveness Matters

“I” Statement Structure

Examples of “I” Statements

Practice Activity

Reflection & Next Steps

Lesson Plan

Session 2 Lesson Plan

By the end of Session 2, the student will define healthy boundaries, identify different types of boundaries, and practice articulating personal limits through role-play scenarios.

Understanding and setting healthy boundaries empowers the student to protect their well-being, respect others, and communicate limits clearly, reducing conflicts and building self-confidence.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up Recap

2 minutes

Step 2

Introduction to Boundaries

5 minutes

Step 3

Boundary Violation Discussion

5 minutes

Step 4

Role-Play Boundary Setting

5 minutes

Step 5

Reflection & Next Steps

3 minutes

Slide Deck

Speak Up Strong: Session 2

Session Objectives

What Are Healthy Boundaries?

Why Boundaries Matter

Types of Boundaries

Boundary Violation Examples

Role‐Play Activity

Reflection & Next Steps

Lesson Plan

Session 3 Lesson Plan

By the end of Session 3, the student will learn polite refusal strategies, practice saying “no” assertively, and handle pushback through guided role‐play.

Being able to refuse requests confidently and respond to pushback is key to maintaining personal boundaries and self‐respect, reducing peer pressure, and promoting well‐being.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm‐Up Recap

2 minutes

Step 2

Polite Refusal Techniques

5 minutes

Step 3

Refusal Role‐Play Practice

5 minutes

Step 4

Handling Pushback

5 minutes

Step 5

Reflection & Next Steps

3 minutes

Slide Deck

Speak Up Strong: Session 3

Session Objectives

Polite Refusal Techniques

Refusal Phrase Examples

Refusal Role‐Play Activity

Handling Pushback

Practice Pushback

Reflection & Next Steps

Lesson Plan

Session 4 Lesson Plan

By the end of Session 4, the student will practice expressing needs and opinions confidently in group settings through guided role-play scenarios.

Speaking up in groups helps students participate actively, advocate for themselves among peers, and build collaboration skills in classroom and social contexts.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up Recap

2 minutes

Step 2

Introduction to Group Communication

5 minutes

Step 3

Practice Role-Play Scenarios

7 minutes

Step 4

Feedback & Tips

4 minutes

Step 5

Reflection & Next Steps

2 minutes

Slide Deck

Speak Up Strong: Session 4

Session Objectives

Group Communication Guidelines

Why These Guidelines Matter

Role‐Play Activity

Feedback & Tips

Reflection & Next Steps

Lesson Plan

Session 5 Lesson Plan

By the end of Session 5, the student will develop a personal assertiveness maintenance plan, identify strategies to practice skills regularly, and commit to peer support actions for ongoing growth.

Sustaining assertive communication builds lasting self-advocacy, confidence, and healthier relationships by ensuring skills are practiced beyond guided lessons.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up Recap

2 minutes

Step 2

Introduction to Sustained Assertiveness

4 minutes

Step 3

Personal Action Plan Creation

7 minutes

Step 4

Peer Support Commitment

3 minutes

Step 5

Reflection & Next Steps

4 minutes

Slide Deck

Speak Up Strong: Session 5

Session Objectives

Why Sustained Assertiveness Matters