Lesson Plan
Speak Up: Your Voice Matters Lesson Plan
Students will define self-advocacy, identify situations where it is needed, and practice using 'I' statements to express their needs effectively.
Learning to self-advocate empowers students to take control of their learning, relationships, and overall well-being. It builds confidence and ensures their voices are heard and respected.
Audience
7th Grade Female Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Through discussion, examples, and practice, students will build foundational self-advocacy skills.
Materials
- Speak Up: Your Voice Matters Slide Deck, - Self-Advocacy Script, - Whiteboard or large paper, and - Markers
Prep
Review Materials
10 minutes
- Review the Speak Up: Your Voice Matters Slide Deck and Self-Advocacy Script to familiarize yourself with the content and flow.
* Prepare the whiteboard or large paper and markers for brainstorming activities.
* Ensure technology for displaying the slide deck is ready.
Step 1
Warm-Up: What Does It Mean to Speak Up?
5 minutes
- Begin with a quick discussion: "What does it mean to 'speak up' for yourself?"
* Collect initial thoughts from students and write key ideas on the board. (Refer to Self-Advocacy Script for prompts).
Step 2
Introduction to Self-Advocacy
8 minutes
- Introduce the concept of self-advocacy using the Speak Up: Your Voice Matters Slide Deck (Slides 1-3).
* Define self-advocacy and discuss its importance, especially in school and friendships.
* Share scenarios where self-advocacy is important (e.g., asking for help, disagreeing respectfully, setting boundaries).
Step 3
The Power of 'I' Statements
10 minutes
- Explain and model 'I' statements using the Speak Up: Your Voice Matters Slide Deck (Slides 4-5).
* Provide sentence starters and examples of how to turn blaming statements into 'I' statements.
* Have students brainstorm scenarios and practice creating 'I' statements in small groups or pairs. Circulate to provide feedback and support. (Refer to Self-Advocacy Script for activity details).
Step 4
Wrap-Up: Your Self-Advocacy Superpower
7 minutes
- Bring the class back together for a brief share-out of 'I' statements or reflections on the activity.
* Emphasize that self-advocacy is a superpower that gets stronger with practice.
* Conclude with a positive affirmation about the importance of their voices. (Refer to Self-Advocacy Script for closing remarks).
Slide Deck
Speak Up: Your Voice Matters
Discover Your Voice, Own Your Power!
What does it mean to 'speak up' for yourself?
Welcome students and introduce the topic. Ask students to think about what 'speaking up' means to them. Facilitate a brief discussion based on their initial ideas.
What is Self-Advocacy?
It's about respectfully communicating your needs, wants, and feelings.
- Knowing yourself: What do you need? What do you want?
- Knowing your rights: What are you entitled to?
- Speaking up: How do you ask for what you need or want in a way that helps you be heard?
Define self-advocacy clearly. Emphasize that it's about respectful communication, not being aggressive. Provide examples relevant to a 7th grader's life.
Why Does Self-Advocacy Matter?
It helps you...
- Succeed in school: Ask for help, clarify assignments.
- Build strong friendships: Set boundaries, express feelings.
- Feel confident: Stand up for yourself respectfully.
- Solve problems: Find solutions that work for you.
Discuss why self-advocacy is crucial for their age group. Connect it to school, friendships, and future success.
The Power of "I" Statements
A powerful way to express your feelings and needs without blaming others.
- Focus on your feelings: Start with "I feel..."
- State the situation: "...when..."
- Explain the impact: "...because..."
- State your need/request: "...and I need/want..."
Introduce 'I' statements as a key tool for self-advocacy. Explain why they are effective (focus on feelings, less blame).
Practice Makes Perfect!
Let's try it out!
Scenario 1: Your friend borrowed your favorite pencil and hasn't returned it.
- Instead of: "You always take my stuff!"
- Try: "I feel frustrated when my pencil isn't returned, because I need it for my work, and I want you to give it back."
Sentence Starters: - I feel __________ when __________ because __________, and I need/want __________.
- It makes me feel __________ when __________.
- I would appreciate it if __________.
Provide clear examples and then sentence starters for students to use in their practice activity. Encourage them to think about different scenarios.
Your Voice Is Your Superpower!
Self-advocacy is a skill you'll use your whole life.
- It helps you navigate challenges.
- It helps you build strong relationships.
- It helps you achieve your goals.
Keep practicing, and remember: Your voice matters!
Conclude by reiterating the importance of their voice and how self-advocacy is a lifelong skill. Encourage continued practice.
Script
Self-Advocacy Script: Speak Up, Your Voice Matters!
Warm-Up: What Does It Mean to Speak Up? (5 minutes)
(Teacher displays Speak Up: Your Voice Matters Slide Deck - Slide 1)
"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something super important for your life now and in the future: self-advocacy."
"Let's start with a quick thought. Look at the slide: 'Speak Up: Your Voice Matters!' In your own words, what do you think it means to 'speak up' for yourself? Don't overthink it, just share your initial ideas."
(Pause for student responses. Write keywords and phrases on the board. Encourage a few different students to share.)
"Great ideas! We've heard things like... (recap a few student points). All of these are connected to what we're going to explore today."
Introduction to Self-Advocacy (8 minutes)
(Teacher displays Speak Up: Your Voice Matters Slide Deck - Slide 2)
"So, let's get a clear definition. Self-advocacy is about respectfully communicating your needs, wants, and feelings. It's knowing what you need or want, understanding your rights, and then finding the best way to express that so you can be heard."
"It's not about being bossy or demanding, but about being clear and confident."
(Teacher displays Speak Up: Your Voice Matters Slide Deck - Slide 3)
"Why is this skill so important, especially for you right now as 7th graders?"
"Think about school: Have you ever been confused about an assignment but didn't ask for help? Or maybe you felt overwhelmed by homework? Self-advocacy means you can confidently say, 'I'm struggling with this part of the math problem. Can you explain it again?' or 'I feel overwhelmed with the amount of homework tonight; can we talk about prioritizing?'"
"What about with friends? Has there ever been a time when a friend did something that bothered you, but you didn't say anything? Self-advocacy helps you set boundaries and communicate when something isn't okay with you, like 'I feel uncomfortable when you talk about me like that.'"
"Ultimately, self-advocacy helps you succeed in school, build strong friendships, feel confident, and solve problems in a way that works for you. It truly is a superpower!"
The Power of "I" Statements (10 minutes)
(Teacher displays Speak Up: Your Voice Matters Slide Deck - Slide 4)
"One of the most powerful tools for self-advocacy is using what we call 'I' statements. These are a way to express your feelings and needs without blaming others. When you start with 'you,' it can sound like an accusation, and people often get defensive. Starting with 'I' keeps the focus on your experience."
"An 'I' statement usually has four parts:
- I feel... (State your emotion: happy, sad, frustrated, confused, proud)
- ...when... (Describe the specific situation or behavior, not the person)
- ...because... (Explain why you feel that way or the impact of the situation)
- ...and I need/want... (Clearly state what you would like to happen or what your need is)"
(Teacher displays Speak Up: Your Voice Matters Slide Deck - Slide 5)
"Let's look at an example on the slide. Imagine your friend borrowed your favorite pencil and hasn't returned it."
"Instead of saying, 'You always take my stuff! Give it back!' (which might make them defensive), you could say: 'I feel frustrated when my pencil isn't returned, because I need it for my work, and I want you to give it back.' See how that changes things? It focuses on how you feel and what you need."
"Now, it's your turn to practice. I want you to work in pairs or small groups (2-3 students). I'll give you a scenario, and I want you to come up with an 'I' statement."
(Allow students to form pairs/small groups.)
"Here's your first scenario: Your group project partner isn't doing their share of the work, and the deadline is approaching. How would you use an 'I' statement to address this? Remember the sentence starters on the slide if you need them."
(Give students 3-4 minutes to discuss and formulate their statements. Circulate and offer guidance. Encourage them to be specific about the feelings and needs.)
"Alright, let's try another one: Someone is talking over you in class when you're trying to share an idea. How could you use an 'I' statement here?"
(Give students 3-4 minutes. Continue circulating and supporting.)
Wrap-Up: Your Self-Advocacy Superpower (7 minutes)
(Teacher displays Speak Up: Your Voice Matters Slide Deck - Slide 6)
"Okay, let's bring it back together. Who would like to share one of their 'I' statements, or something they learned from practicing today?"
(Call on a few students to share.)
"Wonderful! Remember, self-advocacy is a skill, and like any skill, it gets stronger with practice. The more you use your voice respectfully and clearly, the more confident you'll become, and the more likely you are to be heard."
"Your voice is unique, and it matters. Don't be afraid to use it to express your needs, protect your boundaries, and contribute your ideas."
"Thank you for participating today. Keep practicing your self-advocacy superpower!"
Warm Up
Self-Advocacy Quick Check
Think about it: What does it mean to "speak up" for yourself?
Share: When is a time you wished you had spoken up for yourself, or when you did speak up and it went well? You don't have to share details, just think about the feeling.
Your Voice Matters!
Worksheet
"I" Statements Practice
Directions: For each scenario below, write an effective "I" statement using the format: I feel _________ when _________ because _________, and I need/want _________.
Scenario 1: Your friend keeps interrupting you when you're trying to tell a story.
Instead of saying: "Stop interrupting me!"
Your "I" Statement:
Scenario 2: You've been assigned a group project, and one of your teammates isn't contributing their share of the work.
Instead of saying: "You're so lazy! You never do anything!"
Your "I" Statement:
Scenario 3: A classmate makes a joke that makes you feel uncomfortable.
Instead of saying: "That's not funny!"
Your "I" Statement:
Scenario 4: You need an extension on an assignment but are nervous to ask your teacher.
Instead of saying: "This is too much work!"
Your "I" Statement:
Cool Down
Self-Advocacy Reflection
Directions: Take a moment to reflect on today's lesson.
-
What is one new thing you learned about self-advocacy?
-
When do you think you might use an "I" statement this week?
-
On a scale of 1-5 (1 being not confident, 5 being very confident), how confident do you feel about using your voice to advocate for yourself after today's lesson?
- 1 (Not Confident)
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5 (Very Confident)