Confident Self Advocates Lesson Plan Confident Self-Advocates
Teacher Facilitation Guide
1 Hour Session
Objective
Students will learn to confidently express their needs and priorities by understanding the concept of self-advocacy, practicing assertive communication, and identifying personal boundaries.
Audience
Middle School Students with Moderate Disabilities
Materials Needed
Video: "How to Be More Confident"
Discussion Guide
Self-Advocacy Activity Sheet
Pencils/Markers
Lesson Roadmap
5
Introduction
Welcome students and introduce the concept of Self-Advocacy .
Define it simply: "Speaking up for yourself and saying what you need or want."
Discuss why it matters: "If we don't speak up, people might not know how to help us."
10
Video: "How to Be More Confident"
Show the video (approx. 5 mins). After watching, facilitate a quick check-in:
"What is one thing you saw in the video that helps someone look or feel assertive?"
30
Self-Advocacy Activity
Distribute the Self-Advocacy Activity Sheet .
Read each scenario aloud. For students with moderate disabilities, consider acting out the scenarios (roleplay).
Focus on "I" statements: "I feel... because... I need..."
Provide 1-on-1 support for writing or choosing responses.
10
Reflective Discussion
Use the Discussion Guide to deepen understanding. Focus on eye contact, body language, and non-negotiable boundaries.
5
Closure
Recap: Speak up, be clear, and stand tall.
Encouragement: "Try using one 'I' statement at lunch or at home today!"
Why This Matters
Self-advocacy is a foundational skill for independence. For students with disabilities, the ability to clearly articulate their needs ensures they receive proper support and helps build the self-confidence necessary for transition to high school and beyond.
Confident Self Advocates Slides Speak Up!
Confident Self-Advocates
Today's Goal
Learn how to say what you need and what you want with confidence!
Watch & Learn
Practice Scenarios
Share Ideas
What is Self-Advocacy?
It means speaking up for yourself.
Asking for help when you need it.
Knowing your rights and choices.
You are the expert on YOU!
Video: How to Be More Confident
Watch the video on assertiveness:
https://bpsk12.lennylearning.org/view/how-to-be-more-confident
5 Minutes
Look for: Body Language
Tips for Being Assertive
Be Direct
Say exactly what you need without being mean or shy.
Use "I" Statements
"I feel..."
Stand Tall
Use your body to show you are serious and ready.
Stay Calm
Take a breath before you speak.
The "Confidence Check"
Eye Contact
Posture
Clear Voice
"How you stand is just as important as what you say!"
Activity Time!
Get your Self-Advocacy Activity Sheet ready!
We will practice 4 scenarios together.
You've Got This!
Remember: Being confident takes practice.
I am clear
I am calm
I am ME!
Confident Self Advocates Discussion Guide Self-Advocacy Discussion
Facilitation Guide for Reflective Dialogue
This discussion is designed to help students bridge the gap between the video/activity and their personal lives. Use these questions to encourage sharing and reinforce the core principles of assertive communication.
Topic 1: Definition
What is self-advocacy?
Facilitation Tip: Help students define it in their own words. Encourage simple phrases like "Speaking for me" or "Asking for what I need."
Topic 2: Experience
Can you share an example of a situation where you had to advocate for yourself?
Facilitation Tip: Support them in thinking of small daily moments—asking for a different pencil, a seat change, or a drink of water.
Topic 3: Honesty
Why is it important to be honest and direct when self-advocating?
Facilitation Tip: Discuss how clear communication helps others understand them faster and avoids confusion or frustration.
Topic 4: Non-Verbals
How can you use body language to be more assertive?
Facilitation Tip: Reinforce tips from the video: eye contact, standing straight, and a confident (but calm) tone of voice.
Topic 5: Boundaries
What are some non-negotiable boundaries you have?
Facilitation Tip: Explain that boundaries are "personal rules" (e.g., "I don't like being touched," or "I need silence when I study").
Remind students: "Every time you speak up, you are taking care of yourself!"
Confident Self Advocates Activity Sheet Self-Advocacy Activity Sheet
Practice Your Voice!
Name:
Date:
Read the scenarios below. Think about how you can use your voice and body language to speak up. Write or draw what you would say!
Scenario 1: The Wrong Order
You are at a restaurant, and you receive the wrong order. What would you say to the waiter to correct your order?
Be Honest Be Direct
Scenario 2: Quiet at the Movies
Your friend keeps talking loudly during a movie, making it hard to enjoy. How would you ask them to be quiet?
Use "I" Statements Stay Calm
Scenario 3: Quiet Time at Home
You have a lot of homework and need quiet time. How would you ask your family to help you with this?
Set a Boundary Be Clear
Scenario 4: Joining a Club
You want to join a new club but feel nervous. What could you say to a friend to ask them to join you?
Confidence Body Language Use Eye Contact
Confidence Tip!
Stand tall, take a deep breath, and speak from your heart!
