Personal Power Slides Personal Power
Navigating Unexpected Choices
Quick Review
Public
Places where anyone can see us. Like school, the park, or a store.
Lunchroom Bus
Private
Places where we are alone or with trusted family. Like the bathroom or bedroom.
Bathroom Stall Bedroom
Unexpected Choices
Sometimes, people make choices that make us feel confused or uncomfortable.
Being too loud in a quiet place.
Standing too close (no personal bubble).
Doing a private behavior in a public place.
It is okay to feel uncomfortable!
Choice 1
Ask to Stop
You can use your strong voice to say what you need.
"Please stop doing that."
"I need more space."
Keep your face calm and your voice firm.
Choice 2
Move Away
You have the power to change where you are standing or sitting.
If someone is making an unexpected choice:
Walk to a different table.
Find a different seat on the bus.
Stand in a different part of the line.
Choice 3
Tell a Trusted Adult
If the behavior continues or you feel unsafe, get help.
Who can you tell?
Teacher
Principal
Counselor
Parent
What Would You Do?
"You are eating lunch. A student sits right next to you and starts shouting. It makes your ears hurt and you feel uncomfortable."
Ask them to stop
Move Away
Tell an Adult
Personal Power Teacher Guide Teacher Resource
Personal Power
Facilitator Guide & Discussion Prompts
Topic
Self-Advocacy
Instructional Purpose
This lesson follows the concepts of Public vs. Private behaviors. For students with developmental or cognitive disabilities, navigating the "unexpected" behaviors of others can be distressing. This lesson empowers students by providing a concrete, three-step toolkit for self-advocacy.
Learning Objectives
Identify unexpected public behaviors.
Recall the "Stop, Move, Tell" strategy.
Apply strategies to specific social scenarios.
Vocabulary
Unexpected Choice
Something that doesn't fit the rules of the space.
Comfort Zone
The space where you feel safe and calm.
Advocacy
Asking for what you need to be successful.
The Advocacy Toolkit
1
Ask to Stop
Encourage a firm but calm tone. Role-play using specific phrases like "Please stop" or "I need space."
Teacher Tip: Use 'Wait' time after asking.
2
Move Away
Emphasize that leaving a situation is a "power move," not giving up. Identify specific "safe spots" in the classroom.
Teacher Tip: Walk through physical paths.
3
Tell an Adult
Help students distinguish between "tattling" and "reporting for safety." Define who the trusted adults are in the building.
Teacher Tip: Use visual name-photo cards.
Scenario Discussion Prompts
Scenario A
The Bus Singer
"You are on the bus. The person behind you starts singing very loudly. It makes you feel grumpy."
Discussion Question:
Is this a safe or unsafe behavior? Is it an unexpected choice for a bus?
Best Move:
Move Away (find a new seat) or Ask to Stop (if comfortable).
Scenario B
The Personal Space Invader
"A student keeps touching your backpack while you are in line. You have already asked them to stop twice."
Discussion Question:
What do you do when Choice 1 (Ask) and Choice 2 (Move) don't work?
Best Move:
Tell an Adult. The situation hasn't changed, and you need support.
Differentiation Strategies
For Emerging Students
Use visual icons/cards during role-play. Focus only on one "Power Move" at a time. Have students physically walk to the "Move Away" zone in the room.
For Advanced Students
Introduce the concept of "Tone of Voice." Practice matching the firmness of the voice to the seriousness of the unexpected choice.
Personal Power Worksheet Expanded Personal Power
My Advocacy Navigator
Name:
Part 1: Notice Unexpected Choices
Circle the choices that might make you feel uncomfortable or confused.
Shouting in the library
Saying "Hello" to a friend
Standing too close to you
Eating lunch at a table
Touching private parts in class
Waving to a teacher
Poking your arm over and over
Reading quietly
Calling you a mean name
Holding the door open
Part 2: My 3 Power Moves
Ask to Stop
Use your strong voice.
Move Away
Change your spot.
Tell an Adult
Get help to stay safe.
Practice Part: What can you say?
Choose one phrase and trace it or write it in the box.
Please stop.
I need space.
Write or Draw Here
Part 3: What Would You Do?
Read each situation. Circle your favorite Power Move.
1. "You are eating lunch. A student sits right next to you and starts shouting. It is too loud."
Ask to Stop
Move Away
Tell an Adult
2. "You asked someone to stop poking your arm, but they keep doing it anyway. You feel unsafe."
Ask to Stop
Move Away
Tell an Adult
3. "Someone is doing a private behavior (like taking off their shirt) in the middle of the hallway."
Ask to Stop
Move Away
Tell an Adult
4. "You are trying to work, but someone is standing right behind you looking over your shoulder."
Ask to Stop
Move Away
Tell an Adult
Part 4: My Support Team
Who can you talk to at school if someone's choices make you feel unsafe? Write or draw their names.
Name of Trusted Adult 1
Name of Trusted Adult 2
I am ready!
I can notice unexpected choices.
I know my 3 Power Moves.
I know who can help me.