Speak Up Soar High Lesson Plan Speak Up, Soar High
Self-Advocacy Lesson Plan
45 Minutes
Why This Matters
Developing self-advocacy, effective oral communication, and active listening skills empowers students to take ownership of their learning, build positive relationships with educators, and navigate academic challenges successfully, reducing stress and fostering independence.
Objective
Students will be able to define self-advocacy, identify its benefits, apply effective in-person communication strategies, and practice active listening to address academic challenges with teachers.
Prep & Materials
Review slide deck & discussion guide
Copies of Communication Scenarios Worksheet
Projector for slide deck
Personal self-advocacy anecdote
Flight Instructions
1
Warm-Up: When Do You Ask?
5 min
Begin by asking students: "When do you typically ask for help or clarification in school, and what stops you from doing so sometimes?" Allow a few students to share.
Introduce the day's topic: learning how to effectively speak up for themselves in school and build positive oral communication habits with teachers. (Slides 1-2)
2
Defining Self-Advocacy & Superpowers
8 min
Define self-advocacy as speaking up for yourself and your needs. Discuss its benefits: reducing stress, improving understanding, and fostering independence. (Slides 3-4)
Key takeaway: Self-advocacy is a strength, not a weakness.
3
Communication for Connection
7 min
Discuss the role of oral communication in building positive relationships. Clear and respectful in-person communication helps teachers understand student needs better.
Introduce the concept of tailoring communication to the situation. (Slide 5)
4
Mastering In-Person Communication
8 min
Provide specific tips: choose a good time, be prepared, state your problem clearly, listen to their advice. (Slides 6-7)
Model a brief positive interaction or have students brainstorm appropriate opening lines.
5
Active Listening: Hear to Understand
7 min
Explain passive vs. active listening. Discuss how making excuses or complaining can hinder relationships.
Strategies: eye contact, nodding, clarifying questions, summarizing. (Slide 8)
Practice: Have students practice active listening in brief role-play scenarios.
6
Practice Scenarios
5 min
Distribute the Communication Scenarios Worksheet .
Students work individually or in pairs to outline communication for 1-2 scenarios. Circulate to offer guidance.
7
Reflect & Soar
5 min
Facilitate a brief discussion using the Self-Advocacy Discussion Guide . Focus on common pitfalls and application plans. (Slide 9)
Encourage ongoing practice. Answer final questions.
Speak Up Soar High Slide Deck Speak Up,
Soar High!
Master your voice, build stronger relationships, and take ownership of your learning.
9th Grade Tier 2 Support
Teacher Notes: Welcome students and open with a question about asking for help. Encourage a few shares to set the context.
Your Voice,
Your Power
Being able to speak up for yourself is a superpower that changes your school experience.
Get the support you need when you need it.
Understand tough topics faster.
Reduce stress and frustration.
Teacher Notes: Introduce the idea that effective communication is about taking control of their learning journey.
What is Self-Advocacy? 🗣️
It is speaking up for yourself and your unique needs.
Understanding what you need to succeed.
Communicating those needs respectfully.
Taking an active role in your own education.
Teacher Notes: Define self-advocacy clearly for students.
The Pilot's Checklist: Why Advocate?
Better Clarity
Get your questions answered clearly.
More Support
Teachers help when they know you need it.
Less Stress
Don't let problems pile up into a storm.
Confidence
Feel in control of your flight path.
Teacher Notes: Highlight the key benefits of practicing self-advocacy.
Communication for Connection
Your teachers want to help you succeed!
Effective communication builds trust and shows respect.
Shows your perspective
Creates a partnership
Right method for the right situation
Teacher Notes: Transition to discussing how communication builds positive relationships.
In-Person Finesse
Choose the Time
After class, office hours, or a scheduled meeting.
Be Prepared
Think about what you want to say before you walk up.
Be Concise
State your problem or question directly and clearly.
Listen Actively Say Thank You
Teacher Notes: Provide actionable tips for talking to teachers in person.
The Flight Script
1
The Opening "Excuse me, Mr./Ms. [Teacher's Name], do you have a moment?"
2
The Challenge "I'm struggling with [topic] and don't understand [specific part]."
Word Weapons Worksheet Flight Log: Scenarios
Communication Strategy Worksheet
Pilot Name:
Date:
Instructions
Read each scenario below. Decide the best way to communicate (in-person, email, or direct message) and then briefly outline what you would say or write. Be specific and apply the tips from our session!
Scenario 1
The Missing Homework
You realize you forgot to turn in your math homework last night. It's due today, and you still have it in your bag. Your math class is next period. What do you do?
Best Method
In-Person
Email
Direct Message
Your Response Plan
Scenario 2
Confused by a Concept
You're working on a history project research paper and you really don't understand the main concept. You've tried re-reading your notes and the textbook, but you're still lost. The project isn't due for another week.
Best Method
In-Person
Email
Direct Message
Your Response Plan
Scenario 3
The Absent Day
You were sick yesterday and missed your English class. You know there was an important discussion and possibly new assignments given. You want to catch up quickly.
Best Method
In-Person
Email
Direct Message
Your Response Plan
Scenario 4
Schedule Conflict
You have an important doctor's appointment next Tuesday afternoon and will miss science class where a pop quiz might happen. You want to let your teacher know ahead of time.
Best Method
In-Person
Email
Direct Message
Your Response Plan
After-Flight Reflection
1. Which scenario felt the EASIEST to respond to, and why?
2. Which scenario felt the MOST CHALLENGING, and why?
Self Advocacy Discussion Guide Flight Briefing
Self-Advocacy Discussion Guide
Group Protocol
Discuss the following questions in your small groups. The goal is to share experiences, brainstorm solutions, and build confidence in speaking up. Appoint a Navigator to keep the conversation on track and a Recorder to capture key insights.
01. First Impressions
Before today, what was your understanding of "self-advocacy"? Has that understanding changed at all?
Notes & Group Insights...
02. Why Advocate?
Which benefit (less stress, better grades, stronger bonds) resonates most with you, and why?
Notes & Group Insights...
03. Choosing the Channel
When do you choose in-person vs. email? What factors help you make that split-second decision?
Notes & Group Insights...
04. Communication Hurdles
What is the hardest part about talking to teachers when you have a problem? How can you overcome that fear?
Notes & Group Insights...
05. Relationship Building
How does self-advocacy help build a partnership with your teacher rather than just "us vs. them"?
Notes & Group Insights...
06. Flight Plan: Next Steps
What is one specific strategy or opening line you plan to try out with a teacher in the next two weeks?
Notes & Group Insights...
07. Peer Support
How can you support your classmates in becoming better advocates? What advice would you give a nervous friend?
Notes & Group Insights...
Pro-Tip
Teachers are impressed by students who care enough to speak up. It shows maturity and initiative.
SOAR
