Speak Up Stand Tall Lesson Plan Speak Up, Stand Tall
Lesson Plan | Communication Skills & Assertiveness
20
Minutes
Objective
Students will differentiate between communication styles and apply assertive techniques in various scenarios.
Audience
7th Grade Students (Tier 1 Classroom Support)
Approach
Interactive discussion, direct instruction, and role-playing.
Why This Lesson?
"Understanding different communication styles helps students navigate social interactions effectively, stand up for themselves respectfully, and build healthier relationships, especially when facing peer pressure. This lesson provides practical tools for everyday situations."
Teacher Prep
Review the Speak Up Stand Tall Slide Deck .
Print or prepare to display the Peer Pressure Scenarios Activity .
Ensure whiteboard or projector is ready.
Materials List
Projector / Whiteboard
Markers or pens
Speak Up Stand Tall Slide Deck
Peer Pressure Scenarios Activity
Instructional Roadmap
1
Warm-Up: Agree/Disagree Spectrum
5 Minutes
Introduction: Begin by asking students to think about situations where they might feel pressure to do something they don't want to do.
Activity: Present a series of statements (e.g., "It's always best to go along with your friends, even if you don't really want to," "It's rude to say 'no' to a friend's request"). Ask students to physically move to different sides of the room representing 'Strongly Agree,' 'Agree,' 'Disagree,' or 'Strongly Disagree.' Briefly facilitate discussion on a few responses, encouraging students to explain their reasoning without judgment.
2
Introduce Communication Styles
5 Minutes
Direct Instruction: Use the slide deck to introduce and define passive, aggressive, and assertive communication styles. Provide clear examples for each.
Quick Check: Ask students for their own examples of each style. Emphasize that assertive communication is about expressing needs and feelings respectfully while still honoring one's own boundaries.
3
Assertiveness Role-Play
7 Minutes
Activity: Divide students into groups of 3-4. Distribute the scenario sheet. Each group chooses one scenario to role-play, focusing on demonstrating an assertive response.
Teacher Tip: Encourage students to think about tone of voice, body language, and specific phrases they can use to be assertive.
4
Debrief and Reflect
3 Minutes
Group Share: Bring the class together. Ask a few groups to briefly share their assertive role-plays or takeaways.
Reflection: Conclude by reiterating the importance of assertive communication for self-respect. Ask students to silently reflect on one situation where they could practice being more assertive.
Speak Up Stand Tall Slides Speak Up,
Stand Tall
Navigating Communication Styles
How do you react when you feel pressured?
Agree/Disagree Spectrum
Move to the side of the room that matches your feeling:
Strongly Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Statements:
"It's always best to go along with your friends, even if you don't really want to."
"It's rude to say 'no' to a friend's request."
Passive Communication
What it is:
Avoiding expressing your feelings or needs.
Putting others' needs before your own.
Hoping problems will just "go away."
Looks Like:
Avoiding eye contact, slumped posture, quiet voice.
Sounds Like...
"Whatever you want..."
"I guess that's fine."
"It doesn't really matter to me."
Aggressive Communication
What it is:
Expressing needs in a way that disrespects others.
Trying to dominate or control others.
Involves yelling, interrupting, or making demands.
Looks Like:
Pointing fingers, angry facial expressions, loud voice.
Sounds Like...
"You HAVE to do this!"
"Just shut up!"
"It's my way or the highway!"
Assertive Communication
What it is:
Expressing feelings and needs clearly and respectfully.
Standing up for yourself without putting others down.
Aiming for a win-win or a clear boundary.
Looks Like:
Good eye contact, calm posture, clear and steady voice.
Sounds Like...
"I feel [emotion] when [situation] because [reason]. I would prefer [solution]."
Check for Understanding
1
Passive
Can you give an example?
2
Aggressive
Can you give an example?
3
Assertive
Can you give an example?
Practice Time
In your groups, choose a scenario and act out an assertive response.
Focus On:
Using "I" statements
Clear and calm voice
Peer Pressure Scenarios Activity Speak Up, Stand Tall
Peer Pressure Scenarios Activity
Name:
Date:
Instructions
In your small groups, read through the scenarios below. Choose ONE scenario to role-play using an assertive response. Use the space below each scenario to brainstorm what you would say and how you would say it (tone, body language, etc.) to stand up for yourself respectfully.
Scenario 1: The Late Night Game
Home Situation
"Your friends are planning to stay up really late playing video games on a school night. You know you need sleep to do well in school, but they're all saying, 'Just one more game!' and 'Don't be a party pooper!'"
Assertive Response Notes (What will you say? How will you stand?):
Scenario 2: The Shortcut
Neighborhood
"Your group is walking home from school and your friend suggests taking a shortcut through a neighbor's yard, which you know is off-limits. Everyone else seems to think it's a good idea."
Assertive Response Notes:
Scenario 3: Copying Homework
School
"A classmate asks to copy your homework right before it's due, saying they didn't have time to do it and if they don't turn it in, they'll get in trouble."
Assertive Response Notes:
Scenario 4: Spreading Rumors
Social
"Some kids in your class are starting to spread rumors about someone you know. They ask you to join in and tell them more gossip."
Assertive Response Notes:
Remember: Assertiveness = Respect for yourself + Respect for others.
