Superpower Workshop Guide Superpower Workshop Guide
Teacher Facilitation Plan
Duration 60 MIN
Learning Objectives
• Identify personal learning strengths ("Superpowers") and challenges ("Kryptonite").
• Explain the purpose of specific accommodations in their own learning profile.
• Practice a 3-step self-advocacy script for requesting accommodations.
Materials Needed
Superpower Academy Slides
Discovery Journals (1/student)
Advocacy Mission Cards
Pens/Highlighters
1
The Hero Origins (10 min)
Hook: Start with Slide 2. Discuss how every superhero has a unique origin story and set of skills. Frame their learning profile as their "Blueprint."
"We all process information differently. Today isn't about what you can't do—it's about how you do things best."
Activity: Students open their Journals to "The Profile" and list 3 things they are naturally good at in school (e.g., drawing diagrams, explaining ideas out loud, staying organized).
2
The Blueprint Analysis (15 min)
Connecting Strengths to Support
Use Slides 4-7 to define "Accommodations." Explain they aren't "extra help"—they are the right tools for the job.
Analogy:
A builder doesn't apologize for using a crane; they use it to get the building higher.
Task:
Students identify their "Kryptonite" (barriers) and match them with "Power Tools" (accommodations) in the journal.
3
Advocacy Mission (25 min)
Model: Introduce the "Hero Request" formula (Slide 10):
"I am working on [Task]. I find [Barrier] difficult. Can I use [Accommodation] to help me show what I know?"
Practice: Hand out the Advocacy Mission Activity. Students role-play in pairs using the scenarios provided.
Teacher Tip: Move around the room. Listen for confidence and clarity. Encourage students to look their partner in the eye or use their specific preferred method of communication.
4
Debrief & Next Steps (10 min)
Gather the group. Ask: "Which part of requesting help feels the hardest? How can we make it easier next time?"
Closing: Remind students that their next IEP meeting is their chance to share this "Blueprint" with the whole team. They are the experts on themselves.
Differentiation & Support
For students who struggle with writing:
Allow speech-to-text or drawing for the journal section. Provide pre-written "Mission Cards" with common accommodations.
For non-verbal students:
Use visual choice boards for strengths and barriers. Practice handing over a physical "Accommodation Card" to the teacher.
Superpower Academy Slides Class of 2029
Superpower
Blueprint
Discovering your unique learning profile and mastering self-advocacy.
Workshop Session 01
Every Hero Has a Profile
Strengths
What comes easily to you? What are you naturally wired to do well?
Challenges
What creates friction? What slows you down or blocks your path?
"Knowing your Blueprint is the first step to owning your education."
What is Self-Advocacy?
Knowing
Understanding how you learn and what you need to succeed.
Sharing
Communicating your needs to the people who can help.
Acting
Taking charge of your learning journey and your IEP.
Power Tools for Learning
Accommodations
Tools or strategies that remove barriers so you can show what you actually know.
Audio books / Text-to-speech
Extended time on tests
Graphic organizers
Preferential seating
The Hero Request
Use this 3-step formula to ask for what you need with confidence:
1
"I am working on reading this chapter..."
2
"I find the small font size difficult..."
3
"Can I use my text-to-speech reader to help?"
Transition Ready
Sophomore year brings more independence. Using your "Blueprint" now makes you a pro at your next IEP meeting.
YOU ARE THE EXPERT ON YOU!
Superpower Discovery Journal Discovery Journal
My Learning Superpowers
Hero:
Date:
Superpowers (Strengths)
Kryptonite (Challenges)
Part 2: Power Tool Matching
Challenge (Barrier)
Accommodation (Tool)
Part 3: The Hero Request Script
"Hi, I am working on
in your class."
"Sometimes I find
difficult to do alone."
"To help me show what I know, can I use
?"
How did practicing make you feel?
Ready
Strong
Nervous
One thing for sophomore year:
Advocacy Action Activity Advocacy Mission
Operation: Communication Practice
Pair Mission
How to Play
1. Pick a partner. One is the Hero , one is the Teacher .
2. Use the formula below to ask for the tool in each scenario.
Hero Request Formula:
"I am working on [TASK] . I find [BARRIER] difficult. Can I use [TOOL] ?"
1
The Big Essay
Task: History essay.
Barrier: Spelling/Typing speed.
Tool: Speech-to-text.
2
Math Sprint
Task: Algebra test.
Barrier: Processing speed.
Tool: Extended time.
3
Science Lab
Task: Following lab steps.
Barrier: Remembering directions.
Tool: Visual checklist.
4
Class Seminar
Task: Book discussion.
Barrier: Group speaking.
Tool: Response card.
Mission Debrief
As the TEACHER, what made the request clear?
As the HERO, what felt easiest to say?
Certified Self-Advocate in Training
