Superpower Voice Introduction Plan Teacher Guide Superpower Voice Plan
Empowering 6th Graders through Self-Advocacy
Time 50 MIN
Objective
Students will define self-advocacy and identify situations where it is important. Students will recognize their own unique voice and its role in expressing needs and wants effectively.
Why This Matters
Self-advocacy fosters independence and confidence. It helps students communicate effectively with teachers, peers, and family, leading to better outcomes and stronger relationships.
Prep & Materials
Materials Needed
Unlocking Your Voice Presentation
My Voice Shield Creator (1 per student)
My Voice My Story Prompts (1 per student)
Colored pencils, markers, or crayons
Teacher Prep (15 mins)
Review the presentation and linked activities. Ensure the projector is ready. Print all student-facing sheets. Prepare art supplies for the shield activity.
Lesson Flow
10 MIN
Introduction: What's Your Superpower Voice?
Hook: Ask "What do you think a superpower voice might be?" Allow 3-4 responses.
Concept: Introduce self-advocacy. It's about knowing what you need, what you want, and how to tell others in a way that helps you get it.
Visual: Display Slide 2. Discuss the shared definition of self-advocacy.
15 MIN
Exploring Self-Advocacy
Discussion: Use Slides 3-5 to discuss the why . Highlight school vs. personal life contexts.
Examples: Model asking a teacher for help vs. telling a friend how you feel.
Active Participation: Encourage students to share hypothetical situations where they'd use their "Superpower Voice."
15 MIN
My Voice Shield Creator Activity
Concept: Explain that voices are like shields—they protect our rights and help us stand strong.
Task: Distribute the Activity Sheet and supplies. Students illustrate what they protect (inside) and their communication strengths (outside).
Facilitation: Circulate and prompt: "What does your voice sound like when you are being brave?"
8 MIN
Reflection & Journaling
Sharing: Volunteers share one element of their shield (e.g., their motto).
Journal: Distribute the Prompts journal. Students complete Prompt 1: Reflecting on a time they used (or wished they used) their voice.
2 MIN
Wrap-up
Message: Reiterate: "Your voice is a superpower! Practicing self-advocacy helps you navigate challenges and achieve goals."
Challenge: Encourage them to look for one chance to use their Superpower Voice this week.
Unlocking Your Voice Presentation Slide Deck 6th Grade Life Skills
What's Your
Superpower
Discovering the Power of Self-Advocacy
Teacher Notes: Welcome students and introduce the topic of 'superpower voices.' Ask them what they think it means. Transition to the definition of self-advocacy.
What is Self-Advocacy?
DEFINITION
"Speaking up for yourself and making your own needs and wants known."
It's about:
Knowing what you need
Understanding your rights
Communicating effectively
Self-Advocacy in School
Get Help
Ask teachers for clarification or extra support when things are tricky.
Your Style
Tell teachers how you learn best (videos, reading, hands-on, etc.).
Accommodations
Know what tools or extra time you have to help you succeed.
Challenges
Speak up if a system or situation isn't working for you.
Why use your voice
everywhere else?
1
Build Friendships
Communicate your feelings and set healthy boundaries with peers.
2
Express Opinions
Share your thoughts respectfully in groups and with family.
3
Make Good Choices
Advocate for what feels right for you, even when it's tough.
4
Feel Confident
Knowing you can speak up gives you the power to handle anything.
How to use your
Superpower Voice
Ask Questions
"Can you explain that one more time?"
State Needs
"I need five more minutes to finish this."
Express Feelings
"I feel frustrated when instructions are unclear."
Say "No"
"I'm not comfortable doing that."
Offer Solutions
"Could we try doing it this way instead?"
ACTIVITY:
VOICE SHIELD
Design a shield that represents what you protect and how you speak up.
Use words, drawings, and colors to show your voice's unique strengths.
Your Shield
My Voice, My Story
Reflect on a journey with your voice:
A time you spoke up
A time you wish you had
My Voice Shield Creator Activity Sheet My Voice Shield Creator
Design Your Superpower!
Name: __________________________
Date: ___________________________
Just like superheroes have special shields to protect them, your voice can be your shield to advocate for yourself! This activity helps you think about what you want to protect and how your unique voice can be strong.
INSIDE: PROTECT
OUTSIDE: STRENGTHS
1. Draw & Decorate
Make this shield unique to you! Add colors, patterns, and symbols.
2. Inside Your Shield
What do you advocate for? (e.g., your feelings, your right to learn, your ideas, needing quiet).
3. Around the Edges
What are your voice strengths? (e.g., persistent, polite, creative, confident, good listener).
My Superpower Voice Motto
Create a short slogan for your shield (e.g., "My voice matters!" or "Speak up, stand strong!")
MOTTO: __________________________________________________________________________________
Let Your Superpower Voice Shine!
My Voice My Story Journal Prompts My Voice, My Story
Journal Prompts & Reflections
Name: __________________________
Date: ___________________________
Your voice is an important part of your story. Use these prompts to reflect on times you've used your voice, or when you've wanted to. This is your space to think and write freely.
1
Speaking Up
Think about a time when you used your voice to ask for something you needed, express how you felt, or share an idea. This could be at school, at home, or with friends.
What happened? How did you feel? The outcome?
2
Wishes and What-Ifs
Think about a time when you wished you had used your voice, but didn't. Maybe you felt shy, scared, or unsure what to say.
The situation? Why didn't you speak up?
3
Future Superpower
Imagine a situation in the near future where you might need to use your superpower voice. How will you advocate for yourself?
What exactly would you say? How will it help?
