Voice Power Teacher Guide Voice Power
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Lesson Goal
Students will understand that their voice is a "superpower" used to ask for what they need and stand up for themselves at home, school, and in the community.
Student Profile
Two students with autism. Focus on high visual support, frequent movement breaks, and concrete language.
The 2-Hour Mission
0:00 - 0:15
Mission Briefing (Intro)
Use Voice Power Slides . Introduce the Superhero theme and the concept of "Voice Power". Focus on Slides 1-3.
0:15 - 0:40
The Super Story
Read My Voice Matters Reader . Discuss Sam's home and school challenges. Practice Sam's school phrases ("It's too bright").
0:40 - 0:50
Power Up Break
Sensory movement break. Let students do "Superhero poses" or a quick game of "Hero Says".
0:50 - 1:15
Training Grounds
Interactive practice using Slides 4-7. Focus heavily on School Missions (personal space, asking for help, sensory tools like headphones).
1:15 - 1:40
Choice Challenge Game
Use Power Choice Cards . Focus on School Missions (Page 4): confusing teachers, recess turn-taking, and lunchroom issues.
1:40 - 1:55
Advocacy Mapping
Complete Voice Power Worksheet . Help students identify school situations where they need to speak up.
1:55 - 2:00
Awards Ceremony
Hand out the Hero Award Certificate . Remind students to use their Voice Power in class tomorrow!
Superhero Success Tips
Concrete Examples: Avoid idioms. Instead of "stand your ground," say "keep your voice strong."
Visual Cues: Use the "Zap" or "Power" icons to signal important concepts.
Wait Time: Give students 5-10 seconds to process questions.
Positive Reinforcement: Use specific praise: "I love how you used your strong voice to ask for help!"
Explaining the "Why"
When we speak up...
People know how to help us.
We feel proud and strong.
Things we like can happen!
Our bodies feel calm.
When we DON'T speak up...
People might not know we are sad or hurt.
We might feel small or forgotten.
We have to do things we don't like.
Our bodies might feel tight or angry.
Voice Power Slides Mission Start!
Voice Power
Learning to Stand Up for Yourself
Strong
Heard
Happy
What is Voice Power?
Voice Power is telling people what you need and how you feel.
School Power
"The worksheet is too hard."
"Teacher, can you help me, please?"
"The hallway is too loud."
"I need my headphones, please."
Community: Doctor
"You are at the Doctor's Office. The paper on the bed feels itchy!"
"This paper is itchy. Can I sit on the chair instead?"
It is okay to ask to be comfortable!
Community: Store
"You are checking out, and the worker is talking very fast."
"Can you say that again slowly, please?"
You have the power to ask for more time!
Community: Food
"You go to get ice cream. They are out of chocolate! You want Vanilla instead."
"Since you are out of chocolate, can I have vanilla, please?"
Speak up to get what you want!
Library Mission
"You want the book with the Red Dragon, but you can't find it anywhere!"
"Excuse me, Librarian. Can you help me find the Dragon books?"
The Librarian is your Super Ally!
The "Stop" Power
It is ALWAYS okay to say STOP or NO if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
"Stop, I don't like that!"
Mission Accomplished!
You are a Self-Advocacy Superhero!
My Voice Matters Reader Superhero Series
My Voice
Matters
A Story About Voice Power
This is Sam.
When Sam doesn't speak up, his tummy feels tight.
1
Power at Home
At lunch, Sam's dad gives him broccoli.
Sam's Voice Power
"Dad, can I please have carrots instead? I don't like broccoli today."
Dad says, "Sure, Sam! Thanks for telling me."
2
Power at School
In class, the lights are too bright.
Sam's Voice Power
"Teacher, it is too bright. Can I wear my hat or turn the lights down?"
The teacher turns the lights down.
3
Community Power
Sam is at the store. He wants to buy a blue ball.
Sam's Voice Power
"Excuse me, I need help. Can you help me find the blue balls?"
The worker helps Sam find the ball.
You Have the Power!
When Sam uses his Voice Power, he is not small anymore.
He feels BIG and STRONG!
Your voice is your superpower.
Power Choice Cards Level 1
Crayon Crisis
A friend takes your favorite blue crayon.
Cry and stay quiet.
"Please give that back."
Level 1
Bathroom Break
You need to go to the bathroom NOW.
Wait until you have an accident.
"I need the bathroom!"
Level 2
Loud Music
The music is making your head hurt.
Cover your ears and be angry.
"Please turn the music down."
Level 2
Don't Touch!
Someone is touching your hair.
Run away and hide.
"Stop, I don't like that!"
Home Mission
Itchy Shirt
Your new shirt is itchy and you want to take it off.
Pull on the shirt and cry.
"This shirt is itchy, can I change?"
Home Mission
More Books
It is bedtime, and you want to read one more book.
Refuse to go to bed.
"Can we read one more story, please?"
Home Mission
Cold Water
The water for your bath is too cold.
Splash the water everywhere.
"This water is too cold, make it warm."
Home Mission
Park Time
You want to go outside and play at the park.
Sit by the door and frown.
"Can we go to the park, please?"
Community Mission
No Fork
You are at a restaurant and need a fork to eat.
Eat with your fingers.
"Excuse me, can I have a fork?"
Community Mission
Lost Book
You can't find the book you want at the library.
Leave without a book.
"Can you help me find this book?"
Community Mission
Crowded Bus
The bus is very crowded and you need to get off.
Stay on the bus and miss your stop.
"Excuse me, I need to get off!"
Community Mission
The Line Jumper
Someone cuts in front of you at the ice cream shop.
Let them go first and be sad.
"Excuse me, I was waiting in line."
Community Mission
Scary Movie
You are at the movies and the film is too scary.
Close your eyes and scream.
"I'm scared. I want to leave, please."
Community Mission
Voice Power Worksheet My Voice Power Plan
Superhero Training Worksheet
Superhero Name
Training Date
I can use my Voice Power at:
Home
School
Community
My Super Words:
Pick the phrases that help you stand up for yourself!
"I need some personal space."
"Can you say that slowly, please?"
"Can you help me find this?"
"Stop, I don't like that."
My Favorite Power Phrase:
Draw yourself using Voice Power!
Training Complete
Hero Award Certificate Self-Advocacy Hero
This Award is Presented to:
For learning to use their Voice Power to speak up, stay strong, and ask for what they need!
Super Trainer Signature
Date of Power-Up
