Voice Power Slides Voice Power
A Story About Asking for Help
🏫 🎨 📚
I go to a fun school!
There are many things to do,
like drawing, reading, and playing.
Sometimes, my voice feels shy.
The words stay quiet inside my mouth.
That is okay! Everyone feels quiet sometimes.
Sometimes, I need a little help.
Maybe I can't find my pencil,
or I have a big question.
👄 💡
When I need help, I can use my
Mouthing Power.
I move my lips to shape the words.
I shape:
"Help, please"
Teacher sees:
"I see your lips moving!"
My teacher is a great lip-reader!
I can walk to my teacher.
I can look at them and mouth my words.
They are so happy to help me!
Asking for help is a brave thing to do.
Using my lips to mouth words is a
great way to share what I need.
I am a Voice Power Hero!
1
Find a helper
2
Mouth the words
3
Get help!
Brave Help Worksheet Voice Power Hero
Asking for help is my superpower!
Name: __________________________
Date: __________________________
I Can Be Brave
Sometimes I need help with my work. It is okay if my voice feels quiet! I can mouth the words with my lips.
👄
Draw yourself using your mouthing power to ask for help.
I Can Mouth These Words:
🖐️
"Help, please"
✏️
"Need pencil"
🚽
"Bathroom?"
❓
"What do I do?"
My Classroom Helpers
Who can I go to when I need help? Draw their faces here!
Teacher
Helper
Friend
I am a Voice Power Hero! 🌟
Sticker Box
Pocket Support Cards Pocket Support Cards
Cut out these cards to keep in a desk or pocket. The student can show these cards or use them as a visual prompt while mouthing the words. Print on cardstock and laminate for durability.
Cut along the dashed lines
Help
Mouth: Help, Please
Water
Mouth: Water, Please
Toilet
Mouth: Bathroom?
Thinking
Mouth: Wait please
Ouch
Mouth: I'm hurt
Break
Mouth: Break, please
Voice Power Tool Kit • Pocket Support Cards • © 2026
Silent Support Teacher Guide Silent Support
Teacher Guide for Supporting Selective Mutism
The Power of Mouthing
For students with selective mutism (SM), "mouthing" is a vital bridge between non-verbal communication and verbal communication. It involves forming words with the lips without activating the vocal cords. It is a sign of high engagement and a significant "brave step" toward speaking.
1. Positive Reinforcement
When a student mouths words, treat it as a successful communication.
Avoid: "I can't hear you."
Try: "I see your lips moving! You're telling me you need a pencil."
2. Forced Choice
Reduce communication pressure by giving options.
Instead of: "What do you want?"
Try: "Do you want the blue marker or the red marker?"
3. Wait Time
Give the student at least 5-10 seconds to respond. Their brain is working hard to bypass the anxiety "freeze" response. Maintain a calm, expectant expression.
4. Focus Offset
Intense eye contact can increase anxiety. Try looking at the student's hands or the task while waiting for them to mouth a response.
Classroom Setup
Low-Pressure Zones
Create a space where the student feels comfortable mouthing to a teacher one-on-one away from the whole group.
Visual Anchors
Keep the communication cards in a consistent spot. Encourage the student to touch the card and mouth the words together.
Progress is not always loud.
Celebrate every move of the lips!
Communication Hero Sort Hero Communication Sort
Sorting my "Brave Ways" to tell and show!
Name: __________________________
Brave Ways
I am showing my needs!
Stuck Ways
My voice feels locked inside.
Sorting Mat • Voice Power Hero
Hero Action Cards
Cut out these cards and glue them onto your sorting mat.
👄
Mouth
"Help"
🙈
Hide my
face
👉
Point to
what I need
🚶♂️
Turn my
back
📝
Show a
help card
✅
Nod my
head "Yes"
🏃
Run
away
👋
Tap my
teacher
👟
Look at
my shoes
Ask a grown-up for help with scissors!