Your Voice Lesson Plan Your Voice, Your Power
Individual Tier 3 Support Lesson
15 Minutes
Why This Matters
This lesson helps students discover and utilize various ways to communicate their thoughts and needs, empowering them to connect with others without the pressure of speaking. It builds confidence in self-expression and ensures their voices are heard.
Objective
Students will identify and practice at least three alternative communication methods to express themselves comfortably and confidently.
Prep & Materials
Whiteboard or large paper & markers
Communication Choices Slide Deck
My Communication Toolkit Worksheet
Emoji/feeling cards (optional)
Audience
6th Grade Girl (Tier 3 Intervention)
Lesson Instructions
1
Warm-Up: How Are You Feeling?
2 Minutes
Greet the student warmly. Offer a non-verbal check-in . Show emoji cards or have them draw a facial expression on a whiteboard. Acknowledge their response positively without pressure for verbal elaboration.
2
Introducing Communication Choices
5 Minutes
Present the Slide Deck . Discuss Writing/Drawing , Gestures/Body Language , and Technology . Ask (non-verbally) for examples of when to use each. Allow time for them to write or draw their answers.
3
Building My Communication Toolkit
6 Minutes
Distribute the Worksheet . Guide them through listing or sketching specific tools they use or want to try. Reassure them there are no right or wrong answers—the goal is finding what works for them .
4
Wrap-Up & Next Steps
2 Minutes
Briefly review their choices. Affirm their value: "All these ways are valid and powerful." Suggest trying one new tool this week. Thank them for participating.
Communication Choices Slides Your Voice, Your Power!
Discovering All the Ways
You Can Communicate
Communication is more than just talking.
Sharing your thoughts, feelings, and needs.
You have many powerful tools!
Welcome the student. Use a non-verbal check-in (emoji cards, drawing) to start comfortably.
Tool #1: Writing & Drawing
Express Yourself on Paper
Writing: Notes, letters, journals, lists, storiesDrawing: Pictures, diagrams, symbols
When can you use this?
(Draw or write your idea here...)
Ask for examples of when writing might be helpful. Point to or write answers as needed.
Tool #2: Gestures & Body Language
Actions Speak Louder
Gestures: Pointing, nodding, shaking head, thumbs up/downBody Language: Facial expressions, posture
When can you use this?
(Try out a gesture!)
Ask for examples of how we communicate without words (waving, nodding).
Tool #3: Technology
Smart Tools
Typing: Computer, tablet, or phoneApps: Chat, text-to-speech, drawingMessages: Email or texting thoughts
When can you use this?
(Think of a cool app or device...)
Talk about technology as a communication aid. Ask about their experiences or ideas.
Building Your
Communication Toolkit
Your toolkit is unique to YOU.
Find what feels comfortable.
Let's explore options together!
Explain that this is their personal toolkit. Guide them through the worksheet.
You're a Powerful
Communicator!
Every voice matters, in every way.
Weekly Challenge:
"What's one communication tool you'll try using this week?"
Affirm their choices. Reiterate that all forms of communication are valid.
Communication Power Script Communication Power Script
Teacher Facilitation Guide • Tier 3 Intervention
Teacher Note: This script is a guide. Adjust the pace based on the student's comfort level. Remember to allow ample "wait time" (5-10 seconds) for non-verbal responses without appearing expectant or impatient.
1. Welcome & Check-In 2 Minutes
SAY:
"Hello! I'm so glad you're here today. We're going to explore some really cool ways to share your thoughts and feelings. Communication is super important, and there are many different ways to do it."
Action
Teacher shows emoji cards or offers a mini-whiteboard and marker.
SAY:
"To start, how are you feeling today? You can point to an emoji that fits, or you can draw a quick picture on this board. No need to say anything if you don't want to, just show me how you're doing."
Action
Pause and wait for student to respond non-verbally. Acknowledge with a nod or smile.
2. Introducing Choices 5 Minutes
Action
Open Slide Deck to Slide 1.
SAY:
"Today, we're talking about 'Your Voice, Your Power!' Often, we think of 'voice' as just talking, but your voice is actually any way you share what's inside your head. You have a powerful voice."
Action
Advance to Slide 2 (Writing & Drawing).
SAY:
"One tool is writing and drawing! When you write a note or draw a picture, you're communicating. Can you think of a time when this might be helpful? You can point to an idea, write it down, or draw a picture."
(Wait for response. If stuck: "Maybe writing a note to your teacher?")
Action
Advance through Slides 3 and 4, following a similar pattern for Gestures and Tech.
3. Building the Toolkit 6 Minutes
Action
Advance to Slide 5 and distribute the Toolkit Worksheet.
SAY:
"Your communication toolkit is completely unique to you. This worksheet is a place for you to think about which of these tools you already use, and which ones you might want to try more often. You can write your ideas, or draw pictures."
Action
Guide the student section by section. Provide quiet encouragement and ample time.
4. Wrap-Up 2 Minutes
Action
Advance to Slide 6.
SAY:
"Wow, look at all these incredible ways you can communicate! Your toolkit is full of great options. Remember, every way you choose to share your thoughts and feelings is valid and powerful. What's one communication tool from your toolkit you might try using this week?"
My Communication Toolkit Worksheet My Communication Toolkit
Discovering all the ways I can share my voice.
Name:
Date:
Communication is how we share our thoughts, feelings, and needs with others! It's not just about talking. You have many powerful ways to communicate.
1. Writing & Drawing Tools
How can you use writing or drawing to communicate? Think about notes, letters, lists, or pictures. What are some things you might write or draw?
2. Gesture & Body Language Tools
How can you use your body, face, or hands to communicate? Think about pointing, nodding, or thumbs up/down. What are some things you might show?
3. Technology Tools
How can you use a computer, tablet, or phone to communicate? Think about typing messages, using apps, or sending emails. What are some ways tech can help?
My Favorite Communication Tool(s):
Which one or two tools feel the most comfortable and helpful for you right now?
Remember: You have a powerful voice,
My Communication Toolkit Answer Key My Communication Toolkit
Teacher Reference & Answer Key
KEY
Note to Teacher:
This worksheet encourages personalized responses. The examples below are suggestions to guide discussion and understanding. Focus on affirming the student's chosen methods and discussing how they can effectively use them in real-world scenarios.
1. Writing & Drawing
Thought Process: Clear communication without verbal pressure.
Writing notes to a teacher or parent.
Drawing a picture to express a feeling (e.g., a rain cloud for sadness).
Making a list of items needed for a class project.
Journaling or writing down questions for later.
2. Gestures & Body Language
Thought Process: Immediate cues that don't require verbal output.
Nodding for "yes" or shaking head for "no".
Giving a thumbs-up or thumbs-down to show agreement/disagreement.
Pointing to an object or a person.
Shrugging to communicate "I don't know" or "I'm not sure".
Using facial expressions to show emotion.
3. Technology Tools
Thought Process: Versatile platforms that can reduce direct social pressure.
Typing a message on a tablet or computer to show the teacher.
Using a text-to-speech app to voice a specific need.
Sending an email or digital message with thoughts.
Using a drawing app to create a quick visual explanation.
Reacting with emojis in a digital chat.
Reflection Guidance:
Favorite Tool Section: This section is purely for student self-awareness. There are no "wrong" answers.
Example Discussion: "I see you picked drawing as a favorite. That's a great tool! How could we use drawing in math class if you have a question?"
