Tech Trailblazers Advocacy Sequence

This sequence empowers 5th-grade students to understand, use, and advocate for Text-to-Speech (TTS) as a vital learning tool. It focuses on the distinction between fairness and sameness, identifying specific tasks where TTS is most effective, and building the social-emotional confidence to communicate needs to teachers and peers.

Toolbox Talks Lesson

Students explore the concept of fairness versus sameness using the Band-Aid activity to understand that everyone needs different tools to succeed. They define assistive technology as an essential accommodation for access rather than an unfair advantage.

Mission Map Lesson

Learners analyze their school day to identify high-need reading tasks that benefit from Text-to-Speech. Using a 'Red Light, Green Light' framework, they create a personal usage map for their technology.

Script Superstars Lesson

Students develop and practice verbal scripts to respectfully request TTS access from various adults, including substitutes. Role-playing builds the executive function and communication skills needed for self-advocacy.

Confidence Code Lesson

Focuses on building confidence when explaining assistive technology to peers. Students learn strategies to respond to curiosity or criticism with poise and clarity.

User Manual Lesson

Culminating project where students design a 'User Manual' for their brain, documenting their specific tech needs and preferences to share with future educators.