Self-Advocacy
You didn’t understand the teacher’s directions. What could you say?
“Can you please explain that again?”
You feel angry because you lost a game. What’s one healthy coping skill you can use?
Take deep breaths or walk away to cool down.
You feel sad because your friend didn’t sit with you at lunch. What could you say using an “I” statement?
“I feel sad when you don’t sit with me because I like spending time with you.”
The teacher claps her hands twice. What should you do?
Stop, look, and listen.
What feeling might you have when you get a gift?
Happy or excited.
Your friend keeps taking your pencil. What’s a self-advocacy sentence you can use?
“Please stop taking my pencil. I need it for my work.”
You’re nervous before a test. What can help your body calm down?
Belly breathing or positive self-talk (“I can do this”).
Your friend keeps interrupting you. Make an “I” statement.
“I feel frustrated when I get interrupted because I want to finish my thought.”
Everyone is lining up quietly, but you’re still talking. What should you notice and do?
Notice others are quiet and line up quietly too.
Your best friend moves away. What feeling might you have?
Sad or lonely.
You’re feeling overwhelmed by your math test. What can you ask your teacher for?
A short break, or to explain one question at a time.
You’re upset because a friend didn’t play with you. What’s a good choice to feel better?
Talk to someone you trust or do something you enjoy.
Someone said something mean. How can you use an “I” statement instead of yelling?
“I feel hurt when you say that because it’s unkind.”
Your friend looks upset and isn’t talking. What might you do next?
Ask, “Are you okay?” or give them space if needed.
You studied hard and got 100% on your test! How do you feel?
Proud or confident.
You’re in a group and your partner is doing all the work. How could you speak up kindly?
“I’d like to help too. Can I take this part?”
You notice your hands are clenched and your face feels hot. What does that mean, and what should you do?
You’re angry — take deep breaths or squeeze a stress ball.
A classmate won’t share supplies. What’s an “I” statement you can use?
“I feel left out when I don’t get a turn because I want to be part of the group.”
You’re telling a joke, and your classmate isn’t laughing. What’s a good social choice?
Stop and check in — maybe it wasn’t funny to them.
You have butterflies in your stomach before presenting. What emotion might that be?
Nervous or anxious.
You notice something unfair is happening on the playground. What’s an example of standing up for yourself or someone else?
“That’s not fair—everyone deserves a turn.” or “Let’s include them too.”
You tried calming down, but it’s still hard to focus. What’s another coping tool you can use?
Ask for a break, draw, count to ten, or use grounding (5 things you see, 4 things you can touch, etc.).
Why do “I” statements help during conflicts?
They show your feelings without blaming and help solve problems calmly.
You walk into the library and people are reading. What should your behavior look and sound like?
Quiet voice, calm body, respectful movements.
Sometimes feelings can mix together. What might you feel if you’re excited but nervous about something new?
A mix of anxious and excited — that’s normal!