1: Self-Advocacy
What is self-advocacy?
This is when you speak up to let someone know what you need.
Look for clues and apply what we already know about the clue.
Every time you sit down for math, your younger sibling wants to play or asks for help. You’re falling behind in your work. What can you say or do to solve the problem kindly?
How might someone feel if they were left out of a game their friends were playing?
Examples: Confused, sad, upset, etc.
Before the performance, his friend said, “Break a leg!” What did he want to happen?
For his friend to have good luck.
Name a way to self-advocate if you have a question in class.
Lots of answers can be correct!
Examples: Raising your hand, saying "I have a question."
If someone is wearing a rain jacket and holding an umbrella, you can infer this.
It's raining.
What were your clues?
A friend you usually hang out with has started seems distant. You’re not sure if you did something wrong. How could you handle this?
Lots of different answers are okay!
Example: You could ask "Is everything okay?"
How might someone feel if a classmate said “good job” after a presentation?
Examples: Encouraged, proud, appreciated, etc.
Right before giving her big speech, Ava said she had butterflies in her stomach. How was she probably feeling?
Nervous
Name a way to self-advocate if you don’t understand directions on an assignment.
Lots of answers can be correct!
Example: “Can you explain that more?”
If your friend is crossing their arms and looking down, you might infer this.
They are feeling upset, sad, or mad. (several different answers can be correct)
You’re working on a big assignment and your laptop shuts down while you're typing. The document wasn’t saved, and you’re close to the deadline. You feel panicked. What are some steps you can take?
Examples: ask for more time, explain what happened, etc.
Try to make a statement for one like "I need more time because my laptop didn't save the paper."
How might someone feel if their friend canceled plans without explanation?
Examples: hurt, upset, sad, confused
Any ideas for a way to cancel plans to make the other person understand better?
Jason agreed to help with three different group projects and lead the school fundraiser. By the end of the week, he realized he had bitten off more than he could chew. What does that mean?
He took on too much
Name a way to self-advocate if you feel rushed, but aren't finished with a test yet.
There are lots of different correct answers!
Example: "Can I have more time please?"
The sky turned dark, the wind picked up, and people started running inside.
A storm is coming.
While playing a board game, one student keeps changing the rules to win. You and others are frustrated, but no one wants to ruin the fun. What could you do?
You could say, "next round let's check the rules so we can keep them the same for the whole game."
How might someone feel if their favorite team won a game?
Examples: Excited, proud, happy, etc.
Lila finally decided to ask if she could still turn in her late assignment, but her teacher said, “Sorry, that ship has sailed.” What did the teacher mean?
It's too late now.
Name 2 ways to self-advocate if your friend wants to play a game that you don't want to play.
There are lots of different correct answers!
Examples: "Are there any other games you like?" or "After we play that, can we play a different game?"
Liam slouched in his seat, barely lifting his head from the desk. He reached into his backpack and pulled out a crumpled tissue, then stared at the clock. His teacher heard him cough. When the class started their assignment, he moved slowly, pausing often and rubbing his eyes. When his teacher quietly asked if everything was okay, he shrugged. How does Liam feel?
Liam likely has a cold and doesn’t feel well.
You’re attending a game night for the first time. When you arrive, most people are already in small groups playing card games and chatting. No one greets you right away, and you feel unsure of how to join the group.
Prompt:
What are two different ways you could start a conversation or get involved?
Walk up to a group and say, “Hi, I’m new here—what game are you playing?”
Ask the host or adult supervisor, “Is there a group I can join or a game that needs more players?”
Two friends are cheering for different teams in a big game. One team wins, and the other loses. How might each person feel after the game?
The friend whose team won might feel: excited, proud, or thrilled.
The friend whose team lost might feel: disappointed, frustrated, or sad.
*What could the winning friend say or do to show kindness and sportsmanship?
Noah didn’t come to co-op today because he said he was feeling under the weather and needed to rest. What does that mean?
He's sick or not feeling well.