Self-Advocacy
Standing up for your learning needs in a respectful way
Self-advocacy
A classmate doesn't answer you right away. Instead of thinking they are ignoring you, what else could be true?
They need extra time to process / they’re distracted / they’re thinking.
Replace the word: “The movie was funny.” Use a synonym for funny.
Example: Hilarious / amusing.
What does “It’s raining cats and dogs” mean?
Raining very hard.
If you forget your lunch—what might happen next?
I might be hungry / get a school lunch / ask for help.
True or false: You should only ask for accommodations if you are failing.
False
You laugh at a joke, but your friend doesn’t. What perspective might they have?
They didn’t find it funny / they didn’t understand it / they’re in a different mood.
Replace the word: “She is happy about her grade.” Use a synonym for happy.
Example: Glad / joyful / excited.
“Break a leg!” is something you say before what?
A performance / presentation.
The boy slammed the door and crossed his arms.” How is he probably feeling?
Angry / upset / frustrated.
If you need more time to think before responding, what accommodation are you using?
A teacher repeats the directions twice. What perspective might the teacher have?
They want everyone to understand / some students need repetition.
Replace the word: “The test was hard.” Use a synonym for hard.
Example: Difficult / challenging.
What does “spill the beans” mean?
To tell a secret.
“She hesitated before answering the question.” What can you think she needed?
Extra time to process / think.
If a teacher says "You can do it, keep trying", which accommodation is being used?
Verbal encouragement
A classmate frowns when you ask for extra time. What might their perspective be?
They want everyone to understand / some students need repetition.
Replace the word: “He is smart.” Use a synonym for smart.
Example: Intelligent / clever / bright.
What does “under the weather” mean?
Feeling sick.
“The lights were off and chairs were stacked.” What can you infer about the classroom?
Class is over / the day ended.
What can you say to advocate for yourself if you didn't understand right away?
Can you please repeat the directions?
You cancel plans and your friend looks upset. What perspective might they have?
They were excited / they feel left out / they miss you.
Replace the word: “The classroom was noisy.” Use a synonym for noisy.
Example: Loud / rowdy / boisterous.
What does “hit the books” mean?
To study hard.
“The teacher smiled and said, ‘Keep going, you’re doing great!’.” What can you infer she was giving?
Verbal encouragement.