Self Advocacy 1
You get on the bus to go home and realize you left your homework folder on your desk. Why is this a problem? What can you do?
This is a problem because you might not have your homework pages. You could try to get a ride back to school to get your homework folder. If you can't you could email your teacher and let them know, and try to do the rest of the work the best you can.
Your teacher marked an answer wrong on a test, but you still think you were right. What can you do?
You can raise your hand and ask when the teacher is going over the quiz. You could also talk to the teacher privately.
You feel angry after a disagreement with a partner. You feel like you need a break. What can you do?
You can ask for some time to work on your own. You could ask to go to the bathroom.
Your partner for a project is not doing their fair share of the work. Why is this a problem? What can you do?
This is a problem because everyone in a group should be doing their fair share. You can talk to the partner and give them a job, or you could encourage your other group members to help.
You want to stay after for an extra help session, but you don't know when it is or how to join. What can you do?
You can ask your teacher for information. Then, you could talk to an adult at home and ask if you could stay.
A friend asks to put their books in your locker or cubby, but you don't want them to. Why is this a problem? What can you do?
This could be a problem if they need their books when you aren't around. You can tell them no and explain why. You could tell them you can't today because you won't be going back to your locker.
During a science project, you break a glass beaker by mistake. There is glass around and you're not sure what to do. Why is this a problem? What can you do?
This is a problem because someone could get cut. You can let a classmate near you know and let the teacher know.
You are feeling really upset about something that happened with a friend. You can't focus on you work at all. What can you do?
You can do your best to focus in class. You could talk to your teacher privately and let them know. You might ask to see the school social worker or school counselor.
You have a question in class. You have you hand up, but your teacher is at their desk and doesn't see you. Why is this a problem? What can you do?
This is a problem because you might have an important question to ask. You could first try answering the question on your own. if you can't, you could ask a classmate. You could also get up and ask you teacher at their desk.
You read a book chapter for homework, but it didn't make any sense to you. Why is this a problem? What can you do?
This is a problem if you don't understand the assignment. You could try to re-read the chapter. You might ask a classmate or adult at home for help.
You can't see the board in class from where you are sitting. Why is this a problem? What can you do?
This might be a problem if you can't see the homework or important instructions for a lesson. You could ask to move your seat or you could ask the teacher what the board says.
The librarian gives you a new chapter book to read. You notice you don't like the topic and find it boring. What can you do?
You can politely let the librarian know you would rather pick out a different book. You might tell them some topics you want to read about instead.
When packing up to leave for the day, you feel completely overwhelmed with how much work you have. What can you do?
You can stop and take a few deep breaths. You might try making a list of assignments and getting yourself organized. If you still feel overwhelmed, you could ask a friend or adult for help.
Your class is going over the homework. You are lost and don't understand. Why is this a problem? What can you do?
This is a problem if you don't understand how to do the work. You could raise your hand and ask to have it explained again.
It's the second week of school. Your teacher keeps pronouncing your name wrong. Why is this a problem? What can you do?
This might be a problem because it is important that the teacher knows the right way to say your name. You can correct them the next time they say it incorrectly or talk with them privately and let them know.
Your teacher said what the homework was out loud, but you didn't hear well. Why is this a problem? What can you do?
This is a problem if you don't know what work to do. You could look to see if your teacher wrote the work on the board somewhere. You could also ask a classmate or raise your hand to ask your teacher to repeat it.
You were out sick for a couple days. You feel lost in class and can't keep up with the work. Why is this a problem? What can you do?
This could be a problem because you might get behind with your work. You could spend extra time studying at home or ask a parent at home for help. You could also talk to the teacher and ask to stay after. You could also talk with a friend and get help.
The teacher says it is time to turn in your quiz, but you aren't finished yet. Why is this a problem? What can you do?
This is a problem becuase you want to be able to do your best work. You can raise your hand and let the teacher know before class is over. You might ask if there is another time you can finish your quiz.
A classmate tells you that your idea is stupid during group work. What can you do?
You could tell the classmate that their comment was rude. You can re-explain your idea.
The person next to you in class keeps fooling around. You think it is funny, but it is distracting you. Why is this a problem? What can you do?
This is a problem if you can't focus on your work. You can ask the person to stop. You might tell them to save their jokes for later so you can finish your work. If it keeps happening, you could do your best to ignore or you could ask to move your seat.
During an art project, you realize you cut your hand a little with scissors and you are bleeding. Why is this a problem? What can you do?
You can contact an adult in class and let them know. You can ask to go see the nurse.
You teacher is giving instructions for a test, but you can't hear them. Why is this a problem? What can you do?
This might be a problem if you miss important instructions. You could raise your hand and let the teacher know.
Your teacher gives you extra homework because they though your were talking during a lesson. It was actually someone else. What can you do?
You can let you teacher know. You might wait until class is over and privately talk to you teacher to explain.
Your pencil breaks during a test. Your teacher said no talking, but you don't have an extra. Why is this a problem? What can you do?
This is a problem because you won't be able to finish your work. You can raise your hand and ask your teacher for a pencil. If they don't see you, you can walk up to the desk and let them know you need one.
A teacher assigns your work online, but you really would like a paper copy instead. Why is this a problem? What can you do?