Lesson Plan

Self-Advocacy Lesson Plan

In this lesson, students will learn to identify personal needs, communicate them respectfully, and develop a simple action plan to seek support using SMART goals, practicing self-advocacy through discussion, role-play, and independent planning.

Self-advocacy skills empower students to voice their needs in academic and social settings, build confidence, and foster independence. Early practice helps 7th graders navigate challenges and seek help effectively.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up

5 minutes

Step 2

Direct Instruction

7 minutes

Step 3

Guided Practice (Role-Play)

8 minutes

Step 4

Independent Practice (Action Plan)

7 minutes

Step 5

Closure & Assessment

3 minutes

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Slide Deck

Speak Up, Stand Strong

Welcome students! Introduce today’s topic: building self-advocacy skills. Explain that we’ll explore what self-advocacy means and practice asking for help in respectful, confident ways.

Today’s Objectives

Read each objective aloud and check for understanding. Emphasize how these skills will help both in and out of school.

What Is Self-Advocacy?

Display the Self-Advocacy Definition Poster (#definition-poster). Ask volunteers what stands out in the definition.

Four Steps of Self-Advocacy

Explain each step with a quick example (e.g., asking for extra time on homework).

Plan with SMART Goals

Refer to the SMART Goals Guide (#smart-goals-guide). Model creating one SMART goal.

Guided Practice: Role-Play

Hand out Role-Play Scenario Cards (#role-play-scenario-cards). Circulate and give feedback on respectful tone and clear requests.

Independent Practice & Closure

Distribute the Action Plan Template (#action-plan-template) and Reflection Worksheet (#reflection-worksheet). Collect at end for review.

lenny

Lesson Plan

Self-Advocacy Plan 9th Grade

In this one-on-one session, the 9th-grade student will identify personal needs, practice clear and respectful communication, and create a personalized SMART goal–based action plan for self-advocacy.

Building self-advocacy empowers students to voice their needs, gain confidence, and navigate academic or social challenges with independence and resilience.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare One-on-One Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Rapport Building

5 minutes

Step 2

Introduce Self-Advocacy

5 minutes

Step 3

Self-Reflection Activity

7 minutes

Step 4

Communication Practice (Role-Play)

7 minutes

Step 5

Develop SMART Action Plan

4 minutes

Step 6

Closure & Next Steps

2 minutes

lenny

Slide Deck

Stand Up, Speak Out

Greet the student, set a positive tone, and introduce the session’s purpose: developing self-advocacy skills.

What Is Self-Advocacy?

Review the [Self-Advocacy Definition Sheet](#9th-definition-sheet) together. Ask: “What stands out to you? Why is self-advocacy important?”

Reflect on Your Experience

Have the student complete the [Self-Reflection Journal Page](#9th-reflection-journal). Prompt discussion: “Describe one situation where you needed support, how you felt, and what you wished had happened.”

Practice Communicating

Guide the student through the [Communication Role-Play Prompts](#9th-role-play-prompts). Provide feedback on tone, clarity, and respect. Switch roles if time allows.

Plan Your SMART Goal & Next Steps

Use the [SMART Goal Planner](#9th-smart-goal-planner) to craft one advocacy goal. Then share the [Self-Advocacy Checklist](#9th-advocacy-checklist) and encourage scheduling a follow-up. End with positive reinforcement.

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Stand Up, Speak Out

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