Introduction

Advocating for ourselves in the classroom is an essential skill that students need to learn in order to manage their emotions effectively and communicate their needs with clarity and respect. In this blog post, we will discuss the use of the Self-Controller Scanner, a tool that helps students stay in control of their feelings when they get upset or feel overwhelmed. By learning how to speak up for themselves, students can regain control of their emotions, strengthen their communication skills, and foster a positive classroom environment.

No-Prep Activity

Here is a simple, no-prep activity that educators can use to help students practice advocating for themselves in the classroom:

1. Divide the class into small groups of 3-4 students.
2. Ask each group to come up with a scenario where a student might feel overwhelmed or upset in the classroom.
3. Have the groups discuss and identify the emotions associated with their scenario and how the Self-Controller Scanner can be used to recognize those emotions.
4. Next, have the groups brainstorm strategies for advocating for themselves in their scenario, considering the best time, place, and tone of voice to use.
5. Finally, ask each group to role-play their scenario, with one student acting as the teacher and the others as students. Encourage them to practice using respectful phrases and appropriate tone of voice when speaking up for themselves.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it important for students to recognize their emotions and advocate for themselves in the classroom?
2. How can the Self-Controller Scanner help students stay in control of their emotions?
3. What are some strategies students can use to speak up for themselves respectfully and effectively?
4. How can educators support students in advocating for themselves and using the Self-Controller Scanner?
5. What are the benefits of practicing self-advocacy skills for both students and the overall classroom environment?

Related Skills

Developing the ability to advocate for oneself in the classroom is closely related to other essential social-emotional learning skills, such as:

• Self-awareness: Recognizing one’s emotions and understanding their impact on thoughts and actions.
• Self-management: Regulating emotions and behaviors to achieve personal and social goals.
• Communication: Expressing thoughts, feelings, and needs clearly and respectfully.
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, fostering a supportive classroom environment.

Next Steps

Helping students develop the necessary skills for advocating for themselves in the classroom is an essential part of fostering a positive learning environment and promoting personal growth. To access free sample materials on self-advocacy and other social-emotional learning skills, sign up for a free trial at Everyday Speech.