Self-Advocacy Role Play Scenarios

About this resource

Speaking up is a skill students rarely get to rehearse. These self-advocacy role play scenarios give Grades 2–5 twenty scripted scenes, from asking a teacher to explain step two to telling a server the order is wrong, so they can practice the words before they need them. The scenes build Relationship Skills: asking calmly and respectfully for what they need.

What students practice

• Knowing what they need
• Asking for help with their learning
• Asking for a seat, more time or a quiet spot
• Correcting a misunderstanding politely
• Using clear, assertive words

What’s inside

• 20 scripted scenes, each with characters, a setting and full dialogue
• 100 discussion cards, five after every scene
• A detailed teacher script and a shorter outline for a more flexible lesson
• Teacher notes on objectives, materials and tips; 50 pages

A look inside

• Stuck on Step Two: Priya reads step two of her math worksheet three times and still doesn’t understand it.
• Ordering at the Deli Counter: Juniper orders her own sandwich meat for tomorrow’s picnic.
• The Allergy Mix-Up, Getting My Name Right and Asking to Play First Base are among the other scenes.

How to use these self-advocacy role play scenarios

• Opening talk (5–7 minutes) about times students needed something
• Act out a scene (10–15 minutes): students play the Self-Advocate, a friend or the grown-up while the class watches
• Sharing and discussion (5–10 minutes), plus the discussion cards after each scene, such as “Using Clear Words”
• Redo a scene with the character speaking up sooner and compare the outcomes, as an SEL extension

Grade fit

The scenes are set at school, at camp and around town, in situations elementary students meet. Students can read these role play scripts aloud or make up their own words, which keeps them workable across Grades 2–5.

Good to know

You choose who plays each role while the rest of the class watches and discusses, so plan for a little open space and a few simple props, like a shoebox or a worksheet.

Pairs well with

For more self-advocacy activities, try Self-Advocacy What Would You Do? Cards or Self-Advocacy Affirmation Cards.