Assertiveness Training

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)

This lesson series instructs students to communicate assertively instead of passively or aggressively. Assertive communication is built on a foundation of self-respect and respect for others. The lesson discussions and exercises equip students to acknowledge their interests, desires, and concerns; advocate for what is important to them; manage conflicts; establish boundaries; and decline requests.

The plan is based on the chapter “Approaches to Increasing Assertive Behavior and Communication Skills in Blind and Visually Impaired Persons,” within the book, The Development of Social Skills by Blind and Visually Impaired Students, by Sharon Zell Sacks with Linda Kekelis and Robert Gaylord-Ross.

Graphic of three individuals speaking

Lesson 1: Recognizing Assertive Communication

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)Name(s) of student(s): Age and grade level: Goal from IEP connected to lesson: Objective from IEP connected to lesson: Purpose of lesson: To learn to recognize assertive, aggressive, and passive forms of communication Materials needed: Internet access, resources for a field trip Introduction Situations arise daily involving the […]

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Lesson 2: Assessing Primary Communication Modes

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)Name(s) of student(s): Age and grade level: Goal from IEP connected to lesson: Objective from IEP connected to lesson: Purpose of lesson: To identify a student’s primary communication mode: passive, assertive, or aggressive Introduction “Last time we discussed the assertive communication style, which can be considered ‘speaking up’ […]

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Lesson 3: Self-Respect and Respect for Others

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)Name(s) of student(s): Age and grade level: Goal from IEP connected to lesson: Objective from IEP connected to lesson: Purpose of lesson: To develop self-respect and respect for others, the basis for assertive communication. Materials needed: A means for students to record answers Introduction “We have been learning […]

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Lesson 4: Recognizing Interests, Desires, and Concerns

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)Name(s) of student(s): Age and grade level: Goal from IEP connected to lesson: Objective from IEP connected to lesson: Purpose of lesson: To recognize when to be assertive Materials needed: Ice cream sundae bar Introduction “To be assertive, you must recognize your preferences and concerns. It is healthy […]

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Lesson 5: Voicing Interests, Desires, and Concerns

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)Name(s) of student(s): Age and grade level: Goal from IEP connected to lesson: Objective from IEP connected to lesson: Purpose of lesson: To learn about using “I” statements and honest, direct communication Introduction “We have discussed many scenarios involving the opportunity to choose an assertive communication style, and […]

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Lesson 6: Managing Conflict

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)Name(s) of student(s): Age and grade level: Goal from IEP connected to lesson: Objective from IEP connected to lesson: Purpose of lesson: To introduce methods for assertively handling conflict. Introduction “Suppose you’ve addressed an issue or stated your preference and you are met with resistance. How can you […]

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Lesson 7: Establishing Boundaries

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)Name(s) of student(s): Age and grade level: Goal from IEP connected to lesson: Objective from IEP connected to lesson: Purpose of lesson: Identifying the benefits, difficulties, and process of establishing healthy boundaries. Materials needed: Word document, internet access Introduction “Have you ever helped someone or given so much […]

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Lesson 8: Learning to Say “No”

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)Name(s) of student(s): Age and grade level: Goal from IEP connected to lesson: Objective from IEP connected to lesson: Purpose of lesson: To recognize when to say “no”. Materials needed: Word document Introduction “Imagine you have a very busy week at school. In addition to four final exams, […]

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Lesson 9: Exuding Confidence

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)Name(s) of student(s): Age and grade level: Goal from IEP connected to lesson: Objective from IEP connected to lesson: Purpose of lesson: To discuss and practice assertive body language Materials needed: Panel of sighted individuals, resources for a field trip Introduction “Which of the following three choices describe […]

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Lesson 10: Developing Personal Goals

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)Name(s) of student(s): Age and grade level: Goal from IEP connected to lesson: Objective from IEP connected to lesson: Purpose of lesson: Self-reflection and developing assertiveness goals Materials needed: Word document Introduction “Today, we will reflect on your communication goals. When it comes to communicating assertively instead of […]

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