Assertiveness

The ability to express one's thoughts, feelings, and needs confidently and respectfully.

Here’s a set of practical activities to support the development of assertiveness for home educated children. These activities help children learn to express themselves confidently and respectfully, stand up for their needs, and communicate effectively with others.

🧠 What Is Assertiveness?

Assertiveness is the ability to:

• Express thoughts, feelings, and needs clearly

• Say “no” respectfully when needed

• Stand up for oneself without being aggressive

• Respect others while maintaining self-respect

🎭 Role Play & Scenario-Based Activities

1. Assertive vs. Passive vs. Aggressive

• Act out three versions of a situation (e.g., someone taking your toy):Passive: saying nothing
  Aggressive: yelling or grabbing
  Assertive: calmly saying “I’m using that right now”
  

• Discuss which response is most respectful and effective.

2. “What Would You Say?” Game

• Present real-life scenarios:“Someone cuts in line.”
  “A friend wants you to play a game you don’t like.”
  

• Ask children to practice assertive responses.

3. Puppet Conversations

• Use puppets or toys to act out situations where assertiveness is needed.

• Let children guide the dialogue and practice speaking up.

📚 Storytelling & Reflection

4. Read Stories with Assertive Characters

• Choose books where characters speak up or solve problems respectfully.

• Ask:“How did they express themselves?”
  “What would you do in that situation?”
  

5. My Assertive Moment Journal

• Children write or draw about a time they spoke up or made a choice for themselves.

• Reflect on how it felt and what they learned.

6. Create a Confidence Comic

• Draw a comic strip showing a character being assertive in a tricky situation.

• Include speech bubbles with respectful, confident language.

🎲 Game-Based Assertiveness Activities

7. Assertiveness Bingo

• Create a bingo card with actions like:“Said no politely”
  “Asked for help”
  “Shared an opinion”
  

• Mark off when completed during the week.

8. Voice Volume Practice

• Practice using different voice levels:Whisper, shout, and assertive (clear and calm).
  

• Helps children find their confident voice.

9. Compliment & Request Game

• Practice giving compliments and making polite requests:“Can I please have a turn?”
  “I liked how you shared your toy.”
  

🧺 Everyday Assertiveness Boosters

10. Choice-Making Practice

• Offer choices during the day:“Would you like to read or draw first?”
  “Do you want apples or bananas?”
  

• Builds confidence in decision-making.

11. Encourage Speaking Up

• Let children lead parts of the day (e.g., choosing a story, explaining a game).

• Praise clear and respectful communication.

12. Family Listening Circle

• Take turns sharing thoughts or feelings.

• Practice listening and responding assertively:“I feel…”
  “I think…”
  “I’d like…”
  

🧘 Mindfulness & Self-Awareness

13. Feelings Check-In

• Use a feelings chart or wheel to help children identify emotions.

• Teach them to express feelings assertively:“I feel frustrated because…”
  “I need some quiet time.”
  

14. Positive Affirmations

• Practice saying affirmations like:“My voice matters.”
  “I can speak up kindly.”
  “I respect myself and others.”
  

15. Assertiveness Role Cards

• Create cards with phrases children can use:“No thank you.”
  “I’d like a turn.”
  “Please stop, I don’t like that.”