Standing+UP+for+Yourself-+Assertive+Communication+Skills

=Standing UP for Yourself- Assertive Communication Skills= School Counselor- grades 3-5 by Debora Evans

Standards 7.5 demonstrate appropriate communication skills 6.3 practice conflict management skills. 7.2 identify and express feelings in an appropriate manner.

I.TTW define assertive communication

Assertive communication is the ability to express positive and negative ideas and feelings in an open, honest and direct way. It recognises our rights whilst still respecting the rights of others. It allows us to take responsibility for ourselves and our actions without judging or blaming other people. And it allows us to constructively confront and find a mutually satisfying solution where conflict exists. From: [|Ezine Articles]

II.TTW present and model a list of assertive communication skills and their characteristics There are eight assertive messages. These are: 1. I sentence 2. Humor 3. Ask a distracting question 4. Agree 5. Old Sayings 6. Walk away 7. Ignore 8. Compliment

There are six main characteristics of assertive communication. These are: There are six assertive techniques - let's look at each of them in turn. 1. Behaviour Rehearsal: which is literally practicing how you want to look and sound. It is a very useful technique when you first want to use "I" statements, as it helps dissipate any emotion associated with an experience and allows you to accurately identify the behaviour you wish to confront. 2. Repeated Assertion (the 'broken record'): this technique allows you to feel comfortable by ignoring manipulative verbal side traps, argumentative baiting and irrelevant logic while sticking to your point. To most effectively use this technique use calm repetition, and say what you want and stay focused on the issue. You'll find that there is no need to rehearse this technique, and no need to 'hype yourself up' to deal with others. Example: "I would like to show you some of our products" > "No thank you, I'm not interested" > "I really have a great range to offer you" > "That may be true, but I'm not interested at the moment" > "Is there someone else here who would be interested?" > "I don't want any of these products" > "Okay, would you take this brochure and think about it?" > "Yes, I will take a brochure" > "Thank you" > "You're welcome" 3. Fogging: this technique allows you to receive criticism comfortably, without getting anxious or defensive, and without rewarding manipulative criticism. To do this you need to acknowledge the criticism, agree that there may be some truth to what they say, but remain the judge of your choice of action. An example of this could be, "I agree that there are probably times when I don't give you answers to your questions. 4. Negative enquiry: this technique seeks out criticism about yourself in close relationships by prompting the expression of honest, negative feelings to improve communication. To use if effectively you need to listen for critical comments, clarify your understanding of those criticisms, use the information if it will be helpful or ignore the information if it is manipulative. An example of this technique would be, "So you think/believe that I am not interested?" 5. Negative assertion: this technique lets you look more comfortably at negatives in your own behaviour or personality without feeling defensive or anxious, this also reduces your critics' hostility. You should accept your errors or faults, but not apologise. Instead, tentatively and sympathetically agree with hostile criticism of your negative qualities. An example would be, "Yes, you're right. I don't always listen closely to what you have to say." 6. Workable compromise: when you feel that your self-respect is not in question, consider a workable compromise with the other person. You can always bargain for your material goals unless the compromise affects your personal feelings of self-respect. However, if the end goal involves a matter of your self-worth and self-respect, THERE CAN BE NO COMPROMISE. An example of this technique would be, "I understand that you have a need to talk and I need to finish what I'm doing. So what about meeting in half an hour?"From: [|Ezine Articles]
 * eye contact: demonstrates interest, shows sincerity
 * body posture: congruent body language will improve the significance of the message
 * gestures: appropriate gestures help to add emphasis
 * voice: a level, well modulated tone is more convincing and acceptable, and is not intimidating
 * timing: use your judgement to maximise receptivity and impact
 * content: how, where and when you choose to comment is probably more important than WHAT you say
 * Six techniques for assertive communication
 * Six techniques for assertive communication

III. TTW demonstrate how to design a cartoon using the computer.

IV. TSW create and design a cartoon applying assertive communication skills.[| http://www.toondoo.com/createToon.jsp] 4. TSW present and print a finished cartoon using the 6+1 writing skills. The class will compile a cartoon book that will be accessible on our class site.