Grade 6 · SEL · Lesson 26

Assertive, respectful communication

Assertive communication is the calm, firm way of speaking up. You say what you feel, what you need, and what you would like — without shrinking back, and without attacking the other person. It sits between two unhealthy styles. Passive people swallow their needs and end up feeling invisible. Aggressive people throw blame and end up scaring people away. Assertive people are honest AND respectful at the same time. That balance is the goal of every conversation in this lesson.

What this lesson teaches

1Distinguish passive, assertive and aggressive communication by body, voice and words
2Build an assertive I-statement using the frame I feel X when Y because Z, and I would like W
3Match common school situations to a respectful, assertive response
4Set a calm, firm boundary that protects your needs without attacking the other person

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