Instructions
- Read Each Section Carefully: This worksheet explores how we interact with others. You will practice being assertive, staying inclusive, and spotting hidden biases.
- Complete the Tables: Use the provided examples as a guide to fill in the blank spaces. Ensure your writing is clear as these are designed for group discussion.
- Reflect on Language: Pay close attention to specific words (like "always" vs. "sometimes") and how they change the meaning of a sentence.
- Group Debrief: If working in a group, prepare to share your "Language Shift" ideas during the final discussion.
Section 1: The Assertiveness Toolkit
Assertiveness is the ability to speak up for yourself in a way that is honest and respectful, without being aggressive (mean) or passive (silent).
The "I-Statement" Formula: "I feel [emotion] when [behavior] because [reason]. I would like [proposed solution]."
Scenario: You are working on a group poster. One member, Alex, is drawing over your work without asking you first.
Task: Convert the Passive or Aggressive responses into an Assertive I-Statement.
| Type | Response | Why it's problematic? |
|---|---|---|
| Passive | (Saying nothing and letting them ruin it.) | You end up frustrated and the work isn't what you wanted. |
| Aggressive | "You're so annoying! Stop touching my stuff, you're ruining everything!" | It attacks the person, causing a fight rather than solving the problem. |
| Assertive | "I feel frustrated when you draw over my section without asking because I worked hard on it. I'd like us to check with each other before changing things." | (Example Provided) |
| Your Turn |
New Scenario: A friend keeps asking to borrow your phone to play games, but they always drain the battery right before you need to call home.
Draft your Assertive I-Statement below:
Section 2: Building an Inclusive Environment
Inclusiveness means making sure everyone feels they belong. Sometimes we exclude people without even realizing it through our body language or the way we phrase invitations.
| Situation | Exclusionary Behavior/Language | Inclusive Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Lunchroom | Sitting in a tight circle and whispering so no one else can join the conversation. | Example: Opening the circle physically and saying, "Hey Sam, there’s a spot here if you want to sit with us!" |
| Group Chat | Inside jokes that only two people understand, leaving five others confused. | |
| New Student | Telling a new student, "You wouldn't get it, it's an old school tradition." | |
| Sports/PE | Only passing the ball to your best friend, even when others are open. | |
| Team Meeting | Talking over the quietest member because they take a long time to speak. | |
| After School | Planning an expensive outing that you know some friends cannot afford. |
Section 3: Bias Awareness Detective
Bias is a leaning for or against a person or group, often based on stereotypes rather than facts. Recognizing bias helps us treat people fairly.
Identify the hidden bias in the following statements and rewrite them to be neutral/fair.
-
Statement: "We should pick Leo to be the captain; boys are naturally better at leading sports teams."
- The Bias: Gender Stereotyping.
- The Correction: "We should pick the person with the best leadership skills and team spirit."
-
Statement: "Don't invite Sarah to the hiking club; she uses a wheelchair, so she definitely won't be interested in being outdoors."
- The Bias:
- The Correction:
-
Statement: "I'm surprised Jordan is so good at math; he's a total skater kid."
- The Bias:
- The Correction:
-
Statement: "We shouldn't ask the new kid from the city for help with the garden; he probably doesn't know what dirt even is."
- The Bias:
- The Correction:
Section 4: Group Debrief - The Language of Impact
Words carry weight. In a group, discuss how changing just one or two words can change the outcome of a situation.
Challenge Question: Look at these two ways of asking for help. Which one is more likely to get a positive response? Why?
- Option A: "You never help me with the chores unless I yell at you!"
- Option B: "I feel overwhelmed with the chores. Could you help me finish the dishes tonight?"
Your Reflection:
Answer Key
Section 1: Assertiveness (Example response)
- Statement: "I feel stressed when my phone battery is drained because I need to call my parents after school. I'd like you to check the battery level or only play for 10 minutes."
Section 2: Inclusiveness (Suggested ideas)
- Group Chat: "Wait, let's explain that joke to everyone so they're in on it, or move to a topic we all know."
- New Student: "This is a tradition we have called [Name]; let me tell you how it started so you can join in!"
- Sports/PE: Intentionally looking for the open teammate and encouraging them: "Nice hustle, get open!"
- Team Meeting: "I noticed [Name] was about to say something. Let's give them a moment to share their thoughts."
- After School: "Let's find something to do that's free or cheap so everyone can come along without worrying about money."
Section 3: Bias Awareness (Suggested ideas)
- 2. Bias: Ability/Disability Bias. Correction: "Let's ask Sarah if she'd like to join us for the hike; we can check if the trail is accessible."
- 3. Bias: Subculture/Appearance Stereotyping. Correction: "Jordan is really talented at math; he must study hard."
- 4. Bias: Geographic/Regional Bias. Correction: "Let's ask the new student if they want to help with the garden; they might have some great ideas."
Section 4: Group Debrief
- Option B is more effective because it uses an "I-statement" to express a need without attacking the other person. "You never" (Option A) is an absolute that usually makes people defensive.