Resources for Teaching Kids Self-Advocacy

Jamie’s Class Has Something to Say is a wonderful introduction to self-advocacy that models for kids how to share their likes and dislikes with adults. It’s also a great way for adults to see examples of ways they can respond when the children in their lives open up and share important things with them. 

This picture book can easily be added to home or classroom libraries full of picture books that foster self-advocacy in different forms. 

Here are 7 additional resources that promote self-advocacy:

1. We Can Say No

Order from Free Spirit Publishing

Written by Lydia Bowers
illustrated by Isabel Muñoz
Free Spirit Publishing, November 2022

The fifth book in the We Say What’s Okay series, We Can Say No follows Zakiya and Sami as they learn that their bodies, including their hair, belong to them and that no one should touch them without permission. Using the book as a read-aloud, educators and families can model the language Zakiya and Sami’s teacher uses to support them. The author, who hosts workshops and trainings on teaching boundaries and consent for families and early childhood educators around the country, offers additional activities in the back of the book.

2. We Are in Charge of Our Bodies

Order from Free Spirit Publishing

Written by Lydia Bowers
illustrated by Isabel Muñoz
Free Spirit Publishing, July 2022

The sixth book in the We Say What’s Okay series, We Are in Charge of Our Bodies follows Jackson and his classmates as they learn the names for their private body parts, that they can say what’s okay for their bodies, and why it’s important to respect others’ bodies. Using the book as a read-aloud, educators and families can model language to help children as they learn how to set and respect physical boundaries. The author, who hosts workshops and trainings on teaching boundaries and consent for families and early childhood educators around the country, offers additional activities in the back of the book.

3. Speak Up for Yourself

Written by Bryan Smith
Illustrated by Lisa M. Griffin
Boys Town Press; First Edition, ed. (May 3, 2021)

When a new seating arrangement lands Amelia next to Billy, a guy who spends all day whining and complaining, Amelia feels trapped. She unloads all her frustrations on her very patient mother. But when Mom starts asking her questions, Amelia quickly realizes that advocating for change – and for herself – requires a lot more than criticizing others and making demands.

4. Speak Up Wonder Pup: A Kid’s Guide to Standing Up for Yourself (Self-Regulation)

Written by Angela Murphy
Illustrated by Davis Graham
Published by  Angela Murphy (June 3, 2019)

Before Zane was adopted into his new family, his go-to strategies were either fight, flight, or freeze. His emotions were TOO BIG to handle and he didn’t have the words to communicate! With help from his big brother Draper, Zane learns the “I Message”: a simple 3-step technique that helps keep him calm and SPEAK UP for himself.

5. Engage the Brain 

Engage the Brain is a website with articles and resources for how to encourage children to speak up for themselves, especially in academic settings where it’s important to ask questions and get the help they need. 

Teaching your Child to Self-Advocate

6. Understood

Understood is a website with many articles and resources for brains that are wired differently and the people who love them. 

https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-to-build-the-foundation-for-self-advocacy-in-young-children

7. Smart Kids

Smart Kids has a website with many resources for parents of children with learning disabilities, including articles and tips for fostering self-advocacy among children. 

https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/self-advocacy-strategies-ages/