ASKING FOR HELP

Students have access to a lot of support in the classroom, but they might not know how to assess their needs and ask for help. Even if they know how to ask for help, they might feel embarrassed or insecure. Here are a couple of strategies to help students build self-advocacy skills. 

• Normalize asking for help

  • Share stories of eliciting support 

  • Point out to students when you are asking for help from others at work

• Provide stems

  • “Could I ask for your help with ___?” 

  • “Would you mind helping me out with ___?”

  • “Could you help me figure out how to ___? I’ve tried___, but it’s still not working.”

  • “Do you know who could help me ___?”

  • “Can you help me understand ___?” 

  • “Could you give me an example of ___?”

  • “Can you show me how to ___?” 

  • “I have a question about ___.”