by Gloria Hash Marcus
www.assertiveskills.com
Assertive skills are valuable tools for empowering students who have learning differences. Assertive skills can be easily incorporated into learning styles programs such as Multiple Intelligences.
In Multiple Intelligence classes students learn that there are many ways of being smart. In order to effectively utilize knowledge regarding the extent of one’s abilities, assertive skills are used to assist students in becoming advocates for themselves. Students begin this process by studying the four different styles or methods of communication: assertive, passive, passive-aggressive, and aggressive. The style that is the most effective out of the four methods of communication is the assertive style.
Knowing when and how to confidently voice personal opinions is a skill that challenges many adults and confounds most adolescents. The author’s knowledge of developmental phases and cognitive processing skills is the core of this book’s success, as Ms. Marcus effectively conveys the value of assertiveness skills to her audience. Ms. Marcus teaches teenagers how to think confidently and behave positively while expressing personal beliefs, wants and needs. Tweens to high school seniors will benefit from the relevant situations and exercises in Stand up Skills for Teenagers.
As a teacher, it is refreshing and encouraging to work with students who have learned what their strengths and needs are. It is a pleasure to respond when they come, knowing what they need, and politely request my assistance. I know that many students (and their teachers) can benefit from this type of assertiveness training.
I am a parent of a ADHD boy of 18. I see the importance of him reading Mrs. Marcus’s book, but, getting him too would be almost impossible. I feel like the text in this book could be use in school curriculum. Also could be very helpful to students who have doubts about themselves and need techniques for knowing themselves. Learning assertive skills is so very important, as Mrs. Marcus has shown us through her book. Thank you Gloria for caring.
My fourteen year old daughter worked through R U Assertive? Stand up Skills for Teenagers on her own; however, I read it as well. It was easy for her to read and understand. Since she has read this book, I have noticed that she seems more at ease when speaking with adults and she is communicating her feelings more clearly. I would recommend this book to any parent of an adolescent or teenager, especially if they have a child who needs to develop a better self awareness. I plan to use this book with my younger children as well. Young and old, alike, will benefit from the concepts presented in this book.
When I work with students who have used R U Assertive? Stand up Skills for Teenagers, I notice the difference because I often have taught them in previous years. Body posture, eye contact, and getting their point across verbally improves when the student has bought into Marcus’ book. It’s also great to see at the end of the year that they are looking forward to their next educational opportunity in a positive way because they are more confident in themselves.
Great book. We use it to prepare our 8th graders for high school and beyond. The assertive skills that are taught are daily life skills and very appropriate for middle school through college aged students. The book reminds us to be good to ourselves and to be good to others.
This book presents the information clearly and logically. It is easy to follow and implement not only in a classroom situation but in all sorts of daily interactions. Wish I had this when I was a teen.
There is such a significant amount of personal growth that is evident in students who have worked through this book. The ability to be self-reflective and appropriately advocate for oneself is such an important part of transitioning into young adulthood. It is impacting to see the changes in students who have had access to this program. Thanks to Ms. Marcus for making this available to students, parents, and educators!
My daughter, a dyslexic 9th grader, went through this book in 8th grade. As she began high school this year, I watched her navigate her new environment with uncertainty which soon gave way to confidence as she spoke to her teachers and peers. She began asking her teachers for help with the material she was struggling to learn and making arrangements to meet with them outside of class. I have only had to intervene one time so far. I am so grateful for this book and Ms. Marcus’ insight into what kids need to learn in order to be responsible for their own learning styles.
I am looking for an assertive skills WORKSHOP for my 13 year old son. Where do you find one?
Laura,
Where do you live? Sometimes schools offer workshops or other service providers in your area may have workshops. Actually, I wrote the book because there were many students in locations where there were not adequate services for dealing with assertive skills, advocacy, etc.
Gloria Hash Marcus http://www.assertiveskills.com
I have seen the assertive skills program in action as a teacher AND a practitioner! The techniques work amazingly well with kids as well as adults!
R.U. Assertive? has helped ME grow as a person. Reared a Southern lady, I fell into the manners of a “good girl” and often remained silent, sometimes suppressing my own ideas so as not to “make waves.” I am much more assertive now, thanks to teaching this program and witnessing its results.
When I was given six months to live after being diagnosed with “terminal cancer” several years ago, assertiveness was essential to my recovery….
I used Chapter 7 – the Self-Support Techniques to focus on the positive and have eliminated negative self-talk; I am much more self-confident.
Chapter 3 – Techniques for Knowing Yourself helped me eliminate the fear that is forever present after a cancer diagnosis. All of the exercises in chapter 3 played a significant role in my recovery. I am cancer free and my doctor’s are amazed. Lot’s of work on my part, prayer, life style changes, exercise, diet, supplements, herbs, and chemotherapy all played a part in my recovery but getting to know and love myself through this program was crucial.
Don’t wait to get sick to get with the program!
Get assertive NOW!
I have seen the assertive skills program in action as a teacher AND a practitioner! The techniques work amazingly well with kids as well as adults!
R.U. Assertive? has helped ME grow as a person. Reared a Southern lady, I fell into the manners of a “good girl” and often remained silent, sometimes suppressing my own ideas so as not to “make waves.” I am much more assertive now, thanks to teaching this program and witnessing its results.
When I was given six months to live after being diagnosed with “terminal cancer” several years ago, assertiveness was essential to my recovery….
I used Chapter 7 – the Self-Support Techniques to focus on the positive and have eliminated negative self-talk; I am much more self-confident.
Chapter 3 – Techniques for Knowing Yourself helped me eliminate the fear that is forever present after a cancer diagnosis. All of the exercises in chapter 3 played a significant role in my recovery. I am cancer free and my doctor’s are amazed. Lot’s of work on my part, prayer, life style changes, exercise, diet, supplements, herbs, and chemotherapy all played a part in my recovery but getting to know and love myself through this program was crucial.
Don’t wait to get sick to get with the program!
Get assertive NOW!
This provides the reader an opportunity to take responsibility for his life socially, emotionally, and educationally.It addresses the importance of processing receptive and expressive language skills while considering listening,thinking,feeling, supporting, and advocating… with emphasis of vocabulary development. Staying focused with a purpose and using meta-cognitive skills allows him to witness first hand the fruits of his efforts. Hip,hip hooray! I believe in affirmations that create positive self talk. Such an important workbook. Thank you.
I feel this is great and it could be adapted for younger children.
There is no greater transformation for an 8th grade child then the transformation that occurs as they learn these assertive skills. After years of watching the implementation of a program on Assertive Skills and Multiple Intelligences at my school, I can confidently say the best gift for a child’s learning is the skills Ms. Marcus builds through this book. Hats off for a fabluous, educational resource for parents, teachers, and students!