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G5 WWA: Passive, Assertive, Aggressive Communication

Don't Hug Doug

Say Something

It's My Way or The Highway

Questions to think about:

1. What is the main message of the book "My Way or the Highway"?
2. Describe a situation in the video where Cora June was being too bossy. How did others react?
3. How did Cora June learn to be more flexible throughout the video? 

Questions generated by magicschool.ai

5th GRADE: Being Assertive

After watching the video, can you answer these questions: 

1. What are the three ways to communicate with others that are discussed in the video?
a) Aggressive, passive, and assertive
b) Quiet, loud, and calm
c) Nice, mean, and serious
d) Confident, unsure, and intense

2. Which communication style is the one that the teacher wants the students to learn?
a) Aggressive
b) Passive
c) Assertive
d) Loud

3. According to the video, why is it important to use an assertive voice?
a) To interrupt others
b) To sound intense and serious
c) To stand up for ourselves and others, and ask for what we need
d) To be quiet and unsure of ourselves 

Questions generated by magicschool.ai

Passive, Aggressive, and Assertive Communication

During passive communication, a person prioritises the needs, wants, and feelings of others, even at their own expense. The person does not express their own needs, or does not stand up for them. This can lead to being taken advantage of.

  • Quiet/Soft spoken

  • Allows others to take advantage

  • Poor eye contact / looks down or away

  • Lack of confidence

Source

Through aggressive communication, a person expresses that only their own needs, wants, and feelings matter. The other person is bullied, and their needs are ignored.

  • Speaks in a loud or overbearing way

  • Wants their own way

  • Frequently interrupts or does not listen

  • Use of criticism, humiliation, and domination

Assertive communication emphasizes the importance of both peoples’ needs.

  • Willing to compromise

  • Confident tone / body language

  • Good eye contact

  • Listens and does not interrupt

Communicating Assertively

1. According to the video, what are the three types of communication?
2. How does an assertive person respond when someone cuts them off in line?
3. Why does the video suggest that assertive communication is the way to go? 

Questions generated by magicschool.ai

Teenshealth - Assertiveness Article

Assertive vs Aggressive Communication

Aggressive Communication

  • Denies the rights of others
  • Insults
  • Wins at all costs
  • Is emotionally charged
  • Lacks consideration and empathy for others
  • Damages others’ self-esteem 

When you talk aggressively, you:

  • Make other people feel disrespected
  • Trigger aggression in other people
  • Escalate situations
  • Create a cycle of negative interactions

Assertive Communication

Being assertive, on the other hand, involves:

  • Being firm but respectful while sharing your feelings
  • Making eye contact
  • Listening to the other person’s thoughts, as well
  • Being willing to compromise or come to an agreement

Assertiveness Questionnaire for Grade 5 Students