Personal & social development // Friendship & Cooperation
Assertive Communication
Use assertive communication — expressing needs, opinions, and boundaries clearly and respectfully without being aggressive (pushy/demanding) or passive (giving in/staying silent) — including saying no when something doesn't feel right
Quick check
If friends want the learner to do something they're uncomfortable with — like excluding another child or breaking a rule — can the learner say 'I don't want to do that' firmly but politely?
Ask this to see whether the topic is secure.
Topic // Mastery
What mastery looks like
- Explain the difference between assertive, aggressive, and passive responses
- Role-play saying no in a peer pressure scenario
- Express a personal boundary clearly and respectfully in a real situation
Topic // Map
Where this fits
- RequiredMust come first
- HelpfulHelps, but not essential
Before this
3 topicsFriendship & Cooperation // Ages 7 to 9
Assertive communication builds on basic conflict resolution
- Communication VocabularyRequired
Friendship & Cooperation // Ages 7 to 11
Assertive communication requires understanding the trio: assertive vs passive vs aggressive
- Positive Self-TalkHelpful
Self-Regulation & Resilience // Ages 7 to 9
Assertive communication benefits from positive self-talk skills
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Assertive Communication
Ages 9 to 11 // Method
Leads to
4 topics- Self-Reflection in RelationshipsRequired
Friendship & Cooperation // Ages 9 to 11
Reflecting on social patterns builds on assertive communication skills
- Social Cues and Group DynamicsRequired
Friendship & Cooperation // Ages 11 to 12
Advanced friendship skills depends on earlier cooperation concepts
Friendship & Cooperation // Ages 9 to 11
Giving feedback benefits from assertive communication
Responsible Decision-Making // Ages 9 to 11
Resisting peer pressure benefits from assertive communication skills
Topic // Standards
Curriculum standards
- IB PYP Personal, Social and Physical Education (PSPE) Scope and Sequence
- PSPE.INT.P2.LO.8
Personal & social development // Friendship & Cooperation
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