How To Say No

Worksheet Description

This Life Skills worksheet focuses on the social and emotional skill of assertiveness, specifically on the ability to say “no” politely and confidently. It emphasizes the importance of setting personal boundaries and provides a structured approach for students to reflect on past experiences, understand their own decision-making processes, and develop strategies for future situations. The exercise begins by prompting students to recall a time when they agreed to do something they didn’t really want to do, asking them to describe the situation and their reasons for not wanting to participate.

The worksheet then guides students through a series of introspective questions, encouraging them to analyze why they felt unable to refuse the request and to consider the personal impacts of saying “yes” when they wanted to say “no.” This leads to a critical thinking exercise where students are asked to list three polite ways to decline requests. They are encouraged to practice these phrases to become more comfortable with assertive communication. This practice not only helps students develop the skill of saying “no” in a respectful manner but also reinforces their right to make choices that align with their personal values and limits. The worksheet is an invaluable tool for empowering students to navigate social pressures with confidence and grace.