Choice Armor Facilitator Guide Choice Armor
Facilitator Guide • Ms. Fishman • Grade 6
30 Minute Session
ASCA Alignment
M 1. Belief in development of whole self.
B-SMS 1. Self-discipline and self-control.
B-SS 9. Maturity in social situations.
Objectives
Identify 3 peer pressure tactics.
Identify specific dangers of nicotine/vaping.
Demonstrate 3 refusal strategies.
Pacing & Procedure
5m
The Hook: The Pressure Check
Use Slide 2. Interactive "Value Line": Rate difficulty (1-10) of saying "No" to a friend vs. a stranger. Ms. Fishman to highlight that relationships drive pressure.
7m
Instruction: Nicotine Trap
Slides 3-5. Break down pressure types (Spoken, Unspoken, Rejection). Focus on Slide 5: Discuss how nicotine "hijacks" the brain's reward system, making addiction happen faster in 6th graders than in adults.
5m
Video Analysis: Brain Hijack
Slide 6. Watch the embedded "Truth" campaign video. Discuss: "How does nicotine try to control your choices? Why is knowing the 'truth' part of your armor?"
13m
Activity: Choice Armor Practice
Use Slides 7-8 and Pressure Points Cards . Pairs practice refusal strategies. Focus on "The No-Menu" and internal values as the strongest layer of defense.
Pressure Points Scenarios
A. The "Flavor" Trap
Being offered a vape; Peer says: "It's just steam." (Nicotine Fact: 1 pod = 20 cigarettes).
B. The "Just a Sip"
Best friend wants to taste an unattended drink at a party.
C. Digital Dare
A group chat challenge to try "mystery pills" from home.
D. Bathroom Pressure
Older kids in the bathroom giving you the "uncool" look for not joining in.
Refusal Skills & Key Points
The "No-Menu"
1. Better Idea: "Nah, let's play Xbox."
2. Cold Shoulder: Ignore and walk away.
3. Excuse: "I have practice tomorrow."
4. Record: "No thanks... I'm good."
Fact Check
Youth brains addict faster.
Vapes often have more nicotine.
Increases long-term anxiety.
Brain Construction
"Your brain is still forming. Using substances now is messing with the foundation of who you'll become."
Ms. Fishman's Armor
"Confidence isn't being louder; it's being steadier in your values. Protect your Choice Armor."
Choice Armor Slides v2 Substance Abuse Prevention
CHOICE ARMOR
Ms. Fishman • Grade 6
The Pressure Check
"How hard is it to say NO when..."
A stranger offers you a cigarette?
Your best friend offers you a vape?
Everyone at a party is drinking?
It's not about the substance.
Relationship.
Pressure Personalities
Spoken
Direct words.
"Just try it."
Unspoken
The "vibe."
Everyone's doing it.
Rejection
The "threat."
Being left out.
Reality Check
Most 6th graders think "everyone" is trying substances.
The Truth:
Over 90%
don't use drugs.
Your brain is forming until age 25.
Confidence is your best defense.
The Nicotine Trap
Instantly Addictive
Nicotine changes your brain chemistry faster than almost any other chemical.
The Fake "Relax"
Vaping actually increases stress and anxiety in the long run.
"One vape can contain as much nicotine as 20 CIGARETTES."
Brain Hijack: Nicotine in Action
Embedded media
Analyzing: How Nicotine Tricks the Brain
Truth Initiative Campaign
Forging Your Armor
Confidence is knowing your VALUES are more important than their opinion.
Values
Goals
Health
Safety
The No-Menu
01
THE BETTER IDEA
"Nah, let's go play Xbox."
02
THE COLD SHOULDER
Just walk away or ignore it.
03
THE EXCUSE
"I have practice tomorrow."
04
THE RECORD
"I'm good... No thanks..."
Your Armor, Your Future
A 30-minute choice can impact a lifetime.
Who are you doing this for?
YOU.
Pressure Points Cards Pressure Points
Ms. Fishman • Grade 6
Activity Guide
Cut out the cards along the dashed lines. Work in pairs to practice your Choice Armor refusal skills. Use a steady voice, firm eye contact, and the "No-Menu" strategies!
Nicotine Focus
The "Flavor" Trick
A friend pulls out a colorful vape and says, "Try this, it tastes exactly like blue raspberry candy. There's no nicotine, just flavor."
Refusal Fact:
Almost all vapes contain high levels of nicotine. One pod can equal 20 cigarettes.
Social Focus
The Best Friend
Your best friend finds an unattended drink at a party. They whisper, "Let's just see what it tastes like. No one is watching."
Refusal Fact:
Alcohol slows down your brain. Real friends don't ask you to risk your safety.
Nicotine Focus
The Bathroom Vape
A group is vaping in the bathroom. They don't say anything, but they keep looking at you like you're "uncool" for not joining.
Refusal Fact:
This is "Unspoken Pressure." Walking away shows you value your health more than an opinion.
Digital Focus
The Group Dare
A classmate posts a "pill challenge" online. They tag you and say, "Tag, you're it! Show us you're not a coward."
Refusal Fact:
Pills found at home can be lethal. Bravery is protecting your life, not risking it for a screen.
Ms. Fishman's Armor Note
What is ONE thing you value (sports, family, goals) that nicotine could never take away if you stay drug-free?
My Choice
My Goal
My Why
Values = Armor • Ms. Fishman's Lesson