Refusal Skills Lesson PlanRefusal Skills Spotlight Teacher Lesson Plan • 5th Grade Health Duration 60m Objective Students will build confidence in saying "no" to peer pressure and drug offers through active role-playing, developing specific communication strategies to handle high-pressure social situations. Why This Matters In this lesson, students engage in role-playing to practice saying no to drugs and peer pressure. Developing these confidence and communication skills is essential for making safe and healthy choices. By acting out scenarios, students understand the dynamics of peer pressure and learn effective strategies to resist it before they face these situations in real life. Materials Role-Playing Scenario Cards Discussion Question Guide Reflection Worksheet Pens and Paper Instructional Sequence 1 Introduction 10 Minutes Begin with a brief discussion on peer pressure and its impact on decision-making. Explain the importance of being able to say "no" to drugs and peer pressure firmly. Introduce the role-playing activity and its objectives: practice makes perfect! 2 Role-Playing Activity 30 Minutes Divide students into small groups (3-4 students). Distribute **Role-Playing Scenario Cards** to each group. Instruct students to act out the scenarios, focusing on saying no effectively and confidently. Encourage creativity (body language, tone of voice) and support each group as they perform. 3 Group Discussion 10 Minutes Gather students for a whole-class group discussion. Use the provided **Discussion Questions** to guide the conversation. Encourage students to share their experiences and thoughts on the role-playing activity. 4 Reflection 10 Minutes Distribute the **Reflection Worksheet** to each student. Ask students to reflect individually on what they learned and how they felt. Collect the worksheets for review to assess understanding. 5 Closure 5 Minutes Summarize the key points: You have the power to say no! Reinforce the importance of making healthy choices for your future self. Thank students for their participation and courage. Teacher Pro-Tip Facilitation Strategies "During role-plays, if a student is struggling to find the words, encourage their group mates to 'pause' the scene and offer suggestions. This builds a supportive environment where students learn from each other's strategies."
Role Playing Scenario CardsScenario Challenge Cards Refusal Skills Spotlight • Role-Play Activity Scenario 01 The Party Offer A friend offers you a cigarette at a party. Everyone else seems to be doing it, and they're looking at you to see what you'll do. Scenario 02 Classmate Pressure A group of classmates is hanging out after school. They have alcohol and they are pressuring you to take a drink just to "be cool." Scenario 03 The "Relaxing" Pill Someone you know offers you a pill, saying it will help you relax and forget about your stress. They claim it's "totally safe." Scenario 04 The Vape Dare A friend shows you their new vape and dares you to try it. They say it tastes like candy and isn't dangerous at all. Scenario 05 Older Kids A group of older kids invites you to join them behind the school. They are smoking marijuana and tell you that you're "too young" if you don't join in. Scenario 06 Create Your Own Scenario TIP Cut these cards along the dashed lines. Distribute one to each group. Encourage students to think about body language, eye contact, and a clear, firm voice when performing.
Discussion Question GuideDebrief Guide Refusal Skills Spotlight • Group Discussion Use these questions to guide a whole-class conversation after the role-playing activity. Focus on the emotional experience and practical strategies students developed. 01 How did it feel to say "no" in the role-playing scenarios? Teacher Prompt: Encourage students to share their emotions and thoughts during the activity. Was it awkward? Did it feel powerful? Did their heart rate go up? Emotional Awareness Confidence Building 02 What strategies did you find most effective in saying "no"? Teacher Prompt: Discuss different approaches and why they worked. Look for examples of using "I" statements, offering alternatives, or just walking away. Direct Refusal Changing the Subject 03 Why is it important to practice these skills before you need them? Teacher Prompt: Highlight the significance of being prepared and confident in real-life situations. Like a fire drill, we practice so we know what to do when things get "hot." Preparedness Muscle Memory Key Takeaway: Preparation leads to Power. 5th Grade Health • Refusal Skills
Refusal Reflection WorksheetRefusal Skills Reflection Student Activity • Making Healthy Choices Name: Date: Think back to the role-playing scenes we practiced today. Use this space to reflect on what you experienced and how you can use these skills in the future. 1 What did you learn from the role-playing activity today? 2 How did you feel when you had to say "no" in the scenarios? 3 What will you do if you face a similar situation in real life? Confidence is your best defense.
Refusal Skills SlidesRefusal Skills Spotlight Practice Saying No • Stay Healthy What is Peer Pressure? When people your age try to influence how you act or feel. It can be positive (trying a new sport) or negative (offering drugs/alcohol). Your Mission 1 Practice saying "No" clearly 2 Use strong body language 3 Build confidence with your team The "Power Refusal" "Make direct eye contact." "Use a firm, clear voice." "Walk away if you need to." Action Time! In your groups, take turns playing the Proposer and the Refuser. Ready? Set? GO! Time to Reflect Grab your reflection worksheet and think about how it felt to say "no" today. Your future self will thank you!
