Drugs Lesson Plan Drugs: Just Say Know
Tier 1 Classroom Guidance Lesson
Audience
6th Grade
Objective
Students will identify common drugs, understand short/long-term effects on the body and future, and practice refusal skills to navigate peer pressure.
At a Glance
Total Time: 30 Minutes
Approach: Interactive
Materials
Drug Awareness Slide Deck
Teacher Script
Warm-Up Handout
Role-Play Scenarios
Whiteboard & Markers
Why This Matters
6th graders are approaching ages where they encounter peer pressure and misinformation. Providing factual knowledge and refusal skills builds self-efficacy and promotes long-term health.
Teacher Preparation
Time: 15 minutes
Review the Slide Deck and Teacher Script.
Prepare classroom layout for group role-playing.
Print student handouts for Warm-Up and Refusal Scenarios.
Lesson Flow
5m
Warm-Up: True or False?
Present true/false statements. Students use thumbs up/down. Clarify misconceptions immediately.
5m
Intro: What Are Drugs?
Define "drug" (Slide 2). Discuss misuse vs. proper medicine use. Brainstorm why people use drugs (curiosity, pressure).
10m
Impact: Body and Future
Examine short-term vs long-term effects (Slides 3-4). Discuss how drug use interferes with future goals and dreams.
7m
Refusal Skills: Just Say NO!
Introduce strategies (Broken Record, Change Subject). Students practice role-playing scenarios in small groups.
3m
Cool-Down: One Word Reflection
Students write one word describing their takeaway. Gauge emotional connection and key learning.
Drug Awareness Slides Just Say Know
Empowering Choices & Drug Awareness
Discussion
What do you already know?
Question
What do you want to learn?
What Are Drugs?
Definition:
A substance that changes how your body or mind works.
Why do people use them?
Curiosity
Peer pressure
Stress or coping
Wanting to fit in
Common Examples
Medicines (when used correctly)
Alcohol
Nicotine (cigarettes/vapes)
Illegal Substances
Short-Term Effects
The Brain
• Can't think clearly
• Poor decision making
• Slower reaction times
The Body
• Feeling sick or dizzy
• Loss of coordination
• Shaky hands / Red eyes
Think About It:
How could these effects impact your day-to-day life?
Long-Term Impact
Your Health
Addiction: Body needs the drugOrgan Damage: Brain, heart, lungsMental Health: Anxiety & depression
Your Life
School problems & lower grades
Strained friendships & family trust
Legal trouble & lost opportunities
The Big Question
How can drug use change your future dreams?
Refusal Skills
01
Be Direct
"No thanks, I'm not interested."
02
Change the Subject
"Nah, let's go play basketball instead."
03
Walk Away
Remove yourself from the situation.
Practice Time!
Let's try some scenarios together.
It's okay to say NO!
One Word Reflection
What is one word that describes what you learned today, or how you feel about drug awareness?
You have the power to make healthy choices!
Teacher Script Drug Awareness Teacher Script
Drugs: Just Say Know
Lesson Length: 30 Minutes
Target Audience: 6th Grade
5 MIN
Warm-Up: True or False?
"Good morning, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something super important: drug awareness. It's a topic that might seem a little serious, but learning about it now can help you make really smart choices for your future."
"To get us started, we're going to play a quick 'True or False' game. I'll read a statement, and if you think it's true, give me a thumbs up. If you think it's false, give me a thumbs down. Ready?"
Statement 1: "Only bad people use drugs."
(Wait for responses) "False! Drugs can affect anyone, regardless of who they are. It's not about being a 'bad person,' but about making choices that can have serious consequences."
Statement 2: "Taking a puff from a vape isn't as harmful as smoking a cigarette."
(Wait for responses) "False! Vapes still contain nicotine, which is super addictive, and many other harmful chemicals that can damage your lungs and brain. There's a lot we're still learning about how harmful vaping can be, but we know it's not safe."
Statement 3: "It's okay to try a drug once, just to see what it's like."
(Wait for responses) "False! Even trying some drugs once can have unpredictable and dangerous effects. Some drugs are highly addictive, and even one use can lead to serious trouble. It's simply not worth the risk."
5 MIN
Introduction: What Are Drugs?
CUE: SHOW SLIDE 2
"Let's dive a little deeper. Take a look at the screen. What do you think of when you hear the word 'drugs'?" (Allow a few responses).
"That's right. When we talk about drugs today, we're talking about any substance that changes how your body or mind works. Now, it's important to remember that not all drugs are bad. For example, medicine prescribed by a doctor can help you feel better when you're sick."
"But today, we're focusing on substances that can be harmful when misused or abused, like alcohol, nicotine in vapes, or illegal substances."
"So, why do people use drugs? What are some reasons you've heard or thought about?" (Guide the discussion toward curiosity, peer pressure, stress, wanting to fit in, etc.)
10 MIN
Impact of Drugs: Body and Future
CUE: SHOW SLIDES 3 & 4
"Look at Slide 3. What are some things that might happen to your body or mind right away if someone uses drugs? How would this affect playing your favorite sport, doing homework, or just hanging out with friends?" (Allow responses).
Warm Up Activity Handout Warm Up: True or False?
Name: ____________________________ Date: _________
Instructions: Read each statement. If you think the statement is True, give a thumbs up. If you think the statement is False, give a thumbs down. Be ready to explain your answer!
01
True
False
"Only people who are 'bad' or from tough backgrounds use drugs."
My Reason:
02
True
False
"Taking a puff from a vape isn't as harmful as smoking a cigarette."
My Reason:
03
True
False
"It's okay to try a drug once, just to see what it's like."
My Reason:
Drugs: Just Say Know • 6th Grade Guidance Lesson
Refusal Skills Role Play Worksheet Refusal Skills: Role-Play
Practice Your Power to Say No
Session Resource
Name: _________________
Instructions
In small groups, read each scenario below. Take turns role-playing how you would respond using one of our refusal strategies: Be Direct , Change the Subject , Walk Away , or Find a Trusted Adult .
1
The "Cool" Crowd
"You are at the park with some friends. A slightly older student comes up and offers you a vape, saying, 'Hey, everyone's doing it. It's just flavored water, it's totally chill. Want a hit?'"
How would you respond?
2
The "Stress Reliever"
"Your friend is really stressed about a test. They say, 'I'm really freaking out. My older cousin says this pill helps you focus. Do you want to try one with me so we can ace this thing?'"
How would you respond?
3
The "Party Favor"
"You are at a friend's birthday party. Someone offers you an alcoholic drink, saying, 'Don't be a baby, just a sip! My parents won't even notice. It's a party, have some fun!'"
How would you respond?
One Word Reflection Handout One Word Reflection
Think about everything we discussed today regarding drug awareness, health effects, and refusal skills.
What is your one word?
Write your word here in large letters...
Why did you choose this word? (Optional)
"You have the power to make healthy choices for your body and your future!"
Drugs: Just Say Know • 6th Grade Guidance
