Peer-Proof Choices Lesson Plan Peer-Proof Choices
Lesson Plan | Tier 2 Intervention
Duration
30 MIN
Objective
Students will learn about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, recognize common peer-pressure tactics, understand real-life consequences (school, legal, health), practice refusal skills through scenarios, and develop strategies to stay safe and support friends.
Why This Matters
Eighth graders face increasing peer influence. Discussing consequences and building refusal skills fosters resilience and helps them make healthy choices before entering high school.
Prep & Materials
Cut out Scenario Cards
Copies of Tactics Handout
Copies of Refusal Checklist
Copies of Reflection Journal
Project or display Slide Deck
Instructional Steps
Step 1 5m
Warm-Up Activity
Ask students to jot down one word for "peer pressure" on the board.
Pair up students to share their words and a quick example.
Invite volunteers to share with the whole class.
Step 2 7m
Group Discussion
Distribute Tactics Handout . Define flattery, teasing, popularity, and inclusion/exclusion.
Chart student examples on the board.
Discuss consequences: School (expulsion), Legal (fines/record), Health (addiction).
Step 3 8m
Interactive Activity
Groups of 3-4 analyze Scenario Cards .
Identify the pressure tactic used in their specific card.
Brainstorm refusal strategies using the Refusal Checklist .
Step 4 7m
Role-Play Practice
Pairs role-play a refusal and safe exit from their scenario.
Focus on tone, body language, and eye contact .
Provide immediate feedback on confidence and clarity.
Step 5 3m
Reflection & Wrap-Up
Complete Reflection Journal .
Summarize key takeaways: resilience, health, and supportive friendships.
Peer-Proof Choices Slides 8th Grade Tier 2
Peer-Proof
Choices
30 Minutes • Interactive Group Session
RESILIENCE SAFETY STRENGTH
Today's Agenda
01 Warm-Up Activity
02 Recognizing Tactics
03 Scenario Analysis
04 Role-Play Practice
05 Reflection & Wrap-Up
Warm-Up: One Word
What is the FIRST WORD that comes to mind when you hear the phrase...
PEER PRESSURE
Pair up and explain your word to a partner.
Be ready to share with the whole group!
Common Tactics
IDENTIFY THE PRESSURE
Flattery
"You're so cool, only YOU can handle this."
Teasing
"Don't be a baby. Everyone's doing it."
Promises
"If you do this, you'll be the most popular kid here."
Exclusion
"If you don't drink this, you can't sit with us."
Have you ever seen these tactics used in real life?
Scenario Analysis
1
Pick a card & read the scenario.
2
Identify the specific tactic being used.
3
Brainstorm a refusal using the checklist.
Pro-Tip
"Don't just say No. Have a plan for HOW to say it and HOW to leave the situation safely."
Practice: The Refusal
Body Language
Direct eye contact
Upright, confident posture
Calm but firm tone
The Safe Exit
"I've got to go look for my friend. Catch ya later."
ACTION!
Take turns playing the person being pressured and the person refusing. Focus on your confidence!
Reflection & Wrap-Up
Identify One:
New Strategy
Commit to One:
Way to Help a Friend
Thank you for being here.
Make the Proof-Choice.
Peer-Pressure Tactics Handout The Tactics Report
Decoding Peer Pressure
Name:
Date:
Peer pressure isn't always a "dare." It often shows up in subtle ways. Read the tactical definitions below and describe a time you've seen or could imagine these being used.
01. Flattery
THE COMPLIMENT TRAP
Definition & Example
Using praise to make someone feel good so they'll do what you want. "You're the funniest person I know—only you can help me sneak in that drink."
Your Observation / Scenario:
02. Teasing or Ridicule
THE SHAME TACTIC
Definition & Example
Making fun of someone who refuses to pressure them into "fitting in." "What, too scared to try a beer? Are you a baby?"
Your Observation / Scenario:
03. Promises of Popularity
THE STATUS BAIT
Definition & Example
Suggesting someone will be more liked or admired if they go along with the group. "If you come to the party and do what we do, everyone will want to hang out with you."
Your Observation / Scenario:
04. Group Inclusion / Exclusion
THE GATEKEEPER
Definition & Example
Threatening to leave someone out or only including them if they comply. "We're only letting in people who try this—otherwise, you can't sit with us."
Your Observation / Scenario:
Critical Reflection
Which of these four tactics do you think is the MOST challenging to resist? Why?
Scenario Role-Play Cards Scenario Role-Play Cards
Refusal Practice Session
Cut along the dashed lines. For each scenario, identify the tactic and plan your exit.
Card 01
The Setup
"You're the only one who gets me—I know you can score us some beer for tonight's game."
Tactical Analysis
Refusal Plan
Card 02
The Setup
"What's wrong—afraid of a little buzz? Don't be such a baby. Try it."
Tactical Analysis
Refusal Plan
Card 03
The Setup
Text: "Everyone at the party is gonna be taking shots—if you don't come, you're so out of the loop!"
Tactical Analysis
Refusal Plan
Card 04
The Setup
"We only hang with people who roll joints with us. If you don't, you can't sit here."
Tactical Analysis
Refusal Plan
Card 05
The Setup
On Instagram Live, classmates are daring you to take a puff of vape so they'll tag you and make you "famous."
Tactical Analysis
Refusal Plan
Card 06
The Setup
"Trust me, this pill will chill you out. You'll be the life of the party, and everyone will want you around."
Tactical Analysis
Refusal Plan
Refusal Skills Checklist Refusal Skills Checklist
Your Tactical Response Kit
Key Strategies
Use a firm, clear “No.”
Give a brief reason or excuse (e.g., “I’ve got practice tomorrow”)
Suggest an alternative activity (e.g., “Let’s go catch a movie”)
Confident body language (eye contact, upright posture)
Calm, respectful tone
Plan a safe exit (e.g., “I need to go find my friend”)
Practice Refusal Statements
Scenario A
A friend offers you a beer at a party and says, “Everyone’s doing it.”
Write your refusal using at least three skills from the checklist above:
Scenario B
Someone at school asks you to take a puff of a vape during lunch.
Write your refusal using at least three skills from the checklist above:
Which refusal skill from the checklist do you find most challenging? Why?
Reflection Journal Template The Reflection Log
Post-Session Analysis
Personal Report
01 New Strategy to Use
What is one specific strategy you will use next time you face peer pressure? Why do you think this will work for you?
02 Most Challenging Tactic
Which tactic (flattery, teasing, popularity, exclusion) do you find hardest to resist? How would you handle it differently now?
03 Scenario Reflection
Think about the scenario you role-played. What did you do well, and what would you improve next time?
04 Supporting a Friend
If a friend is in a risky situation, list at least three specific actions you could take to help them stay safe.
05 Looking Ahead to High School
What are two ways you'll prepare yourself now to handle the new pressures of high school?
Mission Accomplished: Proof-Choice Confirmed
