Say NO Lesson Plan Say NO to Drugs!
Lesson Plan: Empowering Healthy Choices
Audience 5th Grade
Time
45 Minutes
Approach
Interactive activities, role-playing, and discussion to build knowledge and confidence.
Preparation
15 Minutes
Why This Lesson Matters
Understanding drug awareness is vital for 5th graders to make informed decisions about their health and safety. This lesson provides practical strategies to navigate social pressures and empowers students to say no with confidence.
Learning Objectives
Identify common reasons why people might try drugs (curiosity, peer pressure, etc.).
Understand the negative physical, social, and legal consequences of drug use.
Practice effective refusal skills to confidently avoid peer pressure.
Materials & Resources
Whiteboard or Projector
Drug Facts & Myths (Warm-Up)
Say NO to Drugs! (Slide Deck)
Say NO to Drugs! (Script)
Healthy Choices, Happy Life (Worksheet)
Role Play Scenarios (Activity)
Fact or Fiction Frenzy (Game)
My Pledge Against Drugs (Cool-Down)
Teacher Preparation Checklist
Instructional Sequence
1. Warm-Up: Drug Facts & Myths
5 Min
Begin with the Warm-Up to gauge students' prior knowledge. Present statements and have students show thumbs up (fact) or down (myth). Discuss briefly and transition using the Script.
2. Introduction & Slide Deck
10 Min
Use the Slide Deck to introduce drug awareness. Follow the Script for talking points. Play the embedded video. Emphasize definitions and why drugs are harmful.
3. Worksheet: Healthy Choices, Happy Life
10 Min
Distribute worksheets for individual or pair completion. Circulate to check for understanding. Review answers as a class using the Answer Key.
4. Role Play Scenarios
10 Min
Divide students into groups and assign scenarios. Students practice saying "NO" firmly. Ask for volunteers to share. Provide constructive feedback.
5. Game: Fact or Fiction Frenzy
5 Min
Lead a whole-class review. Students stand for "FACT" or sit for "FICTION." Provide brief explanations to reinforce learning.
6. Cool-Down: My Pledge Against Drugs
5 Min
Students reflect and write a personal pledge to stay drug-free. Collect as an exit ticket.
Say NO Slides Say NO to Drugs! Di NO a las Drogas
Understanding Drugs & Making Healthy Choices
Comprendiendo las Drogas y Tomando Decisiones Saludables
What Are Drugs?
¿Qué Son las Drogas?
Drugs are substances that change how your body and mind work.
Las drogas son sustancias que cambian cómo funcionan tu cuerpo y tu mente.
They can be / Pueden ser:
Medicines (Doctor prescribed)
Medicinas (recetadas por un doctor)
Legal substances (Caffeine, nicotine)
Sustancias legales (cafeína, nicotina)
Illegal substances
Sustancias ilegales (muy peligrosas)
Why Do People Try Drugs?
¿Por Qué la Gente Prueba las Drogas?
Common Reasons:
Curiosity / Curiosidad
Peer Pressure / Presión de grupo
Wanting to fit in / Querer encajar
The Real Consequences:
⚠️ Serious health problems / Graves problemas de salud
⚠️ Trouble at school and home / Problemas en la escuela y casa
⚠️ Legal trouble / Problemas legales
Understanding Peer Pressure
Comprendiendo la Presión de Grupo
Positive
Friends encouraging you to do something good (like studying together).
Positiva: Amigos animándote a hacer algo bueno.
Negative
Friends pushing you to do something unsafe or unhealthy.
Negativa: Amigos presionándote para hacer algo inseguro.
It's important to know how to say NO!
Ways to Say NO!
Formas de Decir ¡NO!
Be Firm
"No thanks!"
"¡No, gracias!"
Give a Reason
"No, I want a healthy future."
"No, quiero un futuro saludable."
Switch Gears
"Let's play a game instead."
"Mejor juguemos un juego."
Walk Away
"I'm going over here."
"Me voy para allá."
Find an Adult
Tell a trusted grown-up if you feel unsafe.
Cuéntale a un adulto de confianza.
Watch This! ¡Mira Esto!
Let's learn why healthy choices matter and how Red Ribbon Week started.
Embedded media
Choose a Healthy Life!
Drug Facts Warm Up Drug Facts & Myths
Warm-Up Activity
Name:
Date:
Instructions
Read each statement. If you think it's a Fact, give a thumbs up! If you think it's a Myth, give a thumbs down! Be ready to explain your thinking.
Lee cada afirmación. Si crees que es un HECHO, ¡da un pulgar hacia arriba! Si crees que es un MITO, ¡da un pulgar hacia abajo!
1
All medicines are safe to take whenever you want.
Todos los medicamentos son seguros para tomar en cualquier momento.
Fact
Myth
2
Only "bad people" use drugs.
Solo las personas "malas" usan drogas.
Fact
Myth
3
If a friend tells you to try a drug, it's okay because they are your friend.
Si un amigo te dice que pruebes una droga, está bien porque es tu amigo.
Fact
Myth
4
Smoking cigarettes is bad for your lungs.
Fumar cigarrillos es malo para tus pulmones.
Fact
Myth
5
You can get addicted to drugs even if you only try them once or twice.
Puedes volverte adicto a las drogas incluso si solo las pruebas una o dos veces.
Fact
Myth
6
Alcohol is a drug.
El alcohol es una droga.
Fact
Myth
Making healthy choices today for a brighter tomorrow.
Say NO Script Teacher Script
Lesson: Say NO to Drugs!
1. Warm-Up: Drug Facts & Myths (5 Min)
[TEACHER]: "Good morning, everyone! Today we're going to talk about something really important: making healthy choices and understanding drugs. To get us started, we're going to play a quick game called 'Drug Facts & Myths'. I'll read a statement, and if you think it's a FACT , give me a thumbs up. If you think it's a MYTH , give me a thumbs down! Be ready to explain your thinking. Let's begin!"
Tip: Go through the statements on the Warm-Up document. For ESL students, simplify vocabulary and use large gestures.
[TEACHER]: "Great job! It looks like you already have some good ideas, and we're going to learn even more today. Are you ready? Give me a nod if you're ready!"
2. Introduction & Slide Deck (10 Min)
[TEACHER]: "Now, let's dive deeper. Take a look at our first slide: 'Say NO to Drugs! Understanding Drugs & Making Healthy Choices.' Today, our goal is to understand what drugs are, why they can be harmful, and most importantly, how to make smart choices to stay safe and healthy."
[Advance to Slide 2: "What Are Drugs?"]
[TEACHER]: "So, what exactly are 'drugs'? Who can tell me what comes to mind when you hear that word? What do you think a drug is?" Wait for responses.
[TEACHER]: "You're right, it can mean a few things! As our slide says, 'Drugs are substances that change how your body and mind work.' This can include medicines prescribed by a doctor that help you, but also harmful substances that you should never use. We're focusing on those today."
[Advance to Slide 3: "Why Do People Try Drugs?"]
[TEACHER]: "Why would someone try something bad for them? Curiosity, wanting to fit in... but drugs cause serious health problems, trouble at school, and legal issues. It's really important to understand these risks."
[Advance to Slide 4: "Understanding Peer Pressure"]
[TEACHER]: "Has anyone heard of 'peer pressure'? Peer means friends, pressure means to push. It can be positive, like studying together, or negative, like pushing you to try something unsafe. Can everyone say 'Peer Pressure'?"
[Advance to Slide 5: "Ways to Say NO!"]
[TEACHER]: "How do you say NO without feeling awkward? You can say 'No thanks!', give a reason like 'I have a game tomorrow', change the subject, walk away, or find a trusted adult. Let's practice saying some of these!"
3. Video & Healthy Choices (5 Min)
[Advance to Slide 6: "Watch This!"]
[TEACHER]: "Let's watch a short video about making healthy choices. Pay close attention to what stood out to you." [Play Video]
[Advance to Slide 7: "Choose a Healthy Life!"]
Healthy Choices Worksheet Healthy Choices, Happy Life
Elecciones Saludables, Vida Feliz
Drug Awareness
Name/Nombre:
Date/Fecha:
Instructions / Instrucciones:
Read each question carefully and write your answers in the space provided. Use what you learned today!
Lee cada pregunta cuidadosamente y escribe tus respuestas en el espacio provisto. ¡Usa lo que aprendiste hoy!
1. What is a drug in your own words? Why can some drugs be dangerous?
¿Qué es una droga en tus propias palabras? ¿Por qué algunas drogas pueden ser peligrosas?
A drug is / Una droga es:
Some drugs are dangerous because / Algunas drogas son peligrosas porque:
2. List three reasons why someone your age might feel pressured to try drugs.
Enumera tres razones por las que alguien de tu edad podría sentirse presionado a probar drogas.
3. Imagine a friend offers you a cigarette and says, "Everyone else is doing it! Don't be a baby." Write down exactly what you would say or do to refuse.
Imagina que un amigo te ofrece un cigarrillo y dice: "¡Todos lo están haciendo! No seas un bebé." Escribe exactamente lo que dirías o harías para negarte.
Refusal skill used: (Example: Walk away, Give a reason, etc.)
4. What are two healthy activities you can do instead of trying drugs?
¿Cuáles son dos actividades saludables que puedes hacer en lugar de probar drogas?
5. Why is it important to have a plan for how you will say NO to drugs?
¿Por qué es importante tener un plan sobre cómo dirás NO a las drogas?
Word Bank (Optional) / Banco de Palabras (Opcional)
curiosity (curiosidad)
peer pressure (presión de grupo)
harmful (dañino)
sick (enfermo/a)
trouble (problemas)
walk away (alejarse)
say no thanks (decir no gracias)
play sports (practicar deportes)
read a book (leer un libro)
Healthy Choices Answer Key Answer Key
Healthy Choices, Happy Life
1. What is a drug in your own words? Why can some drugs be dangerous?
Sample Answer:
A drug is something you put in your body that changes how you feel or think. Some drugs are dangerous because they can make you very sick, hurt your brain, or get you into big trouble with your family or the law.
Criteria: Definition should mention changing body/mind; consequences should include health, social, or legal issues.
2. List three reasons why someone your age might feel pressured to try drugs.
Acceptable Answers:
Curiosity about what drugs do.
Friends encouraging them to try it (peer pressure).
Wanting to fit in with a group.
Thinking it will make them feel "cool" or more adult.
3. Refusal Response Scenario (Cigarette Offer)
Sample Answer:
"No thanks, I don't want to hurt my lungs. Besides, I was thinking we could play that new video game later, wanna come over?"
Note: Student must use at least two strategies (e.g., Direct refusal + Give a reason + Change the subject).
4. Two Healthy Activities
Sample Answers:
Playing a sport (soccer, basketball).
Reading a fun book or drawing.
Spending time with family.
Practicing a musical instrument.
5. Why is it important to have a plan for saying NO?
Sample Answer:
It's important to have a plan because it makes you feel stronger and more ready when someone tries to pressure you. If you know what to say or do, it's easier to stick to your healthy choices and stay safe.
Role Play Activity Role Play Scenarios: Saying NO!
Escenarios de Juego de Roles: ¡Diciendo NO!
Instructions / Instrucciones:
Practice acting out the scene. Focus on saying NO firmly and clearly using the refusal skills we learned. Be creative!
Practiquen actuando la escena. Enfóquense en decir NO con firmeza y claridad. ¡Sean creativos!
1
Scenario 1: The Sneaky Snack / El Bocadillo Oculto
Setup:
Sam and Chris (older kids) offer Alex a "new candy" that makes you feel "super happy" at the park.
Key Lines:
"Don't be a chicken! Everyone else is trying it."
The Challenge:
How does Alex say NO and what do they do next?
¿Cómo dice Alex NO y qué hace después?
2
Scenario 2: The E-Cigarette Offer / El Cigarrillo Electrónico
Setup:
Ben pulls out a small electronic device in the school restroom and offers Maya a "flavored puff."
Key Lines:
"It's just flavored vapor, no big deal. Want a puff? It's really cool."
The Challenge:
How does Maya say NO and what does she do next?
¿Cómo dice Maya NO y qué hace después?
3
Scenario 3: The Party Pill / La Pastilla de la Fiesta
Setup:
At a birthday party, older girls Sarah and Emily pull David aside to offer him a "fun" colorful pill.
Key Lines:
"It's totally safe. Come on, everyone's doing it."
The Challenge:
How does David say NO and what does he do next?
¿Cómo dice David NO y qué hace después?
4
Scenario 4: The Mystery Drink / La Bebida Misteriosa
Setup:
During a sleepover, Jake offers Chloe a drink from his brother that will make them feel "super grown-up."
Key Lines:
"This drink will make the sleepover awesome. Want some?"
The Challenge:
How does Chloe say NO and what does she do next?
¿Cómo dice Chloe NO y qué hace después?
Fact or Fiction Game Fact or Fiction Frenzy!
¡Frenesí de Hecho o Ficción!
Game Rules:
Teacher reads a statement. Students STAND for FACT or SIT for FICTION. Reveal the answer and discuss!
El maestro lee una afirmación. Los estudiantes se PONEN DE PIE para HECHOS o se SIENTAN para FICCIÓN.
1 Answer: FACT
Trying a drug just once can be enough to get you addicted.
Probar una droga una sola vez puede ser suficiente para volverse adicto/a.
Why? Even one or two uses can start a dangerous addiction, especially with powerful drugs.
2 Answer: FICTION
All drugs are medicines that can help you when you are sick.
Todas las drogas son medicinas que pueden ayudarte cuando estás enfermo/a.
Why? While some are medicines, many are harmful with no health benefits. Even medicines can be dangerous if not yours.
3 Answer: FICTION
If an older kid offers you drugs, it means they are looking out for you.
Si un niño mayor te ofrece drogas, significa que se preocupa por ti.
Why? Anyone offering unknown substances is NOT looking out for your safety. They are putting you in danger.
4 Answer: FACT
You don't have to explain why you are saying NO to drugs.
No tienes que explicar por qué dices NO a las drogas.
Why? You have the right to say no without a long explanation. A simple, firm "No thanks" is perfectly okay.
5 Answer: FICTION
Alcohol and tobacco are not drugs because they are legal for adults.
El alcohol y el tabaco no son drogas porque son legales para los adultos.
Why? They are definitely drugs. They change how your body and mind work and are harmful, especially for kids.
6 Answer: FICTION
Saying NO to drugs means you might lose friends.
Decir NO a las drogas significa que podrías perder amigos.
Why? True friends will respect your decision. If they leave, they weren't a true friend to begin with.
My Pledge Cool Down My Personal Pledge
Mi Compromiso Personal
Name/Nombre:
Date/Fecha:
One Important Thing I Learned Today
Una Cosa Importante que Aprendí Hoy:
My Commitment Against Drugs
"I pledge to make healthy choices and stay drug-free. I promise to always choose a safe and healthy path."
"Me comprometo a tomar decisiones saludables y a mantenerme libre de drogas. Prometo elegir siempre un camino seguro y saludable."
Signed / Firma
Date / Fecha
My future is bright, and I choose to protect it!
¡Mi futuro es brillante, y elijo protegerlo!