Stand Strong Lesson Plan Stand Strong Plan
Refusal Skills Micro-Lesson Facilitation Guide
Tier 1: Classroom
Duration
1 Minute
High-speed drill
Audience
5th Grade
General Classroom
Objective
ID 4 substance categories, state 3-part refusal plan, choose healthy alternative.
The "Why"
This micro-lesson builds students’ awareness of harmful substances and reinforces assertive refusal skills. It empowers them to make safe, healthy choices and to confidently seek support when faced with peer pressure.
Preparation (2 Minutes)
1
Set the Visuals
Project or print the Single-Slide 3-Part Plan Visual for the class.
2
Distribute Tools
Hand out Flash Pre-Check Cards and the 3-Item Likert Survey .
3
Anchor Reference
Review Likert Scale Anchor Descriptions to clarify scoring (1–5) for students.
4
Gesture Ready
Keep the 10-Second Pledge Gesture Cue visible for the rapid-fire drill.
The 1-Minute Rapid-Fire Drill
0:15 Seconds
RECALL: Substance Categories
Display icons on visual. Prompt: "Name four substance categories that can harm us."
Students call out: alcohol, tobacco/vaping, marijuana exposure, prescription/OTC misuse.
0:15 Seconds
MODEL: The Refusal Plan
Teacher states example: "No thanks, I’m going to practice basketball, I’ll tell my coach."
Students echo the three parts: What to say, Where to go, Who to tell.
0:15 Seconds
COMMIT: Healthy Alternative
Introduce Micro-Commitment Card . Students pick one activity (sports, art, etc.).
Lead the group in the 10-Second Pledge with physical gestures.
0:15 Seconds
EXIT: Survey Update
Show 3-Item Likert Pre/Post Survey .
Students update their awareness, confidence, and commitment ratings from 1 to 5.
Stand Strong Slides 🍺 Alcohol
🚬 Vaping
🍃 Marijuana
💊 Misuse
Stand Strong
1
SAY IT
"No thanks!"
2
MOVE IT
Go to a safe place
3
TELL IT
Tell a trusted adult
Teacher Note
Point to each icon to name categories. Walk through the plan. Encourage assertive voice and posture.
Flash Check Warmup Flash Check
Knowledge & Confidence Warm-Up
Teacher Instructions
1
Tell students: “On a scale of 1 to 5, show me your level of knowledge/confidence about saying 'no' to harmful substances.”
2
Explain the Anchor Points:
1
I don't know any substance categories and I'm not confident at all.
3
I know some categories and feel a little confident.
5
I know all four categories and feel very confident refusing.
3
Count down: “3, 2, 1… FLASH!”
4
Students simultaneously hold up fingers (1–5) to show their rating. Quickly scan the room to gauge baseline awareness.
😟 Low (1)
💪 High (5)
Observation Notes Stand Strong Survey Stand Strong Survey
Awareness • Confidence • Commitment
Name:
Date:
Circle the number that best describes how you feel for each statement. There are no wrong answers!
1
I am aware of the four substance categories that can harm me (alcohol, tobacco/vaping, marijuana exposure, prescription/OTC misuse).
1
Strongly Disagree
2
Disagree
3
Neutral
4
Agree
5
Strongly Agree
2
I feel confident using my 3-part refusal plan (say "No thanks," go to a safe place, tell a trusted adult).
1
Strongly Disagree
2
Disagree
3
Neutral
4
Agree
5
Strongly Agree
3
I am committed to choosing a healthy alternative instead of using harmful substances.
1
Strongly Disagree
2
Disagree
3
Neutral
4
Agree
5
Strongly Agree
Pre/Post Measurement Tool
Rating Anchor Rubric Scoring Rubric
Likert Scale Anchor Descriptions (1–5)
Rating Descriptor 1 Strongly Disagree I have no awareness, confidence, or commitment regarding this concept.
|
| 2 Disagree |
I have minimal awareness, low confidence, and little commitment regarding this concept.
|
| 3 Neutral |
I have some awareness, moderate confidence, and moderate commitment regarding this concept.
|
| 4 Agree |
I have strong awareness, high confidence, and solid commitment regarding this concept.
|
| 5 Strongly Agree |
I have full awareness, very high confidence, and strong commitment regarding this concept.
|
How to Use
Use these descriptors to interpret the results of the Stand Strong Survey or the Flash Check Warm-up . This rubric helps teachers and students maintain consistent standards for measuring growth in awareness, refusal confidence, and healthy decision-making.
Pledge and Gesture Activity Pledge & Gesture Cue
10-Second Physical Drill Tier 1 Practice
Objective
Students will assertively refuse, commit to a healthy alternative, and signal for help in one quick, physical flow.
0:03 Countdown
1. Teacher Cue
Display green "GO" or raise fist. Count: "3... 2... 1... PLEDGE!"
0:02 Action
2. STOP Hand
“No thanks!”
Right hand raised, palm out.
✋
0:03 Action
3. HEART Hand
Name your healthy alternative
Left hand over heart. Whisper: "Basketball" or "Drawing"
❤️
0:02 Action
4. CALL Hand
“I’ll tell someone I trust!”
Phone gesture: thumb to ear, pinky to mouth.
🤙
Model & Repeat
Model each gesture and phrase once before counting down. Repeat the drill 3 times to build muscle memory.
Finish Strong
Always finish with a quick thumbs-up to a neighbor to show social support and peer solidarity.
Signal Protocol Guide Signal Protocol
Finding & Signaling a Trusted Adult
Protocol Steps (2 Min)
1. Quick Think
30 Sec
Prompt: “Think of 3 adults you trust (family, teachers, coaches). Write their names.”
2. Pair-Share
30 Sec
Turn to a partner: Share one name and one reason you trust that adult.
3. Support Web
50 Sec
Shout out categories: Family, School, Community. Draw spokes from "Me".
ME
Critical Thinking
How will you signal your trusted adult if you feel scared?
Why is it important to pick someone you truly trust?
What could you do if your first choice isn’t available?
Signal Practice
Model a simple gesture + phrase.
Say together:
"Help, please."
Teacher Tip: Post a "Trusted Adults" chart in the classroom. 2 Minute Session
Healthy Choice Commitment Card Worksheet Stand Strong
Healthy Choice Micro-Commitment Card
Student Name:
Date:
1
Healthy Alternative
What fun, safe activity will I choose instead of harmful substances?
2
My 3-Part Refusal Plan
What I'll say:
Where I'll go:
Who I'll tell:
3
Trusted Adults & Signals
1. Name:
Gesture: __________
2. Name:
Gesture: __________
3. Name:
Gesture: __________
The Ultimate Pledge
I will stand strong by:
Student Signature
