Pressure Patterns Slides Pressure Patterns
Spotting the Tricks, Making the Choice
Choice Champs: Lesson 1
What is Peer Pressure?
"When people your own age try to influence how you act or make you feel like you have to do something to fit in."
It can be positive (encouraging you to try a new sport).
It can be negative (pushing you to break a safety rule).
The Tactic Toolbox
Teasing
Making fun of you or calling you names to make you feel "uncool."
"Don't be a baby!"
Reasoning
Giving fake "facts" or excuses why it's okay to do something unsafe.
"It's just medicine, it helps people!"
Rejection
Threatening to end a friendship or leave you out of a group.
"If you don't take it, you can't hang out."
Case Study: Leo's Choice
Leo is behind the gym. His older cousin shows him a red pill and says, "Take this, it makes you focus better on video games. All the pros do it. If you're too scared, go play on the swings with the little kids."
Discussion Questions:
Which pressure tactics is the cousin using?
How might Leo feel in this moment?
Spot the Tactic!
Your Safety is YOUR Choice
Recognizing the pattern is the first step to staying safe. When you know it's a tactic, it loses its power over you.
Next Up: Practice Identifying!
Tactics Tracker Worksheet Tactics Tracker
Choice Champs: Lesson 1
Name:
Date:
Tactic: A specific trick or method someone uses to try and convince you to do something you shouldn't. Can you spot the tactics below?
Scenario #1: The Locker Room
"Hey, take one of these energy pills. They're just like caffeine but better. Everyone on the track team takes them to run faster. If you want to win, you'll take one too."
Which tactic is being used?
Teasing
Reasoning
Rejection
How do you know?
Scenario #2: The Sleepover
"Don't be such a wimp! It's just my mom's sleep medicine. It makes you feel funny and floating. If you're too scared to try it, maybe you shouldn't come to my party next weekend."
Which tactic is being used?
Teasing
Reasoning
Rejection
How do you know?
Think Like a Champ!
Why is it easier to say "no" once you realize someone is using a tactic on you?
Pressure Patterns Teacher Guide Teacher Resource
Facilitator's Guide: Pressure Patterns
Lesson 1: Identifying Tactics
Core Objective
Students will be able to categorize peer pressure attempts into three specific tactics: teasing, reasoning, and rejection.
Key Vocabulary
Peer Pressure, Tactic, Teasing, Reasoning, Rejection, Assertive.
The Silly Hook (5-7 mins)
Goal: Experience "low-stakes" pressure in the classroom.
"Okay class, for the next 5 minutes, we are all going to stand on one leg and quack like ducks while we do our work. Only the coolest kids will do it. If you don't, I might think you're not a duck team player!"
Debrief Questions:
How did you feel when I said "only the coolest kids will do it"?
Did anyone feel like they had to do it even if they didn't want to? Why?
What "tricks" did I use to get you to do it?
Demonstration Scripts
Perform these short skits with a student volunteer or co-teacher. Ask the class to hold up 1, 2, or 3 fingers to identify the tactic.
Script A: Reasoning
TACTIC #1
"My brother takes these pills to help him stay awake. They're basically just like a strong soda. It's totally safe because doctors give them out. Try one before the test!"
Script B: Teasing
TACTIC #2
"What, you won't take one? Don't be such a scaredy-cat. I didn't know you were such a baby about a little pill. Are you afraid you'll get in trouble with your mommy?"
Facilitator Tips
• Normalize the feelings: Explain that feeling pressure is normal and doesn't mean you are weak.
• Focus on the Action: Don't vilify the "pressurer" as much as the "tactic" itself.
• Safety First: Remind students that medicine is helpful only when given by a trusted adult (parent/doctor) to the person it was prescribed for.
Talk Back Tactics Slides The Power of 'No'
Verbal Scripts for Staying Safe
Choice Champs: Lesson 2
Why Use a Script?
When we're surprised or pressured, our brains can get "cloudy." Having a rehearsed phrase makes it easier to act fast.
"Train your brain before the strain!"
Practice Makes Permanent
Three Verbal Refusal Styles
The Direct
Short, clear, and firm. No excuses needed.
"No thanks, I don't do that."
The Reason
Giving a simple, honest safety fact.
"My parents check my meds."
Broken Record
Repeating the same thing until they stop.
"I said no. I'm good. No thanks."
Avoid the "Maybe" Trap
Weak words give the other person hope to keep trying.
Don't Say:
"Maybe later..."
"I don't think so..."
"Um, I'm not sure..."
Instead Say:
"I'm not doing that."
"No, it's not safe."
"I said NO."
Rapid Fire Refusal!
Stand in a circle. I'll "offer" you something unsafe, and you have 2 seconds to give a firm, clear verbal refusal. No repeats!
Ready?
Set...
GO!
Refusal Playbook Reference Refusal Playbook
Official Script Guide for Choice Champs
1 The "Direct" Plays
"No thanks, I'm good."
"I'm not doing that."
"No, that's not safe."
"Nah, I'm not into that."
2 The "Safety Logic" Plays
"My parents check all my medicine."
"I have an allergy to some meds."
"I only take pills from my doctor."
Your Custom Script
Write a refusal phrase that feels natural for YOU to say.
Self-Check: Is it firm? Is it clear? Does it avoid the "Maybe" Trap?
Champ Pro-Tip:
If they keep asking, just keep repeating your script. You don't owe them a new explanation!
Script Strips Activity Script Strips Activity
Cut these out. Pair up. One person is the "offerer" using a pressure tactic, the other is the "refuser" using the script on the strip. Switch roles!
Script #1: The Safety Check
"No thanks. My parents check every medicine I take. It's our safety rule."
Script #2: The Direct No
"I'm not doing that. It's not safe to share pills. No way."
Script #3: The Allergy Pivot
"Nah, I have bad allergies. I only take stuff my doctor gives me personally."
Script #4: The Broken Record
"I said no. I'm good. I said no."
Script #5: YOUR TURN!
Write your own custom phrase above
Reinforce that these scripts work best when spoken clearly and firmly.
Body Boss Cues Slides Body Boss Cues
It's Not Just WHAT You Say, But HOW You Say It
Choice Champs: Lesson 3
The Communication Iceberg
Non-Verbal
Cues that do the heavy lifting!
The Words (10%)
Your Body Speaks First!
If your words say "No" but your body looks "Maybe," people won't listen.
Eye Contact
Strong Stance
Serious Tone
The "Body Boss" Checklist
Stance
Feet shoulder-width apart. Stand tall like a mountain. No slouching!
Eyes
Look them in the eye. It shows you mean business and aren't afraid.
Voice
Clear and steady. Not shouting, not whispering. Use your "Big Truth" voice.
The Mirror Game
Face a partner. One person starts with a "Passive" posture (shoulders down, looking at floor). When I say "BOSS!" both partners must switch instantly to a tall, assertive posture with strong eye contact.
Passive
Body Boss
The Tone Challenge
"Saying 'No thanks' like you're asking a question vs. saying it like you're stating a fact."
Asking Tone (?)
"No thanks...?"
Sounds like you can be talked into it.
Fact Tone (.)
"No thanks."
Sounds like the conversation is over.
Posture Practice Cards Posture Practice
Activity Cards for Choice Champs
Cut these cards out. Draw one and demonstrate the posture. Let your group guess: Passive or Assertive?
01
The Mountain
Stand tall, feet firm on the floor, shoulders back. Your eyes are looking straight ahead.
TYPE: ASSERTIVE
02
The Melting Snowman
Shoulders slumped, chin down toward your chest, eyes looking at your shoes.
TYPE: PASSIVE
03
The Laser Beam
Direct eye contact. Keep your eyes steady on the person you are talking to without looking away.
TYPE: ASSERTIVE
04
The Whisperer
Speaking so quietly that people have to lean in to hear you. Hand over your mouth.
TYPE: PASSIVE
Body Boss Goal:
Aim to be Assertive . It shows you are confident in your choice and makes it much harder for others to push you around!
Body Boss Rubric Assessment Body Boss Rubric
Peer Observation & Teacher Tool
Use this tool to observe students during role-play activities. Check off the skills you see being used effectively.
Skill Area Mastery (3) Developing (2) Emerging (1) POSTURE
(Stance & Shoulders) | Stands tall, feet firm, shoulders back. Looks like a "mountain." | Tall posture but fidgets or shifts weight occasionally. | Slumped shoulders, head down, or turning away. |
|
EYE CONTACT
(Focus & Presence) | Maintains steady, direct eye contact throughout refusal. | Looks at person's face but glances away when pressured. | Avoids eye contact completely; looks at floor or hands. |
|
VOICE TONE
(Volume & Clarity) | Steady, clear "truth" voice. Firm but not shouting. | Voice is clear but slightly shaky or sounding like a question. | Whispers, mumbles, or giggles nervously. |
|
REFUSAL SCRIPT
(Phrasing & Logic) | Uses a clear, rehearsed verbal script (Direct or Reason). | Says "no" but uses weak words (maybe, think so). | No clear verbal refusal; relies only on body language. |
Strengths Observed:
Goals for Next Time: Pivot Power Exits Slides Pivot Power
Exit Strategies & Changing the Game
Choice Champs: Lesson 4
Sometimes, "No" is Enough
But sometimes it isn't!
If someone keeps pushing after you've used your "Body Boss" cues, it's time to exit the situation.
The Rule of Two:
If you have to say no twice, you should probably leave.
Step Away physically
Pivot to a new activity
Call for a ride/backup
The "Yes, AND..." Refusal
Pivoting means saying "No" to the bad stuff, but "Yes" to something safe and fun instead.
"No thanks, let's go play basketball instead."
Firm "No"
Pivot Phrase
Safe Activity
Pivot Practice!
The Challenge:
"Your friend wants you to try a pill they found in the kitchen. They say it will make the movie more exciting."
"No thanks! Let's go make popcorn and play cards instead."
When Pivoting Doesn't Work...
If they won't stop, you don't have to keep explaining. Just walk away. Go to a different room, find a teacher, or call a parent.
Your safety is the priority!
Scenario Flowcharts Worksheet Scenario Flowcharts
Choice Champs: Lesson 4
NAME:
DATE:
1
Pressure Scenario:
"Your cousin offers you a pill at a family party and says it's a 'superhero vitamin.'"
Refusal Script:
Pivot Move (Safe Activity):
The Final Exit (If they don't stop):
Example: "I'm going to go find my parents in the kitchen now."
2
Pressure Scenario:
"A friend at a sleepover finds 'colorful candies' in a nightstand and dares you to try one."
Refusal Script:
Pivot Move (Safe Activity):
The Final Exit (If they don't stop):
"Exit strategies aren't about being rude—they're about taking care of yourself. A real friend will respect your boundaries once you state them."
Pivot Power Exit Ticket Pivot Power
Exit Ticket
1 What is the "Rule of Two"?
You should always have two friends with you.
If you have to say "no" twice, it's time to leave.
You should give two reasons why you are saying no.
2 Explain what it means to "Pivot" a conversation.
3 Name one physical exit strategy you can use.
Self-Assessment: I feel like a Choice Champ!
Safety Network Support Slides Safety Network
Building Your Circle of Support
Choice Champs: Lesson 5
When It's a "Big" Situation
Refusal skills are awesome, but some situations are too big for one kid to handle.
Report it if you see:
Sharing pills or medicine
Finding medicine left out
Someone acting sick or weird
You Don't Have to Do It Alone
Identifying Trusted Adults
At Home
Parents, Guardians, Grandparents, Older Siblings (if trusted).
At School
Teachers, Principal, Counselor, Nurse, Coaches.
In Community
Doctors, Religious Leaders, Neighbors you know well.
Reporting vs. Tattling
Tattling Is...
...to get someone in trouble.
...over something small.
...when nobody is in danger.
IMPORTANT!
Reporting Is...
...to keep someone SAFE.
...over something serious.
...when a rule is broken.
The Choice Champ Pledge
"I have the power to stay safe. I will use my voice , my body , and my exit strategies . If a problem is too big, I will report it to a trusted adult. I am a Choice Champ!"
Support Circle Organizer My Safety Network
Choice Champs: Lesson 5
"Who are the adults I can talk to if I feel unsafe or see someone breaking a safety rule?"
Community
School
Home
ME
Teacher / Nurse
Counselor / Coach
Doctor / Neighbor
Relative / Mentor
The Reporting Phrase:
If I need to report something, I can say:
"I need to tell you something important to keep someone safe..."
Choice Champ Final Reflection Choice Champ Reflection
Final Sequence Assessment
CHAMP NAME:
DATE:
Part 1: Spot the Trick
"If a friend says, 'Don't be a wimp, just try it,' which pressure tactic are they using?"
Reasoning
Teasing
Rejection
Part 2: The Body Boss
Write one firm verbal refusal script:
List two Body Boss cues you should use:
Part 3: Help & Support
Why is reporting to an adult not the same as tattling?
Final Scenario: You are at a park and see a group of older kids passing around a bottle of pills. What are your next 3 steps?
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
I am a Choice Champ!
