Navigating Social Pressure

A simulation-heavy sequence teaching 6th graders to use DBT FAST skills (Fair, Apology-free, Stick to values, Truthful) to maintain self-respect during social challenges. Students engage in role-play and real-world scenarios to build integrity and refusal skills.

Identifying Pressure Points

Students map out the 'pressure points' of 6th grade life where self-respect is most often challenged. They analyze the physical and emotional cues that signal their values are being compromised.

Scripting the Refusal

Students write scripts for refusing requests that violate their values (the 'S' in FAST). They learn specific sentence stems that help them say 'no' firmly without over-apologizing.

Simulating Conflict Resolution

Pairs engage in role-play scenarios involving a disagreement between friends. They practice being 'Fair' to the other person while remaining 'Truthful' about their own feelings, avoiding passive or aggressive behaviors.

The Reputation Reflection

Students examine how using (or ignoring) FAST skills impacts their reputation and long-term relationships. They act out 'future scenarios' showing the long-term results of being a doormat versus being self-respecting.

The Self-Respect Gauntlet

A culminating simulation where students move through stations, each presenting a quick social dilemma. They must apply the appropriate FAST skill effectively to move to the next station.