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Peer Influence

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Lesson Plan

Peer Influence on Vaping

Understand how peer groups influence individual decisions to vape and develop strategies to resist negative peer pressure.

This lesson helps students recognize the impact of peer influence on their choices, fostering critical thinking and empowering them to make informed decisions about vaping.

Audience

Middle School Students

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Interactive activities and discussions

Materials

Understanding Peer Dynamics (Slide-Deck), Peer Pressure Role Play (Activity), Strategies to Resist Peer Pressure (Discussion), and Exit Reflection (Cool-Down)

Prep

Review Materials and Setup

30 minutes

  • Review the 'Peer Influence on Vaping' lesson plan to understand the flow of the lesson.
  • Familiarize yourself with the 'Understanding Peer Dynamics' slide deck to effectively present the content.
  • Prepare the 'Peer Pressure Role Play' activity by assigning roles and setting up any necessary props.
  • Plan discussion points for the 'Strategies to Resist Peer Pressure' segment.
  • Ensure all materials are ready and accessible for the lesson.

Step 1

Introduction to Peer Influence

5 minutes

  • Begin with a brief discussion on what peer influence means.
  • Ask students to share examples of peer influence they have encountered.

Step 2

Understanding Peer Dynamics

10 minutes

  • Present the 'Understanding Peer Dynamics' slide deck.
  • Highlight how peer groups can impact decisions, focusing on vaping as a case study.

Step 3

Peer Pressure Role Play

15 minutes

  • Conduct the 'Peer Pressure Role Play' activity.
  • Assign roles to students and guide them through scenarios where peer pressure might occur.
  • Discuss each scenario and the choices made by individuals.

Step 4

Strategies to Resist Peer Pressure

10 minutes

  • Facilitate a discussion on strategies to resist peer pressure.
  • Encourage students to share their ideas and experiences.
  • Provide practical tips and reinforce positive decision-making.

Step 5

Exit Reflection

5 minutes

  • Have students complete an 'Exit Reflection' to summarize what they learned.
  • Ask them to write down one strategy they will use to resist peer pressure in the future.
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Slide Deck

What is Peer Influence?

Peer influence refers to the impact that a peer group, or individual within that group, can have on a person's behavior and decisions.

Introduce the topic by explaining that peer influence is a powerful factor in decision-making, especially among teenagers. Emphasize that understanding these dynamics can help students make more informed choices.

Positive vs. Negative Influence

  • Positive Influence: Encouraging good study habits, participating in sports.
  • Negative Influence: Pressuring to try vaping or skip school.

Discuss how peer influence can be both positive and negative. Provide examples of each, such as encouraging healthy habits versus promoting risky behaviors like vaping.

Why Are Teens Susceptible?

  • Desire to fit in
  • Fear of rejection
  • Seeking approval from peers

Use this slide to explain why teenagers are particularly susceptible to peer influence. Highlight factors such as the desire for acceptance and fear of rejection.

Peer Influence and Vaping

Studies show that teens are more likely to vape if their friends do. Peer approval can significantly impact the decision to start vaping.

Present statistics or studies that show the correlation between peer influence and vaping among teenagers. This can help students understand the real-world impact of peer dynamics.

Introduce a short video that illustrates a scenario where peer pressure leads to vaping. Use this as a discussion starter for the next slide.

Discussion: Handling Peer Pressure

  • How would you feel in this situation?
  • What strategies could you use to resist the pressure?

Facilitate a discussion based on the video. Ask students how they would feel in the situation and what they might do differently.

Strategies to Resist Peer Pressure

  • Say no confidently
  • Suggest an alternative activity
  • Seek support from a trusted adult

Provide students with practical strategies to resist peer pressure. Encourage them to share their own ideas and experiences.

Conclusion: Empowering Decisions

Understanding peer dynamics helps you make informed choices. Remember, it's okay to stand up for yourself and make decisions that are right for you.

Conclude the presentation by reinforcing the importance of making informed decisions and being aware of peer influence. Encourage students to reflect on what they've learned.

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Activity

Peer Pressure Role Play Activity

Objective

Engage students in role-playing scenarios to understand and practice strategies for resisting peer pressure related to vaping.

Materials Needed

  • Scenario cards (prepared in advance)
  • Props for role play (optional)
  • Reflection sheets

Instructions

Preparation

  1. Create Scenario Cards: Prepare a set of cards with different scenarios where students might face peer pressure to vape. Each card should include a brief description of the situation and the roles involved.
  2. Assign Roles: Divide students into small groups and assign roles based on the scenario cards. Ensure each group has a mix of roles, including the person facing peer pressure and peers exerting pressure.

Activity Steps

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)

    • Explain the purpose of the role play: to practice handling peer pressure in a safe environment.
    • Discuss the importance of empathy and respect during the activity.
  2. Role Play (15 minutes)

    • Distribute scenario cards to each group.
    • Allow groups a few minutes to read their scenario and discuss their roles.
    • Have each group perform their role play for the class. Encourage creativity and authenticity in their performances.
  3. Discussion (10 minutes)

    • After each role play, facilitate a class discussion.
    • Ask the following questions:
      • How did it feel to be in your role?
      • What strategies did you use to resist peer pressure?
      • How effective were these strategies?
      • What could be done differently?
  4. Reflection (5 minutes)

    • Distribute reflection sheets to students.
    • Ask them to write down one new strategy they learned for resisting peer pressure and how they felt about the role play experience.

Follow-Up

  • Class Discussion: Revisit the strategies discussed and reinforce the importance of making informed decisions.
  • Peer Support: Encourage students to support each other in real-life situations where they might face peer pressure.

Reflection Sheet

Name: ____________________________

Role in Scenario: ____________________________

One Strategy I Learned:






How I Felt About the Role Play:










What I Would Do Differently Next Time:











This activity not only helps students practice resisting peer pressure but also fosters empathy and understanding by allowing them to experience different perspectives.

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Discussion

Discussion: Strategies to Resist Peer Pressure

Objective

To explore and share effective strategies for resisting peer pressure, with a focus on vaping. This discussion aims to empower students to make positive decisions and develop critical thinking skills.

Guidelines

  • Be respectful and listen to others' opinions.
  • Share your thoughts and experiences openly.
  • Think critically about the strategies discussed.

Discussion Prompts

Opening Questions

  1. What is Peer Pressure?

    • How would you define peer pressure in your own words?
    • Can you think of a time when you felt peer pressure? What was the situation?
  2. Impact of Peer Pressure

    • How do you think peer pressure can influence someone's decision to vape?
    • Why might someone give in to peer pressure even if they know it's not the best choice?

Exploring Strategies

  1. Identifying Strategies

    • What are some strategies you have used or heard of to resist peer pressure?
    • How effective do you think these strategies are?
  2. Role of Confidence and Communication

    • How can being confident in your decisions help resist peer pressure?
    • What role does communication play in resisting peer pressure?

Practical Application

  1. Scenario Analysis

    • Imagine a friend is pressuring you to try vaping. What would you say or do?
    • How can you support a friend who is facing peer pressure?
  2. Creating a Personal Plan

    • What is one strategy you will commit to using if you face peer pressure in the future?
    • How can you prepare yourself to handle peer pressure situations?

Follow-Up Points

  • Reflection: After the discussion, take a moment to reflect on what you've learned. Write down one new strategy you plan to use in the future.
  • Peer Support: Discuss how you can support each other in resisting peer pressure.

Reflection

One New Strategy I Learned:






How I Plan to Use This Strategy:










How I Can Support Others:











Encourage students to revisit these strategies regularly and support each other in making positive choices.

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Cool Down

Exit Reflection

Objective

To provide students with an opportunity to reflect on their learning about peer influence and vaping, and to consider how they can apply this knowledge in real-life situations.


Reflection Questions

  1. What is one key takeaway you learned about peer influence and vaping today?






  2. How do you think peer pressure can affect your decisions?






  3. What strategy will you use to resist peer pressure in the future?






  4. How can you support a friend who might be facing peer pressure to vape?






  5. Reflect on a time when you experienced peer pressure. What did you learn from that experience?










Closing Thoughts

Take a moment to think about how you can apply what you've learned today in your daily life. Remember, understanding peer influence empowers you to make informed decisions and support others in doing the same.

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Peer Influence • Lenny Learning