Lesson Plan
Stand Strong Lesson Plan
Students will define peer pressure, identify healthy strategies to resist it, and practice assertive responses through guided discussion and role-play activities.
Understanding peer pressure empowers students to make positive choices, build confidence, and strengthen social-emotional skills, reducing risky behaviors and boosting self-esteem.
Audience
4th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Discussion, strategy teaching, and role-play practice.
Materials
Whiteboard and Markers, Peer Pressure Definition Poster, Resisting Peer Pressure Strategies Handout, and Role-Play Scenario Cards
Prep
Prepare Lesson Materials
10 minutes
- Review the Peer Pressure Definition Poster to ensure familiarity with key points
- Print and cut out the Role-Play Scenario Cards for small-group activities
- Make copies of the Resisting Peer Pressure Strategies Handout for each student
- Arrange desks or seating to form small groups for role-play exercises
Step 1
Introduction and Definition
5 minutes
- Display the Peer Pressure Definition Poster on the board
- Ask students if they’ve heard the term “peer pressure” and invite volunteers to share what they think it means
- Define peer pressure: when friends or classmates try to influence you to do something you may not want to do
- Highlight positive vs. negative peer pressure with quick examples
Step 2
Class Discussion on Experiences
5 minutes
- Prompt students to think of a time they felt pressured by friends
- Divide responses into a T-chart on the board: “Positive Pressure” vs. “Negative Pressure”
- Encourage 3–4 volunteers to share short stories, adding them to the chart
Step 3
Teach Resistance Strategies
8 minutes
- Distribute the Resisting Peer Pressure Strategies Handout
- Review each strategy: Saying “No,” Suggesting Alternatives, Walking Away, Seeking Help
- Model one scenario: teacher plays peer pressuring, a student demonstrates an assertive response
- Invite a student volunteer to role-play another example
Step 4
Role-Play Practice
10 minutes
- Organize students into groups of 3–4
- Give each group a set of Role-Play Scenario Cards
- In each group: one student reads the scenario, another plays the pressured peer, and another practices a strategy from the handout
- Rotate roles so each student practices at least one assertive response
- Circulate and offer feedback on tone, body language, and clarity
Step 5
Reflection and Closure
2 minutes
- Bring the class back together and ask: “How did it feel to stand up for yourself?”
- Emphasize that it’s okay to ask for help and use these strategies in real life
- Encourage students to keep their handout handy and support each other in making confident choices
Slide Deck
Stand Strong
A 30-minute guidance lesson on peer pressure
• Audience: 4th Grade (Tier 1)
• Learn what peer pressure is
• Practice strategies to resist it
• Role-play assertive responses
Welcome students and introduce today’s lesson. Say: “Today we’re going to Stand Strong by learning about peer pressure and how to handle it.” Quickly explain the purpose and agenda.
What Is Peer Pressure?
Peer pressure is when friends or classmates try to influence you to do something you may or may not want to do.
• Positive Pressure: Encourages good choices (e.g., studying together)
• Negative Pressure: Pushes risky or unwanted choices (e.g., skipping class)
Display the Peer Pressure Definition Poster. Ask: “Has anyone heard of peer pressure? What does it mean?” Then guide students to the formal definition.
Positive vs. Negative Pressure
Use this T-chart to sort examples:
| Positive Pressure | Negative Pressure |
|---|---|
| • _____________ | • _____________ |
| • _____________ | • _____________ |
| • _____________ | • _____________ |
Draw a T-chart on the board. Label columns “Positive Pressure” and “Negative Pressure.” Invite volunteers to share real-life examples, and fill them in.
Strategies to Resist Peer Pressure
- Say “No” firmly
- Suggest alternatives
- Walk away
- Seek help from a trusted adult
Refer to your handout for examples and tips.
Distribute the Resisting Peer Pressure Strategies Handout. Read through each strategy and model one scenario with a volunteer.
Role-Play Practice
- Form groups of 3–4
- Draw a scenario card
- One reads, one is pressured, one responds
- Rotate roles so everyone practices
Focus on tone, body language, and clarity.
Organize students into groups of 3–4. Hand out the Role-Play Scenario Cards. Explain roles: reader, pressured peer, responder. Rotate roles after each scenario.
Reflection & Closure
• How did it feel to use your assertive response?
• Remember: It’s okay to ask for help
• Keep your handout handy and support each other!
Bring everyone back together. Ask: “How did it feel to stand up for yourself?” Reinforce that using these strategies builds confidence and that it’s okay to ask for help.
Worksheet
Resisting Peer Pressure Strategies Handout
Use these strategies when you feel pushed to do something you don’t want to do. Read each strategy and then practice by writing your own example.
1. Say “No” Firmly
When someone asks you to do something you’re uncomfortable with, you can simply say “No.” Saying it clearly and with confidence shows you mean it.
Your turn: Write a short scenario where you would use a firm “No.”
2. Suggest an Alternative
Instead of just refusing, you can offer something else to do. This shows you still want to be part of the group but on your own terms.
Your turn: Write a suggestion you could offer instead of giving in to pressure.
3. Walk Away
If saying no or suggesting alternatives doesn’t work, it’s okay to leave the situation. Walking away protects you and sends a clear message.
Your turn: Describe how you would walk away and where you might go.
4. Seek Help from a Trusted Adult
Sometimes you need extra support. Talking to a teacher, parent, or counselor can help you feel stronger and find solutions.
Your turn: Who would you talk to, and what would you say? Write it below.
Reflection
Which strategy feels easiest for you? Which one might you practice more? Explain briefly.
Activity
Peer Pressure Role-Play Cards
Use these scenario cards to practice assertive responses in small groups. Read each scenario aloud and take turns playing the roles of “peer pressuring,” “pressured peer,” and “responder.”
Scenario 1:
You’re at snack time, and your friend wants to trade their candy for your apple slice. They keep begging even after you say “No.”
Scenario 2:
During class, a friend dares you to run down the hallway for fun, even though running inside is against school rules.
Scenario 3:
You forgot your homework, and a classmate offers you their completed worksheet if you promise to buy them a snack later.
Scenario 4:
On the playground, a group of friends wants to play a game of tag and pushes others too hard to win.
Scenario 5:
Your friend asks you to join them in playing a prank on the teacher by hiding the chalk.
Scenario 6:
A classmate insists you share the answers to the math quiz before the teacher collects the papers.
Scenario 7:
During art time, a friend wants you to draw a mean picture about another student and keeps pressuring you to do it.
Scenario 8:
Your buddies want to sneak into a blocked-off area of the school to explore, but you’re not sure it’s safe.