Overcoming Obstacles
Handling Peer Pressure
Class members participate in a discussion to identify all types of positive and negative peer pressure and brainstorm strategies to not give in to negative peer pressure. Scholars create a T-chart to record their observations. Pupils...
Missouri Department of Elementary
Dealing with Peer Influence: What Are Bullying and Harassment?
Scholars examine examples of peer pressure and discuss how specific actions negatively affect one's well-being. Learners gather in small groups to write two scenarios in which peer pressure is used. They reference the STAR method in how...
Missouri Department of Elementary
How Much Does Smoking Really Cost?
Following a brief survey about tobacco, scholars examine a fact sheet to answer questions about the substance. A practice page challenges the class to determine the cost of the habit using money math. Pupils discuss their findings...
Curated OER
Substance Abuse Influences
Students role play peer pressure situations and decision-making using cookies. They assess their own influences and reactions to the role play.
Missouri Department of Elementary
Caution: Thin Ice!
Sixth graders listen to a story titled "Thin Ice!" then partake in a whole-class discussion asking and answering questions about what was read. Scholars brainstorm risky behaviors in preparation for a game of RISKO—a game similar to...
Missouri Department of Elementary
Putting on Armor
Peers can exert tremendous pressure that can lead to positive and negative consequences. To conclude the Risky Business unit, class members create a Personal Safety Plan. They list things or situations that cause stress, things they have...
Missouri Department of Elementary
If It’s to Be, It’s Up to Me
Here's a clever switch on the tale of Pandora's Box. Rather than lifting the lid and having problems escape, class members write a problem on a strip of paper and place it in Pandora's Problem Box. A student then pulls a problem from...
Missouri Department of Elementary
To Give In or Not to Give In—That Is the Question!
No! A very simple word that can be very hard to say. Seventh graders have an opportunity to practice this difficult skill as they engage in a series of role-playing scenarios. As an exit ticket, 7th graders write a reflection on the...
Missouri Department of Elementary
Using Negotiation to Settle Difficulties
Negotiating can be a win/win experience if the involved parties apply the skills and techniques offered in a instructional activity about negotiating to settle differences.
Missouri Department of Elementary
The Clique
Mean girls and bully packs are favorite topic for films and TV shows that focus on the destructive power of cliques. High school freshmen are asked to reflect on both the positive and negative aspects of cliques by reading a short...
Curated OER
Kindergarten
Students engage in a discussion about their preconceived ideas about kindergarten. They share their feelings about being in kindergarten and listen to the book "Oh, The Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Seuss.
Curated OER
Working Together
Students sit back to back with their legs straight out in front. They interlock arms and push against each other's backs to try to stand up. They discuss things they can do on their own and what kinds of things we need others to help.
Curated OER
Would I Want Me For a Friend?
Third graders examine the process of making and keeping friends. They identify and discuss the characteristics of a good friend, and complete a handout in small groups.
Curated OER
All About Me
Third graders explore how everyone is different and have a certain way in which they learn best.
Saint Paul Public Schools
Friendship Support Group
What is a friend? Help young learners develop important skills for building and developing friendships with the range of activities presented in this resource.
Boys Town
More Tools for Teaching Social Skills in School
Put an end to wasted instructional time with this lesson on responsibility and preparedness. After completing this series of activities students will learn the importance of these social skills not only in the classroom, but at home and...
Curated OER
Who's Listening?
Students identify nonverbal signs of attention, and demonstrate skills for interacting with others.
Curated OER
Saturday Fun Machine
First graders examine and discuss what they like to do in their leisure time. They identify various activities, compare them to other students' activities, and draw a picture of their favorite things to do on a Saturday.
Curated OER
More About Me
Fourth graders explore what they like to do, their interests, and their aptitudes.
