Free printable lessons on peer pressure for Grade 7

📚 Understanding Peer Pressure

This lesson plan provides educators with a structured approach to teaching 7th-grade students about peer pressure. It includes objectives, necessary materials, engaging activities, and assessment methods.

🎯 Learning Objectives

• 🧠 Define peer pressure and its various forms.
• 💪 Identify strategies for resisting negative peer pressure.
• 🤝 Understand the difference between positive and negative peer influence.
• 🌟 Develop critical thinking skills to make informed decisions.

📄 Materials

• 🖨️ Printable worksheets (provided below)
• 🖊️ Pens/Pencils
• 🧑‍🏫 Whiteboard or projector
• 💬 Scenario cards (examples provided below)

Warm-up Activity (5 minutes)

Think-Pair-Share:

• 🤔 Ask students to think about a time they felt pressure to do something.
• 🗣️ Have them pair up and share their experiences.
• 📢 Facilitate a brief class discussion about common pressures faced.

🧭 Main Instruction (30 minutes)

1. Defining Peer Pressure (10 minutes):

   • ✍️ Distribute the "What is Peer Pressure?" worksheet.
   • 📖 Review the definition of peer pressure: The influence exerted by a peer group, encouraging individuals to change their attitudes, values, or behaviors to conform to group norms.
   • 💬 Discuss different types of peer pressure (direct, indirect, positive, negative).

2. Positive vs. Negative Peer Pressure (10 minutes):

   • ➕ Explain that peer pressure isn't always negative. Positive peer pressure can encourage good behavior (e.g., studying, joining clubs).
   • ➖ Provide examples of negative peer pressure (e.g., smoking, bullying).
   • 🎭 Act out scenarios illustrating both positive and negative peer pressure.

3. Strategies for Resisting Negative Peer Pressure (10 minutes):

   • 🗣️ Brainstorm strategies as a class.
   • 🛡️ Introduce the "Refusal Skills" worksheet.
   • 💡 Discuss techniques like saying "no" assertively, suggesting alternatives, and seeking support from trusted adults.

📝 Assessment (10 minutes)

Scenario Analysis:

• 🎭 Distribute scenario cards (examples below).
• 🤝 Have students work in small groups to analyze the scenarios and identify the type of peer pressure involved.
• ✍️ Each group should write down how they would respond to the pressure, using the refusal skills discussed.
• 📢 Groups present their scenarios and solutions to the class.

📊 Scenario Card Examples

Card 1:

Your friends are planning to skip class to go to the movies. They want you to come along, saying it will be fun and no one will find out.

Card 2:

Your classmates are teasing a new student in the lunchroom. They pressure you to join in, saying it's just a joke.

Card 3:

Your teammates are encouraging you to practice extra hours to improve your skills. They say it will help the team win the next game.

🤝 Follow-Up Activities

• ✍️ Journaling: Have students reflect on their own experiences with peer pressure in a private journal.
• 🎭 Role-Playing: Conduct role-playing exercises to practice refusal skills in various scenarios.
• 📣 Guest Speaker: Invite a counselor or health professional to discuss peer pressure and healthy decision-making.

🖨️ Printable Worksheets

What is Peer Pressure?

Definition:

Peer pressure is...

Examples:

Write down some examples of peer pressure you have witnessed or experienced:

Refusal Skills

• 🙅 Say "No" Assertively: Practice saying no in a clear and confident voice.
• 🔄 Suggest an Alternative: Offer a different activity or solution.
• 🚶 Walk Away: Remove yourself from the situation.
• 🤝 Find Support: Talk to a trusted adult or friend.