Help older elementary and middle school students learn how to be stronger people with good friends and a plan for the future.
This course follows Course 1 on THC Facts and Awareness. Course 1 provides rationale for why teens need to avoid THC products. Course 2 follows to equip them to avoid THC products.
Course Goals
- Teach the qualities of choosing a true friend and being a true friend.
- Facilitate the process of setting long and short-term goals.
- Teach and explore personal rules and coping skills that enhance self-control and avoidance of substances.
- Explore scenarios that have a high probability of turning into a risky situation.
- Facilitate healthy coping strategies between parents/caregivers and their teens.
1 – Best Friends – Click link to view module
Lesson 1: Choosing a Friend/Being a Friend
Key Skills:
- Critical analysis identifying qualities of a true friend.
- Reflection on their own character qualities of true friendship.
- Recognize why friendship is important to our lives.
Learning Strategies:
- Interactive drag and drop activity that highlights the qualities of a true friend.
- What is a true friend? YouTube videos and discussion
- Are you a true friend quiz
“I liked the quiz with all the questions, and how the scenarios were realistic. That was fun.”
2 – The Future – Click link to view module
Lesson 2: Setting Short-Term and Long-Term Goals
Key Skills:
- Timeline reflection of who they want to be in the next 6 months
- In the next year
- In high school.
Learning Strategies:
- Discussion board with peers and other classmates for each domain.
- Goal Setting video
- Finding your passion
“I liked the small video at the beginning that had facts about THC messing up your brain. Now I know why to stay away from THC.”
3 – Inner Space – Click link to view module
Lesson 3: Self-Regulation and Boundaries
Key Skills:
- Analyze techniques to develop personal rules that support their future vision of who they want to be (their future self).
- Practice skills to support that vision by avoiding THC products during adolescence.
- Learn coping skills you can use when feeling anxious.
Learning Strategies:
- Video testimony by peer mentor
- Share powerful true story
- Fill in the blank with rules and coping skills that others use.
- Coping with depression/anxiety: Captain America YouTube video
“The end quiz was funny. The responses how people said no made me laugh.”
4 – Fight, Flight or Focus – Click link to view module
Lesson 4: Recognizing Risky Situations and Communication Skills
Key Skills:
- Use verbal and non-verbal techniques from a repertoire of refusal skills others have used
- Analyze difference between aggressive and assertive techniques
- How to say no and still keep your friends.
Learning Strategies:
- Define drag and drop activity with strategies for success that develop mindfulness and intentions to avoid THC products.
- Journaling activity reinforces intentions to stay well.
- Develop an escape plan with parents.
“The journal part was my favorite part. It reminded me of the words I could say if I am in one of those situations.”
5 – Awkward Discussions – Click link to view module
Lesson 5: Communicating with Parents/Caregivers
Key Skills:
- Understand your personal risk factors
- Learn how your environment can contribute to your risk factors
- Discover how genetics can play a part in your risk factors
Learning Strategies:
- Develop a wellness plan together (parent/caregiver and teen) with printed plan and pledge.
- Create a Plan for: Curfew, choosing friends, escape routes for risky situations, wellness, exercise, healthy risk taking, spiritual development.
- Exercise & Wellness YouTube video
“I liked the question that said how do you want to be remembered. It gave me a chance to think about my own legacy.”
