Here is an overview of the lesson topics that will be covered in our counselor lessons with students in the 3rd 9 weeks:
PreK, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grades:
Circle of Control--Students will be able to differentiate between things we can control vs. things we cannot control. They will brainstorm strategies to use to help them feel better when they feel frustrated by things they cannot control.
Friendship--Students will be able to differentiate between healthy and unhealthy friendship qualities.
Kindness/Empathy--Students will be able to differentiate between kind and unkind behaviors and will learn how to be understanding of other people's feelings.
Self-Discipline/Self-Control--Students will learn the importance of stopping before they think or act.
4th Grade:
Managing Peer Pressure*--Students will be able to define peer pressure, identify the effects of peer pressure on decision making, and identify and demonstrate six effective peer-pressure refusal strategies.
Friendship--Students will be able to differentiate between healthy and unhealthy friendship qualities and learn about the importance of surrounding yourself with people who will help you reach the goals you set.
Effects of Alcohol Use*--Students will be able to name the harmful effects of alcohol use on the developing brain and on behavior, learn about the effects of alcohol use on the ability to reach one’s goals, be able to compare perceived norms to actual prevalence of alcohol use, and demonstrate the effective use of peer-pressure refusal strategies in a variety of situations involving alcohol.
Effects of Nicotine Use & Vaping*--Students will be able to define addiction, describe the harmful effects of using nicotine and vaping, and demonstrate effective peer-pressure refusal techniques in situations involving nicotine.
5th Grade:
Safe Use of Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medicine*--Students will be able to recognize and anticipate negative reactions to personal mistakes and disappointments, differentiate between positive and negative self-talk, learn about the effect of positive and negative self-talk on feelings and actions, learn about the benefits medicine has when used correctly, and be able to identify safe practices to use and store prescription and over-the-counter medicines at home.
Friendship--Students will be able to differentiate between healthy and unhealthy friendship qualities and learn about the importance of surrounding yourself with people who will help you reach the goals you set.
Peer Pressure Refusal*--Students will be able to define peer pressure and peer influence, identify the effect of peer pressure on decision making and goals, identify and apply nine peer-pressure refusal strategies, and identify how to be a positive peer influence.
Effects of Alcohol Use*--Students will learn about the harmful effects of alcohol on the developing brain and behavior, be able to identify false expectations about the effects of alcohol, apply positive peer influence in situations involving alcohol, and discuss the effect of alcohol use on the ability to reach one’s goals.
6th Grade:
* Junior High Transition--Students will learn about the variety of courses offered in junior high, have an opportunity to visit Westwood Junior High on January 22nd, and have a visit from the Westwood Junior High counselors on January 28th. Then, students will begin choosing the classes they want to take in 7th grade. Information shared with students in class will also be shared electronically through Talking Points. Please let Mrs. Pendery know if you have any questions throughout this process!
Bonding and Relationships*--This lesson will focus on peer skills, including the ability to make and maintain positive friendships. students will define peer pressure, identify 9 effective peer refusal strategies, evaluate assertiveness in peer pressure refusal scenarios, identify the benefits of associating with peers who make positive decisions, and name ways to influence others positively.
Effects of Alcohol Use*--Students will learn the short-term and long term effects of alcohol use on the teenage brain and body as well as the social consequences of underage drinking. Students will also analyze how media messages influence expectations about alcohol.
Effects of Nicotine Use & Vaping*--Students will learn the short-term and long-term consequences of nicotine use and vaping. Students will evaluate the impact of media messages on perceptions and attitudes toward tobacco use.
*Note: Many of the lessons that will be taught in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade this year are from the Too Good for Drugs Curriculum required by RISD.
