Standard of Learning

6.1The student will apply critical thinking skills and personal management strategies to address issues and concerns related to personal health and wellness. Key concepts/skills include:

1. the importance of significant friends or adult mentors;
2. the relationship between self-image and gang-related behaviors;
3. the effects of environmental influences on personal health;
4. refusal strategies related to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs;
5. prevention of communicable and noncommunicable diseases.

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Understanding the Standard

The student will discuss the importance of having significant friends and adult mentors in their life.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

The student will:

• describe a significant friend. (a special type of relationship between people who enjoy being together)
• identify adult mentors. (trusted adults - parents, guardians, other relatives, ministers, youth leaders, etc.)
• determine why one needs significant friends. (offer support, encouragement, share similar interests, etc.)
• explain how one benefits from having adult mentors in your life. (offer support, encouragement, guidance, and comfort when you feel troubled or need advice)

Sample Lessons

All Stars
Grades 6-8
Designed to delay and prevent high-risk behaviors including substance use, violence, & premature sexual activity by fostering positive personal characteristics (positive ideals and future aspirations; positive norms; strong personal commitments; school connectedness; positive parental attentiveness). Includes 9-13 lessons in first year plus booster lessons.
Sponsor: Tanglewood Research Inc.
Contact: http://tanglewood.net
Cost

"Cycle of Addiction"
Grade(s) 6-8
Students will examine the cycle of addiction to drugs and what can be done to prevent it. At the same time they will learn how families and peers influence their decision making.
http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/addiction/
Free

Do the Right Thing: Finding Solutions for the Causes of Gang Violence
Grade(s) 6-12
In this lesson, students will consider the relationship between gang violence and the factors that can contribute to its increase. After researching the issues behind one such factor, students will make recommendations for implementing changes in local government, law enforcement, and other local agencies, that may help reduce gang violence.
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20021025
Free

In the Mix: "Opening Your Heart To Your Grieving Teen"
Grade(s) 6-12
This lesson is designed to help both the grieving teen and the adult there to help them.  Although the adult helping throughout the process cannot bring back the loved one that has passed on, but they can help the teenager realize they have support through this difficult time.
http://www.pbs.org/inthemix/educators/lessons/death1/index.html
Free

Lions-Quest Skills for Adolescence
Grades 6-8
Positive youth development program focusing on social and emotional competencies; good citizenship skills; strong, positive character; drug-free lifestyle; and service to others.
Sponsor: Lions Quest
Contact: http://www.lions-quest.org
Cost

Promoting Alternative THinking Strategies (PATHS)
Grades K-6
Model program to promote emotional & social competencies and reduce aggression and acting out. Includes emotional literacy, self-control, social competence, positive peer relations, and interpersonal problem-solving skills.
Sponsor: Pennsylvania State University and Channing Bete Company
Contact: http://www.preventionscience.com
Cost

Responding in Peaceful and Positive Ways (RIPP)
Grades 6-8
Model 3-year violence prevention program. Includes importance of significant friends or adult mentors; relationship between self-image and gang-related behaviors; conflict resolution; and effects of environmental influences on personal health.
Sponsor: Virginia Commonwealth University
Contact: ameyer@saturn.vcu.edu
Cost

Who’s in the Bag?
Grades: 4-6
Many students do not know how to develop relationships. Their negative social attitudes and low self-esteem hinder interaction.
Sponsor: Ask Eric
Contact: http://www.eduref.org (select lesson plans – health – mental health)
Free

Additional Instructional Resources

• "Friends, Friends, Friends" - http://www.healthteacher.com
• Guidance Staff
• The Lesson Plans Page - http://www.lessonplanspage.com/PE.htm

Assessment Ideas

The student will:

• identify qualities one looks for in a good friend.
• write a poem about significant friends or adult mentors in their life.

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