Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 5

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Define peer pressure and identify its different forms.
• Tell the difference between positive and negative peer pressure.
• Learn strategies to resist negative peer pressure.
• Identify trusted adults you can ask for help.

Lesson summary

This lesson focuses on understanding and responding to peer pressure in a healthy and responsible manner. Peer pressure is the influence exerted by a peer group, encouraging individuals to change their attitudes, values, or behaviors to conform to those of the influencing group or individual. It’s a common experience, especially as we grow older, and understanding it is crucial for making healthy choices and staying true to ourselves. In the South African context, peer pressure can relate to many things, including school performance, substance use, participation in cultural activities, or adherence to social norms.

Lesson notes

What is Peer Pressure? Peer pressure refers to the influence that people of your own age or social group (your peers) can have on you. This influence can be positive or negative. It's important to remember that not all peer pressure is bad. Sometimes, your friends might encourage you to participate in positive activities like joining the school choir, trying out for a sports team, or helping with a community project. Positive vs.

Negative Peer Pressure: Positive Peer Pressure: This is when your friends encourage you to do things that are good for you, such as studying hard, respecting others, volunteering, or pursuing your hobbies. Positive peer pressure can help you become a better person and achieve your goals. For example, your friend might encourage you to practice your reading skills daily, helping you improve academically.

Negative Peer Pressure: This is when your friends try to influence you to do things that are harmful, risky, or against your values. This could include things like skipping school, using bad language, engaging in risky behavior, or being unkind to others. For example, a friend might pressure you to shoplift a sweet from the spaza shop or tease a classmate who is struggling with their schoolwork.

Recognizing Peer Pressure: It's important to be able to recognize when you are being pressured by your peers.

Here are some signs: Feeling uncomfortable or anxious about a situation. Feeling like you have to do something to be accepted. Being teased or ridiculed if you don't go along with the group. Feeling pressured to keep secrets. Being offered something that makes you feel uneasy. Strategies for Resisting Negative Peer Pressure: Say "No" Assertively: Be firm and clear in your refusal. Use a confident tone of voice and make eye contact. For example, instead of saying "I don't know...", say "No, I don't want to do that." Give a Reason: Explain why you don't want to do something. For example, "No, I don't want to skip school because I want to learn and get good grades." Suggest an Alternative: Offer a different activity that you are comfortable with. For example, "Instead of going to the mall, let's go play soccer at the park." Use the "Broken Record" Technique: Repeat your refusal calmly and firmly, even if the person keeps pressuring you. For example, "I don't want to. I don't want to. I don't want to." Remove Yourself from the Situation: If you feel uncomfortable or pressured, simply walk away. It is okay to leave a situation where you feel unsafe or pressured.

Find Supportive Friends: Surround yourself with friends who share your values and who will support your decisions.

Talk to a Trusted Adult: If you are struggling with peer pressure, talk to a parent, teacher, counselor, or other trusted adult.

Example Scenarios: Scenario 1: Your friends are pressuring you to skip school to go to the beach.

Response: "No, I can't skip school. My parents would be upset, and I need to attend class. I'm studying for a test next week." (Say "No" assertively and give a reason.)

Scenario 2: Your friends are making fun of a classmate who is wearing second-hand clothes.

Response: "It's not nice to make fun of someone's clothes. Everyone has the right to wear what they want. I think we should be more respectful." (Speak up and challenge the behavior.)

Scenario 3: Your friends are pressuring you to try smoking cigarettes.

Response: "No, thanks. I'm not interested in smoking. It's bad for my health." (Say "No" assertively and give a reason). Then, suggest doing something else, like playing soccer. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Your friend wants you to help them cheat on a test. What kind of peer pressure is this, and what could you say to resist it?

Solution: This is negative peer pressure.

You could say: "No, I'm not going to help you cheat. It's wrong, and we could both get into trouble with the teacher. Besides, I want to earn my own grade." (This shows that you understand the consequence and stick to your values).

Question 2: A group of your friends are planning to vandalize the local community hall. What should you do?

Solution: This is negative peer pressure and illegal. You should not participate.

You could say: "I'm not comfortable with that. It's wrong to damage property, and we could get arrested. I am going to go home." Then, inform a trusted adult about what's happening (teacher, parent, community leader). (This demonstrates courage to speak out and prevent harmful behaviour).

Question 3: Your friends are pressuring you to steal sweets from the spaza shop. How can you resist this pressure?

Solution: This is negative peer pressure that involves theft. "No, I don't want to steal. It's wrong and against the law. I’d rather walk home." Leave the situation to avoid further pressure. Independent Practice (Questions Only) Your friends are making fun of someone because of their accent. What should you do? Your friends are pressuring you to try drugs. How can you resist?