Copyright © 2007 by Marline E. Pearson. All Rights Reserved. Lesson One Who I Am and Where I Am Going?

Copyright © 2007 by Marline E. Pearson. All Rights Reserved.

Lesson One

Who I Am and Where I Am Going?


Possible Selves Tree

Leaves: Beside the leaves write the qualities of who you are as a person, friend, family member, and dating partner that you would like to retain as you get older. Also write qualities that you would like to develop as you get older (e.g., considerate person, good parent). Roots: Write qualities on the rootsthat support who you are now or will support you in what you wish to become. Bad Influences: Draw symbols (e.g., bugs, chainsaw, lightning) and write down words or brief descriptions (e.g., start drinking every weekend with friends) that might harm your Possible Selves Tree.

Good Influences: Draw symbols (e.g., sun, rain drops, and earthworms) and write down words or brief descriptions that would strengthen your Possible Selves Tree.


Possible Selves

Tree Example


Have you ever been in a situation where you were with one or more friends and the were doing something you weren’t sure you really

wanted to do?

Have you ever gotten “swept up” in a situation like this?


How to Handle Pressure Situations…

It is inevitable in life that you will find yourself in pressure situations from time to time.

We are going to practice some problem solving skills that will help you in these situations.


In a Pressure Situation

1. Push yourself to identify two, or even three, possible choices for a course of action.

2. Ask yourself what the likely consequences or risks for each choice might be.


Pressure Situation ExampleFor Example:

A friend of yours is having a small pre-Homecoming Dance party. Her parents are out of town. You get to the party a little late and everyone has been drinking. They are laughing and having fun. You’ve never had

alcohol before, it looks fun, and secretly you think your friends think you’re a bit immature

because you haven’t. What will you do?


Possible Choices:

Choice 1: Drink with your friends and then go to the Homecoming dance.

Choice 2: You say to your friends, “No thanks.” If they say anything, you say, “You do what you’ve got to do, and let me be.”

Choice 3: Make an excuse for why you have to leave the party.


Pressure Situation- What happens; Risks

For Choice 1 : Since you are all in a group and reek like alcohol, you are all pulled aside as you attempt to enter the dance. Police are called, you are given a breathalyzer test, you get a ticket to appear in court, you are suspended for two days from school, and eliminated from competing in sports this season and in fifty percent of next season.

For Choice 2: You were afraid you’d be put down, but your friends say, “That’s cool.” A couple of kids got caught at the dance and you were happy you did what you did.

For Choice 3: You avoided having to say anything. It’s worked for now.


What Should I Do?

Choice 1: What Could Happen? Risks?

Choice 2: What Could Happen? Risks?

Why?Final Decision:


Pressure Situation Activity

Each table will receive a pressure situation card and a What Should You Do? Worksheet.

You will complete this activity with your tablemates.

Read and discuss the situation. Brainstorm 2 or 3 possible courses of action

and identify the likely results, risks, or consequences of each choice.

Narrow things down to one course of action. This choice may include ideas from several choices generated during the brainstorming.

Make it real- you will be sharing your decision and thought process to the class!


Extra Credit

Write a pressure situation to be used by future classes.

It should be realistic and could involve such things as: alcohol or drugs, parental rules, cutting class, cheating, bullying, loyalty situations, going beyond non-sexual touches in expressing affection, etc.

Documents

Copyright © 2007 by Marline E. Pearson. All Rights Reserved. Lesson One Who I Am and Where I Am Going?