Over the next few weeks, NIMCO will be sharing some "Attention Grabber™" ideas that you can use in class to help teach about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. The “Attention Grabbers™” are designed to assist with teaching and speaking about the adverse effects alcohol and drugs cause to all who are exposed to these addictive drugs. We live in a visual society, making visual aids a needed resource to assist with speaking or teaching thus enabling you to reach your entire audience. The suggestions are designed to assist your alcohol and drug education programs. You may expound upon each scenario as your presentation or speaking time allows. Each “Attention Grabber™” is very cost effective to present with the suggested visual aids to reiterate the information given during your presentation. These "Attention Grabber™" ideas are also great for Red Ribbon Week!
Supplies:
• A large doll that can stand-alone or that may be supported by a prop
• A roll of any type colored plastic wrap
Directions:
Start by telling the audience that you realize everyone in the room including yourself is effected daily by peer pressure. Many times, people don’t realize the problems youth face daily concerning drugs and alcohol. Explain that every person has the personal power to say NO to drugs or alcohol. Let the group know that you realize how peer pressure can sometimes cause them to make poor choices. Negative peer pressure may cause you to loose sight of your goals and positive judgment and encourage you to make poor choices. Each one of us needs to realize that we have control over our lives until we give it away. Take charge of your destiny and don’t ever let anyone take away your control or force you to do something negative with your lifestyle.
I have a new discovery that will help you if you decide that you cannot resist negative peer pressure. Ask a volunteer to assist you in front of the group. Ask the volunteer to hold the doll and start wrapping the doll from head to toe. Make sure that you completely cover the doll with the plastic wrap. When you have finished the task hold up the plastic covered doll and tell the audience that if you wrap yourself completely no one can get to you and pressure you into a negative choice. Thank the volunteer and have he/she return to their seat. Ask the audience what they think about your new idea. The responses should be negative. Examples may be 1. You could not breathe 2. It’s not practical to do such a thing 3. You could not eat or drink etc. Agree with their comments and encourage positive suggestions and ways to avoid negative peer pressure.
Explain to the group that wrapping yourself in plastic wrap is not practical. In addition, you realize that there is no way to avoid the peer pressure you are exposed to everyday concerning drugs and alcohol. Explain that you have to make the choice and then stand firm. Many times that means leaving your group of friends and becoming involved with a positive peer group. Use this opportunity to explain the difference between positive and negative peer pressure.
End by telling the group that you realize the plastic wrap is impractical and there is no way you can live in a “glass bubble”. Even though there are times when it would be wonderful, it is not a practical decision. The whole object of the demonstration is to make students realize there is no way to avoid peer pressure, but they can make positive choices and control their lives.
