Pubdate: Wed, 03 May 2006 Source: Similkameen Spotlight (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 Similkameen Spotlight Contact: http://www.similkameenspotlight.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3484 Author: Const. Mike Leiding, Special to The Spotlight Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.) D.A.R.E. PROGRAM INFORMS STUDENTS I have had the privilege of meeting with the Grade 5 classes at Vermilion Forks School for the last nine weeks talking about tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, inhalants, peer pressure and their harmful effect through D.A.R.E program (Drug Abuse Resistance Education). D.A.R.E.'s ultimate goal is to provide children with alternative choices and options when dealing with the peer pressures they face every day. This program not only challenges the young people but provides them with personal tools and insight which assists them in making these healthy lifestyle choices. D.A.R.E. is an amazing tool that has been incredibly effective throughout 56 countries, benefiting over 36 million children. Below is an overview of the D.A.R.E. Elementary lessons that we covered in class: Lesson #1: Purposes and Overview of D.A.R.E. Program Students are introduced to the D.A.R.E. program and the D.A.R.E decision-making model. Students practice skills used in decision making and reflect on their learning in their D.A.R.E.planner. Lesson #2: Tobacco and You This lesson focuses on normative beliefs about the use of tobacco by youth. Tobacco facts are used to design tobacco warning labels, which are shared with the class. Journal entries reflect the learning. Lesson #3: Smoke screen Students apply tobacco and marijuana facts in a variety of situations using the D.A.R.E. Decision-Making Model. Students are introduced to the purpose of advertising. Journal entries reinforce discussion of the affects tobacco has on the body. Lesson #4: Alcohol and You Students work through a normative belief activity about the use of alcohol by youth. Decision-making skills are reinforced as students work together solving a variety of situations. Students journal entries in D.A.R.E. planners reinforce skills. Lesson #5: The Real Truth Students are given the opportunity to examine alcohol ads in their environment and apply their learning in a relay race. Inhalants and their danger are examined. Journaling processes the new learning. Lesson #6: Friendship Foundations In teams, students examine friendship and peer pressure in situational dilemmas using the D.A.R.E. Decision-making Model. Journal entries in D.A.R.E. Planner reinforce new learning. Lesson #7: Putting It Together Students work with partners to apply assertiveness skills in a think/pair/share methodology. D.A.R.E. Planner journaling is used to process new skills. Lesson #8: Personal Action Student teams practice decision-making skills as they examine the role of personal peer pressure in their lives. Students review their D.A.R.E. Planner entries to assist in creating a personal D.A.R.E. report. Lesson #9: Practice! Practice! Practice! Students have the opportunity to apply assertive refusal skills along with facts in a spiralling competition. Personal affirmations about healthy choice are shared from D.A.R.E. reports. Lesson #10: Culmination Students are given the opportunity to make a public statement about their choices to resist drugs and violence in a group assembly. Students receive D.A.R.E. graduation certificates and celebrate their accomplishments. Thank you so much for your support and for the interest you have expressed in delivering this program to the children of Princeton. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom