This month, our 4th and 5th graders explored how peer pressure can influence the choices we make and how understanding our values helps us make decisions we feel proud of. Students discussed quotes about decision-making, shared what they believe in (kindness, honesty, respect, courage, teamwork), and learned how values guide us when situations feel confusing or pressured.

We talked about the difference between helpful peer pressure (encouraging someone, including others, motivating friends to make good choices) and harmful peer pressure (pushing someone to break rules, be unkind, or do something unsafe or uncomfortable). Students practiced identifying whether different scenarios were helpful or harmful and how each one might make them feel.

We also learned the difference between direct peer pressure (someone using words or actions to get you to do something) and indirect peer pressure (influence from groups, trends, or behaviors around you). Students shared real examples from school and talked about how these situations affect emotions like worry, embarrassment, anger, or confusion.

To build decision-making skills, students practiced strategies such as:

By the end of the lesson, students understood that their values act like a compass, helping them make choices that feel right, even when they feel pressured by others.

Try this at home:
 Ask your child, “What value helps you make good choices when you feel pressured?”