Everyone Needs a Positive Role Model

Learning Objectives:

• Students will understand what a good role model is

Background:

It is no secret that youth can be easily influenced. However, the influence does not have to be a negative one. Gangs try to lure youth that have unclear views of what positive and a negative role models are. It is important to distinguish the difference between positive and negative influences.

Teaching Notes:

• Ask/discuss the following: What is a role model? What is a good choice for a role model?
  • Discuss any answers students give and add that role models come in many forms. They are someone we look up to or maybe someone we would like to be like. A good choice for a role model is someone that achieves his or her goals positively and is successful in life (not necessarily rich).
• Ask/discuss the following: What are some qualities you have that would make you a good role model. How can you build on these qualities?
  • Answers will vary.
• Ask/discuss the following: List people that may not be a good role model. Are there bad role models on T.V.? What makes them bad role models?
  • Answers will vary.
• Have students make a presentation on one of their role models (preapproved by you). You may want to have them draw a picture of their role model, say why they chose that person and list the qualities they like about that person. They should be able to answer the question – Who did you choose as your role model and why?