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MAXIMize the Moment Junior Volume 2, Issue 18

MAXIMize the Moment Junior Volume 2, Issue 18

January 20, 2003
Document
Topic: 
MAXIMize the Moment Junior
Age Range: 
8-10

Story

Kayla's older sister, Clarissa is supposed to be babysitting us, but she's on the phone with her boyfriend and doesn't seem to care what we do as long as we don't interrupt her. Kayla suggests that we do some snooping around in Clarissa's room. I feel bad about invading her privacy, but I don't want to upset Kayla so I go along with the plan. We put on some of the makeup Clarissa left out and try walking in her high-heeled shoes.

"Look at this!" Kayla exclaims. In her hand are a pink lighter and a pack of cigarettes. She pulls one out, lights it, and walks over to the mirror. After admiring her reflection for a few seconds, she says, "Don't I look grown up?! Wanna try it?" she asks.

I'm about to say "yes" because I don't want to look scared. But then I think of a quote by Dr. Seuss: "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

I know what I have to say: "You know, Kayla, if you really want to act grown up, you'll throw that nasty cigarette in the toilet. It doesn't make you look cool. All it's going to give you is a bad cough and terrible breath."

Kayla is upset, but I had say it. If Kayla's really my friend, I should able to be myself. And, as her friend, I have a responsibility to tell her when she's making a mistake. True friends are honest with each other and bring out the best in one another. Like Dr. Seuss said: "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." 

Teacher Information

Maxim

  • "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
    Dr. Seuss

Featured character trait

  • Genuineness - I have the courage to be myself, to honor my values, dream, and talents.

Character points (for substitution if this week's trait isn't one of your school's core values)

  • Self-respect - I make choices that have positive consequences because I know I am valuable and special.
  • Honesty - I am true to myself and allow others to know who I really am.
  • Integrity - My actions and decisions are guided by my values.
  • Courage- I do the right thing, even when it is difficult.
  • Responsibility - I live out my values and avoid making bad choices. I know what is expected of me by myself and others and I honor that.

Discussion starters / journal writing prompts

  • Does Kayla really act like Joanna's friend? Explain.
  • Do you think it is common for kids your age to feel pressure the way that Joanna does?
  • Why is it so hard to say no when you are pressured by friends? What are some ways to avoid and/or overcome peer pressure?
  • What is positive peer pressure? What are some ways that you can be a positive influence on those around you? How do you turn negative peer pressure into positive peer pressure?
  • What do you think of the way Joanna handles this situation?
  • Is there a better way for her to respond? List some other approaches to combating negative peer pressure. 
  • Why do some kids choose to smoke? Are those good reasons?
  • What are some reasons not to try smoking? Are those good reasons?
  • A lot of children try to seem older than they are. Why can this be dangerous?
    What's good about "acting your age?"
  • Joanna decides that she has to say no in order to be true to herself. Why is it so important to be truthful with yourself? How does your ability to be honest with yourself affect your relationships?
  • Is Joanna a good friend to Kayla? Why or why not?
  • What about a person makes you want to be his/her friend? What traits are important in a friend?
  • Does being friends with someone mean that you never have disagree?
  • What is the difference between healthy and unhealthy disagreements?
  • What are some other situations that this week's maxim might apply to?

Related Links

Extending the Conversation

In this lesson, Joanna chooses to say no to smoking. Ask your students what other behaviors they are sometimes pressured to do. Come up a list. Then, have groups of students brainstorm ways to say "No" (because finding the right words to say your feelings is often the hardest part). Have each group share their ideas. Ask a few students which ones they would feel most comfortable with and. if you time, act out scenarios based on your class's list and the groups' scenarios.