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MAXIMize the Moment Junior Volume 2, Issue 5

MAXIMize the Moment Junior Volume 2, Issue 5

September 30, 2003
Document
Topic: 
MAXIMize the Moment Junior
Age Range: 
8-10

Story

"Oh, come on, it's not that hard of a dare!" Jeb says, practically laughing at me. "Just go in during recess and take it out of her desk," Jeb continues. "Of course, if you're too much of a baby to do it yourself, I'll have to."

I hate when Jeb makes me do stuff like this! Last time, Jeb got me to put salt in the new kid's milk. It was really funny when he tasted it and spit everywhere. But when I saw how embarrassed he was, I felt kind of bad about it.

Jeb is always pushing me to do stuff that I feel bad about afterwards.

So I have a choice to make: feel stupid for backing down on a dare or feel guilty afterwards because I was mean to someone.

Then I remember my dad's words: "Honor is as much about what you say 'no' to as what you say 'yes' to." Then I get it. It actually takes more strength to say 'no' to Jeb than it would to go through with the dare. Letting Jeb bully me into a decision I don't like is the really the cowardly thing to do.

"So, what'll it be?" Jeb asks.

This time I'll be honorable. I'll be honest with myself and true to my values. I'll say "no" because "Honor is as much about what you say 'no' to as what you say 'yes' to."  

Teacher Information

Maxim

  • "Honor is as much about what you say 'no' to as what you say 'yes' to."
    Anonymous

Featured character trait

  • Integrity- My actions and decisions are guided by my values.

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

  • Respect - I realize that I am a good and worthy person and that I should be treated with fairness and kindness.
  • Courage - Even when it is difficult, I do what is right.
  • Character - I have the strength to live out my beliefs.
  • Self-respect - I make positive choices because I know I am valuable and special.
  • Honesty - I am true to myself and allow others to know who I really am.
  • Responsibility - I live out my values and avoid making bad choices.

Discussion starters / journal writing prompts

  • Does this story seem realistic?
  • Do you think it is common for kids your age to feel pressure the way that the narrator 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?
  • How can/should the narrator respond to the situation? What are some ways he can say "no"?
  • The narrator decides that he had to say no in order to be true to himself. Why is it so important to be truthful with yourself? How does your ability to be honest with yourself affect your relationships?
  • Does Jeb really act like the narrator's friend? Explain.
  • 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, the narrator decides to refuse Jeb's dare. Ask your students what other kinds of behaviors they are sometimes pressured to do. Come up with a list. Then, have groups of students create "Recipes for Respect"-ways of saying no (because finding the right words to say your feelings is often the hardest part). Have each group share their Recipe. 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.