Lesson 2: Unexpected Twists and Turns

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Goal: Discuss things that can throw a person off balance and good techniques for staying on track.
Time required: 40 minutes
Materials required: Student Worksheet 2; one copy of the Achieve Balance magazine (found in the Resource Guide) for each student

Getting Started:

1. Distribute copies of the student magazine and read it together or in groups.
2. Lead a discussion with your students about the challenges they face when trying to maintain balance. Ask: Do you struggle with family expectations? Do you feel like you have too much on your plate? Do you put pressure on yourself? Explain that these types of obstacles are called Balance Busters-experiences that can impact decisions and get in the way of goals.
3. Reread the article "Underage Drinking: The Ultimate Balance Buster" in the student magazine. Talk to your students about the dangers of underage drinking and explain that alcohol can impair judgment and cause you to make bad decisions, too.
   
   Be Inspired:
4. Send copies of the student magazine home with your students. Encourage them to talk to their families about ways to say "YES" to a healthy lifestyle and "NO" to underage drinking. 
   
   Wrap-up:
5. Distribute a copy of Student Worksheet 2 to each student and ask students to race to complete it in teams as a fun wrap-up! (Crossword Answers: Across: 4: pressure; 6: adult; 7: healthy; 9: law; 10: twenty one. Down: 1: friends; 2: car; 3: judgment; 5: underage; 6: April; 8: say.)