Introduction
This
first session of Healthy Living 8 includes a very brief
refresher on the concept of influencing factors connected
to alcohol, cannabis, and other drug-related decision
making. It carries through with the Healthy Living 7
curriculum outcome “Identify personal, social, and
cultural influences related to alcohol, cannabis, and other
drug use (B3.7)” that forms the foundation of
this curriculum supplement. It also introduces grade 8
students to the entire unit and sets the stage for an
ongoing discussion on alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs.
The first class includes a brief brainstorming activity
that asks students to reflect on the substances that are
actually available in their community as well as the
substances that they suspect are being experimented with by
other students in their school or community. This provides
students with the opportunity to consider the role that
environmental influences (e.g., what substances are
available) and social influences (e.g., what their peers
are doing) may play in their own substance-use choices.
A summary of the curriculum links, activity objectives,
time and preparation required, and the necessary materials
can be found by clicking here or on the Outcomes link in
this section.