A Question of Influence

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• How to Use this Tutorial
• Teacher Orientation Tutorials
  • Letter To Teachers
  • Foundation Movie
  • Grade 7 Orientation Tutorial
  • Grade 8 Orientation Tutorial
    • Introductory Movie
    • Importance of Drug Ed.
    • Aim of the Grade 8 Unit
    • The Learning Plans
    • Time Frame Estimates
    • The First Class
    • Learning Theme 1
    • Learning Theme 2
    • Learning Theme 3
    • The Final Session
    • Teacher/Student Quotes
  • Grade 9 Orientation Tutorial
  • Summary Movie
  • Orientation Quiz
• The Curriculum Supplement
• Site Map

The instructions for this First Class are written as if Healthy Living 8 students have been exposed to the concept of three types of influences that can affect their decisions around alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs. Consequently, it is brief (five-minute maximum) and serves only as an introduction to the rest of the unit. In the first year that A Question of Influence is used in the Nova Scotia school system (2007-2008), teachers will need to extend the length of time for this introductory class and insert Activity 7.1: Circles of Influence from the grade 7 unit of A Question of Influence.

Below is the Introduction to the First Class as found in the Curriculum Supplement. Read through the overview for the First Class.
The First Class 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.

Becoming Familiar with the Activities

Using either your hard copy of the supplement or by clicking on the First Class link, read through the time frame and the activity for the First Class.

Checking My Understandings

This section is designed to ensure your familiarity with the First Class. Check your responses to these questions before proceeding to the first Learning Theme.

1. What are the three types of influences that are the foundation of A Question of Influence? What type of influence is emphasized in Grade Eight?
   
   
2. What specific influences relate to student use of alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs?

All done? Please go to Learning Theme One.