Unmoved Uriel helps children recognize peer pressure and develop the confidence to make their own choices. Kids explore how to trust their judgment, set healthy boundaries, and stand by their values even when others encourage them to do something different.
POSITIVE SELF-TALK
“I am UNMOVED by negative peer pressure.”
How to Use This Lesson
1. Meet Unmovable Uriel
Introduce Unmovable Uriel and explore how peer pressure can influence our choices.
Help children understand that sometimes friends or classmates may encourage us to do something that doesn't feel right.
Uriel reminds us that we can trust ourselves, stand by our values, and make positive choices even when others disagree.
Being unmovable doesn't mean being stubborn. It means having the confidence to make decisions that are right for us.
2. Practice Positive Self-Talk
Say Uriel's positive self-talk phrase together:
“I am UNMOVED by negative peer pressure.”
First, say it out loud. Then practice saying it silently in your mind.
Encourage children to use these words when they feel pressured to do something unsafe, unkind, or against their values.
3. Share the Skill Sign
Print and display Unmovable Uriel's Peer Pressure Tips where children will see it often.
Explore Uriel's six strategies for handling peer pressure:
Stand Tall: Stand confidently and make eye contact when comfortable.
Share Your Feelings: Tell others how you feel about the situation.
Believe in Yourself: Remember your power within and trust your ability to make good choices.
Be Unmovable: Practice saying “No” clearly and confidently.
Walk Away: Leave a situation when someone continues pressuring you.
Choose Positive Friends: Spend time with people who encourage you to make healthy, helpful choices.
Talk about the difference between negative peer pressure, which encourages harmful choices, and positive peer pressure, which inspires us to do something good.
Invite children to choose one strategy to practice throughout the day.
4. Breathe and Stretch
Take a few minutes to breathe and move together.
Use the stretches from the Breathe and Stretch book or follow Unmovable Uriel's movement video.
Encourage children to notice how their bodies and minds feel before and after moving.
Talk about how pausing and breathing can help us feel more grounded when we're unsure what to do.
5. Read the Story
Bring Unmovable Uriel to life! Read his story from the Powerful You book with expression and enthusiasm.
Invite children to notice what Uriel learns about peer pressure, believing in himself, and making choices that reflect his values.
6. Reflect and Connect
Use Uriel's Reflect & Shine questions from the Powerful You book to encourage meaningful conversations.
Invite children to think about a time they felt pressured to do something they didn't want to do.
Talk about how it feels when others respect our choices and how we can show that same respect to our friends.
7. Explore Optional Activities
Choose an activity from the Powerful You book to reinforce Uriel's lesson.
You can also try a Practice Saying No activity.
Invite children to practice a few simple responses to peer pressure:
“No, thank you.”
“That's not for me.”
“I'm not comfortable doing that.”
“I'd rather do something else.”
“I'm going to walk away.”
Encourage children to practice saying these words in a calm, confident voice.
Remind them that they can always ask a trusted adult for help if they feel unsafe or pressured.
8. Lights, Camera, Action! — Role-Play
Bring the lesson to life with role-playing!
Use the Powerful You laminated scenario cards or create your own everyday situations.
Invite children to practice what they might do when friends encourage them to break a rule, exclude someone, make fun of another child, or participate in something that doesn't feel right.
Encourage them to stand confidently, express their feelings, say no, walk away, or ask a trusted adult for support.
Also practice examples of positive peer pressure, such as encouraging a friend to include someone or make a healthy choice.
Keep it playful, encouraging, and fun!
Remember: “I am UNMOVED by negative peer pressure.”
