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Nicofiends activity

Choice Shield

A creative planning activity helping children decide what they could notice, say and do when they feel under pressure.

What it explores

Recognising pressure, saying no, moving away and asking a trusted person for help.
Time
15 to 20 mins
Age
Ages 8 to 10
Setting
Classroom, Youth group, Community setting, At home
Group size
Individuals within any group size

Activity at a glance

Best for

Helping children prepare simple responses to pressure before they face it.

You’ll need

Choice Shield printable sheets and colouring pencils.

Key message

You do not need the perfect answer. A simple plan can help you make your own choice.

How to run it

  • Give each child a Choice Shield sheet.
  • Ask them to complete the four parts of the shield:
    • I notice: What might pressure look or sound like?
    • I can say: What simple phrase could I use?
    • I can do: How could I move away or change the moment?
    • I can ask: Who could I ask for help?
  • Let everyone decorate their shield.
  • Ask them to add their own reason for saying no at the bottom.
  • Invite each child to choose one phrase or idea from their shield that they would like to remember.

Discussion prompts

  • What can pressure look or sound like?
  • Which words could help you say no?
  • What could you do if the pressure continued?
  • Who could you ask for help?
  • Why might having a plan make a difficult choice easier?
  • Does everyone need to have the same reason for saying no?

Reflection

Ask each child to look at their shield and choose the part they think would help them most. They can share it with the group or keep it private.

Download printable materials

Link To Smoking, Vaping or Nicotine

Pressure can sometimes involve smoking, vaping or other nicotine products. A young person might hear comments such as “everyone is doing it”, “don’t be boring” or “it’s only once”. Having a phrase, an action and a trusted person in mind can make it easier to stick with their own choice.

Adapting the activity

Make it Easier

Complete one example shield together before children begin their own.

Make it Harder

Ask each child to create a second shield for a fictional friend who feels under pressure.

Safety Note

Keep every example fictional and do not ask children to reveal personal experiences. Remind them that they can speak privately to a trusted adult if they are worried about something.

Ready to Run The Acitvity

Download the activity PDF or go back to the resource hub to find another activity.

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