LESSON PLAN · MAKING SENSE OF ABSTINENCE

Much More Than “Just Say No!”

OBJECTIVES:

Participants will:

1. Recognize that abstaining from intercourse is more complex than some slogans might suggest.

2. Identify the steps and skills necessary for abstaining successfully.

RATIONALE:

The decision to abstain is more complex than the slogans found in some abstinence education programs might suggest. Catchy phrases like “Pet your dog, not your date” or “Quit your urgin’, be a virgin” ignore teens’ real experiences, belittle their intelligence, and discount their capabilities. This lesson helps teens think about the conscious decision-making process that successful abstaining requires and identify specific, concrete ways to make abstinence work.

Note: This lesson is based on concepts from the popular “condom lineup” activity, which makes a useful companion for this lesson.

Click Here for the FULL lesson and plan