Red Ribbon Week 2024 Lesson Plans
Everything you need is right here, from videos to
full lesson plans. It’s all designed to be
plug-and-play, simple to use, and impactful.
Our curriculum is designed for 4th – 12th grade students.
Curious how to use our resources?
Sign up here, and we’ll send you a short video with tips to make the
most impact this Red Ribbon Week.
How Our Program Works
Our youth drug prevention program is based on current scientific findings on youth
behavior, brain development, and the power of storytelling.
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Step 1 Watch
A Natural High Video
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Step 2 Discuss
Together As A Group
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Step 3 Go Deeper
Through Fun Activities
Lesson Plans & Video Playlist – Grades 6-12
Each day, we’ve picked just the right story to share, making it super simple for you to
bring life-changing conversations into your classroom.
Day 1: Meet Our Founder
Start the week with Jon Sundt’s story. He founded Natural High and has a powerful story about turning loss into a passion for helping others choose a joyful, drug-free life. It’s a great way to open up discussions and start the week.
Jon Sundt Natural High Founder
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Step 1: Watch 4 min 50 sec
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Step 2: Discuss 15-30 minutes DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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Step 3: Go Deeper View Activity List
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Some suggested questions to ask after you watch the video:
Download PDFQuestion #1:
Why did Jon start Natural High?
Question #2:
Jon says, “The high drugs give you is a rip-off. Older kids make it seem so cool and sometimes the media makes it seem so cool. But what I think is way cooler is a natural high.” Give some examples of the media making drugs and alcohol look cool. Do you think drugs and alcohol look cool?
Question #3:
How do Jon’s memories impact his decisions?
Question #4:
How do your memories impact your decisions? What is a specific example of a memory, something that happened in your life, that influences your actions now?
Question #5:
Steven’s daughter talks about her anger toward her father for using drugs. What are you angry about? How do you deal with it?
Question #6:
Why do you think Jon chose to use videos to help convey his message?
Day 2: Brain Science Made Simple
Curious about how the brain reacts to different highs? Our whiteboard videos make this science super straightforward and engaging. We suggest you start with video 1 below, or you can watch all 3 (9 min total) – they’re short and will keep the conversation flowing.
The Science of Joy – Exploring Dopamine and Natural Highs: Video #1 The Science of Joy
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Step 1: Watch 2 min 48 sec
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Step 2: Discuss 15-30 minutes DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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Step 3: Go Deeper 45-60 minutes View Activity List
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Some suggested questions to ask after you watch the video:
Download PDFQuestion #1
What are some fun activities or experiences that can trigger the release of dopamine in our brains? Can you share an example of an activity in your life where this reinforcement might have led to positive or negative habits?
Question #2
The video discusses the balance between the brain's reward center and the prefrontal cortex when making decisions. How might understanding this balance help you in making choices about fun activities? How might understanding this balance help you in making choices about responsibilities like homework?
Question #3
The video mentioned that what you find most rewarding is what makes you uniquely you. Share something you enjoy doing, and explain how it makes you unique by reflecting on your personality or interests.
Day 3: Our Newest Voices
Choose one of our newest storytellers to share with your students today
Jawann Blanchey’s fresh and uplifting story will give your students a new perspective on overcoming obstacles and living a full, exciting life without using substances.
Jawann Blanchey – Pro Drummer Pro Drummer
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Step 1: Watch 5 min 36 sec
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Step 2: Discuss 15-30 minutes DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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Step 3: Go Deeper 45-60 minutes View Activity List
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Some suggested questions to ask after you watch the video:
Download PDFQuestion #1
Jawann talks about his struggles, including being homeless and having to suppress his passion for drumming. How do you think Jawann's love for music helped him overcome these challenges? Can you share a time when you had to find strength in a hobby or passion during a difficult period?
Question #2
Jawann emphasizes the importance of choices, especially when facing tough times. Discuss the significance of choosing to keep going versus turning back in tough situations. What does this tell you about resilience and determination?
Question #3
Jawann mentions that music kept him off the streets and away from drugs. Why do you think having a 'natural high' like music is important for young people? How can a natural high be a protective factor against negative influences like drugs?
Chad Caruso’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of finding his natural high. He faced numerous challenges, including injury and addiction. Skateboarding became his refuge and a path to sobriety.
Chad Caruso – YouTuber and Skateboarder Skateboarder and YouTuber
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Step 1: Watch 3 min 58 sec
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Step 2: Discuss 15-30 minutes DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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Step 3: Go Deeper 45-60 minutes View Activity List
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Some suggested questions to ask after you watch the video:
Download PDFQuestion #1
How did setting ambitious goals, like performing 50 tricks in 50 states, help Chad Caruso stay focused and motivated during his recovery?
Question #2
How can engaging in positive activities, like skateboarding, help individuals avoid or overcome addiction and other negative influences?
Question #3
In what ways did Chad Caruso’s support system (friends, family, community) contribute to his success in overcoming addiction and achieving his goals?
Question #4
How did Chad's perspective on life change as he committed to skateboarding and setting his goals?
Question #5
How did Chad's relationships with friends and family influence his journey to sobriety?
Day 4: A Life-Saving Message
Fentanyl is a big topic and it’s vital our kids understand the risks. Our PSA is a must-show and comes with everything you need to guide the discussion. Be sure to check out the Fentapill Lesson and Kahoot! quiz (Step 3). This could be the most important lesson of the week.
Fentanyl PSA Fentanyl PSA Short Film
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Step 1: Watch 6 min 14 sec
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Step 2: Discuss 15-30 minutes DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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Step 3: Go Deeper 45-60 minutes View Activity List
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Some suggested questions to ask after you watch the video:
Download PDFQuestion #1
What did you learn about fentanyl?
Question #2
What would you say to a friend of yours who is planning on trying a substance that might be laced with fentanyl?
Question #3
What would you say to a friend of yours who offers you a substance they swear is safe?
Question #4
What could you do to share the film and this message with your circle of friends?
Day 5: You Choose!
End the week on a high note – pick from our 50+ library of storytellers. You know your students best, so choose the story that will speak to them the most. There’s no wrong choice here!
More Resources
Printable Lesson Plans & Much More
- How to use Natural High
- Sample parent letter
- 17 additional activity ideas
Have Students Pledge to Live Drug-Free
and Naturally High
Students can take the pledge online or print the pledge to display as a reminder
Printable Posters in English & Spanish
- Fentanyl Fact Sheet
- Fentapill Fact Sheet
- Parent Conversation Guide
Video: How To Make The Most Impact This Red Ribbon Week
Sign up to watch this short video on how to use our Red Ribbon Week lesson plans and resources.
- Only 4.5 minutes
- How to use the Natural High program in 3 easy steps
- Tips to make the most impact during Red Ribbon Week
- Highlight of this year’s activities and Storytellers
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Founder’s Story
Natural High was founded by entrepreneur Jon Sundt, who lost both of his brothers to drug addiction. After the loss, Jon became determined to turn this experience into positive change and made the decision to spend the rest of his life helping young people make better choices. He realized that simply shifting the way we engage youth could dispel the myth around drugs and alcohol. He began traveling to schools with local influencers and a slide projector at his side, hoping that his story could help save even one life.
Today, Natural High reaches young people around the country. What started in tragedy has now grown into a movement bringing hope and positive results to thousands of families. Two decades of youth are now thriving and choosing their Natural High over drugs and alcohol — all through the power of storytelling and positive example.