Claudio is facing a conflict between attending his sister's ballet recital and going on a rock climbing trip with peers from school. He consults his cousin Matthew and best friend Lina for advice. Matthew encourages Claudio to skip the recital for his own interests, while Lina emphasizes the importance of family. If Claudio chooses the trip, he risks disappointing his sister and facing peer pressure to drink alcohol, which leads to a car accident. Claudio must now make a decision based on weighing his options and consequences against his values.

1. Claudio in Conflict
Kelly McKinley
RED 6545
Content Area: Health, grade 8

2.  This is Claudio. Claudio has a problem. Let’s
take a peek at his journal.
This weekend is Josephine’s big ballet recital. She’s
been practicing for it for months! I want to
support my sister by being there. Of course, of all
the weekends in the year, this is also the same
weekend that I get invited to go rock climbing
with a group from school. How awesome does that
sound? Me, all the best athletes at Apollo
High, and a full day at the state park. This could
be my chance to get in good with Jesse; I want him
to recommend me to coach so I can make the team
next year.
Claudio definitely has a
conflict here. From what
you’ve heard, what do
you think are some of
his values? Make a list
on your paper and we’ll
share.

3. Values
(To be filled in using student responses)
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Like Claudio, we all have values—
things that we believe are important.
For example, I value honesty. Turn
to your shoulder partner and discuss
your values.

4. So Claudio has some work to do. He needs to make a
decision before the weekend arrives.
He’s already taken the first step when he identified his
problem.
Next, he needs to consider his values.
 If he values his family more, Josephine’s recital is a big deal.
 If he values sports and friends, the rock climbing trip is important.
How do you think people figure out what their values are?

5. Then, Claudio has to consider his options.
 He can go to Josephine’s recital and miss the trip with his
friends.
 Or, he can skip the recital and go rock climbing.
Claudio decides to consult friends and family.
First, he calls his best friend since third grade, Lina.

6. Lina and Matthew
Lina can’t talk to Claudio right then and there—
she’s busy helping her sick mother with some
chores—but she promises to call him back as
soon as she can.
While he waits, Claudio calls Matthew, his cousin.
It’s a difficult conversation because Matthew
alternates between yelling at Xbox Live and his
mother, who is asking for help with some
groceries.
Lina and Matthew are very different. Keep their actions in mind.

7. Matt’s Suggestion
Eventually, after a profane round of Team Death
Match, Matthew gets to his point:
“Bro,” he tells Claudio, “just go to the park. Rock climbing is
way better than some lame dance recital. Besides, isn’t
Jesse’s sister going? She’s the hottest girl in school. You
should get her number for me.”
Much to Claudio’s relief, his call waiting beeped in.
He hung up on Matt quickly and switched over to
Lina.

8. Lina’s Suggestion
Claudio’s conversation with Lina is much more
pleasant. For one, she’s not distracted by a video
game.
“You know, Claudio,” she declares, “I can’t believe you’re even
considering this. You know how much Josephine looks up to
you! Family is the most important thing in the world. You being
there will show Josephine just how much you recognize her
hard work. Have you seen the calluses on her toes?!”

9. Character
 Both Lina and Matthew are demonstrating their
character, or the way they think, feel, and act. Our values
shape our character.
 For example, if I value honesty and respect, my actions are
going to reflect those values and I’ll be seen as someone
with good character.
In your table groups, compare and contrast Lina and
Matthew. How would you describe their character? What are
you basing your opinion on?

10. Claudio’s next step is to weigh his
consequences or the results of whichever
decision he makes. Consequences are not
necessarily negative!
 Shoulder partners!
 What are some possible consequences if Claudio decides to
go to the recital?
 What are some possible consequences if he chooses to go
rock climbing instead?

11.  Let’s pause for a second here and imagine that Claudio has opted
to go rock climbing. Here is his journal entry about Saturday:
I’ve really gone and done it now. I skipped out on Josephine’s recital
and went with Jesse and them instead. Mom’s reaction was awful—
she teared up, she begged, she yelled, she threatened. Josie, on the other
hand, didn’t say a word to me. She looked at me with big, huge tears in
her eyes and the most disappointed look I could imagine on her sweet
little face. The silence was more painful that anything else. After the
longest twenty seconds of my life, she ran off to her room, slamming
the door behind her before breaking out into heavy sobs. I can’t believe
I let her down for some kids from school.

12.  Here is his journal entry about Saturday, continued:
After we’d finished climbing, we ate some lunch in the shade. One of
them, our best point guard, pulled a bottle of vodka out of his
backpack and began offering it around. I declined at first since I can’t
stand the taste of alcohol. That didn’t work out too well in front of
Jesse. He immediately started mocking me and telling me I was too
tense, that I needed to loosen up in order to hang with them right. The
pressure got to me and I caved. The PG, Ryan, poured me a drink with
the promise that the vodka taste wouldn’t be too bad.
It wasn’t, and I ended up having a couple. Before I knew it, the sun
was setting and it was time to head home. Ryan, my ride, was much
worse off and asked me to drive back. Long story short, I crashed
Ryan’s car. It was terrifying as I watched the hood crumple up in
front of me. The worst part is Ryan’s injuries: a broken leg and two
shattered wrists.

13. Peer Pressure
 Claudio had to deal with Jesse and the others pressuring him to drink.
When you want to do something because your friends (or people you want
to become your friends) want to, you are dealing with peer pressure.
 Sometimes, avoiding peer pressure means you have to use your refusal
skills, or ways of saying no. This can be hard, especially when it comes
to your peers. Practicing refusal skills can help.
(Flashback: A peer is someone around your age or in your grade who has
similar interests to yours.)
With your table group, discuss the following:
What are some ways to deal with peer pressure?
In what ways can peer pressure be positive?
What is the connection between values and refusal skills?

14. The Decision
 Now that Claudio has considered his values, looked at his options, and
weighed the potential consequences, he must make a decision.
 What should Claudio do? You are going to decide for him, then write a
brief speech in which you try to convince the class that this decision is
best.
 Requirements:
1. Describe your decision.
2. Explain what influenced that decision. Remember, an influence is
anything that affects your choices. This can include family and peers and
expectations set for you.
3. On the same paper, list the values that shaped the decision and how you
would describe the character of someone making that choice. This is NOT
part of your speech.

15. Vocabulary
Values
Character
Consequences
Peer pressure
Refusal skills
Influence