This document outlines a two-day lesson plan for middle and high school students on abstinence. On the first day, students will brainstorm reasons for abstinence and use technology to design personalized "ATM cards" (Abstinence 'Till Mature) expressing their beliefs. The second day, students will share their cards and discuss abstinence. The goal is for students to understand abstinence benefits their health and to communicate their decision to delay sexual activity.

1. Unit Area: Sexuality and Family Living
Grade Level: Middle –High School
Time: 2 class periods with work done outside of class.
ATM Card
(Abstinence ‘till mature)
National Health Education Standard
Students will comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention to
enhance health
Student will demonstrate the ability to use goal setting skills to enhance health
Student will demonstrate the ability to use decision-making skills to enhance health
Student will demonstrate the ability to advocate for personal, family, and community
health
Student will analyze the influence of culture, media, technology, and other factors on
health
Ready(Objective)
Describe the relationship of mental, emotional, social, and physical health during
adolescence
Analyze the influence of technology on personal health
Predict how decisions regarding health behaviors have consequences for self and others
Demonstrate the ability to influence and support others when making positive health
decisions
Set(Preparation)
Teens, especially young teens, need to be aware of the benefits of choosing abstinence
until they are older and more mature and responsible. This activity is designed to allow
students the opportunity to create personal pledge cards and share their beliefs on
abstinence with their peers. The pledge cards will be signed and kept as a reminder that
becoming sexually involved with someone is a big deal and should not be entered into
without examining personal values, wants, and needs.
Some discussion of the benefits of abstinence for teens should take place before this
performance task is assigned.
Materials
-Student Instruction Sheet (enclosed)
-Computer or media center with multiple computers
This particular activity requires the use of Microsoft Picture-It Publisher or some other
publishing computer program. It also requires at least one period in a computer room or
media center. Although the concept of making their own ATM card can best be done
using this technology, if you or your students do not have access to the technology, it can
be done “by hand” or can be modified as a poster, license plate, bumper sticker, etc.

2. Go(Procedure)
1. After some classroom discussion about the definition of abstinence and the benefits of
delaying sexual activity, students will be given this homework assignment:
Homework
On a sheet of paper, brainstorm personal reasons to choose abstinence. Remind
students to think of the physical, mental, and social benefits of choosing abstinence. They
should be able to generate a list of at least 10 items.
Explain that this list will be needed tomorrow when they will be going to the media
center.
Day 1 – Media Center
2. After developing this personal brainstorm list, students will create their own pledge
card that reflects their personal beliefs/attitudes/values related to delaying sexual activity.
3. Explain that this card will be labeled their personal ATM Card
(ABSTINENCE ‘TILL MATURE). They will have one day in the media center to create
this card. They may also work on the card at home if they have the technology.
At this point, distribute student handout and ask if there are any questions.
4. Allow students to be creative in designing their ATM Cards (poems, rhyme, slogan,
acrostic, etc.) and use a variety of text and graphics.
5. Only two things are REQUIRED on all cards:
-The abbreviation ATM must be prominent on the card
-There must be room for student signature somewhere on the card
6. If possible, a sample ATM card that has already been created should be used as a
model. Students should create at least TWO ATM cards; one copy for themselves and
one copy for the teacher.
7. Assessment criteria will be on student handout.
While in the media center, teacher should assist students with manipulating the
technology. Other students who are more technologically advanced can also assist others
with their assignment.
Day 2
This class period can be used to have students share their ATM Cards. One suggestion is
for students to sit in a circle and pass their card to the person on their right. Everyone has
30 seconds or so to look at their classmates cards, then pass again to right until all cards
have been read.
Follow Up
Student work will be assessed based on criteria. An “Up Close and Personal” circle
discussion can follow, with sentence stems related to the topic. Examples:
“The best reason not to get involved in a sexual relationship too young is…………”
“For some people, Abstinence ‘Till MARRIAGE is………………………..”
“I’ll be ready for a sexual relationship when………………….”

3. Student Handout
Creating Your Personal “ATM” Card
ABSTINENCe
‘TILL
MATURE
Instructions: In class, we have been discussing the benefits of choosing
abstinence related to your physical, mental, and social health. For some,
Abstinence ‘Till Marriage is their goal. For others, delaying sexual activity
until they are more mature and responsible is their goal. As you look at your
own personal brainstorm list of the physical, mental, and social benefits of
Abstinence, you will be creating your own ATM card that reflects your own
beliefs, attitudes and /or values on this topic.
We will be going into the media center/computer room and use Microsoft
Publishing to create your cards. If you need assistance with manipulating
the technology, your teacher (or peers) can help you.
You are encouraged to be creative and original, using text, pictures, color,
and graphics to make it personalized. The only mandatory things that must
appear somewhere on your card are the letters “ATM,” and a place for
your signature. Be prepared to verbally share your cards with the class.
Your ATM cards will be assessed on the following:
1. How well you expressed the benefits of choosing abstinence and how you
related it to your physical, mental, and social health.
2. How creatively you personalized your information.
3. How well you communicated your reasons to be abstinent or to delay
sexual activity until more mature and responsible to your peers.
Dom Splendorio
President at Prime Time Health Consulting
Greater New York City Area