Red Ribbon Week is one of those events that sneaks up on you in the fall—right when you’re juggling parent conferences, report cards, and Halloween chaos. If you’re looking for quick, engaging, and meaningful Red Ribbon Week activities for upper elementary students, I’ve got you covered.
From powerful videos to discussion-worthy read alouds and no-prep classroom activities, this post is packed with ideas you can use right away. Let’s make this week about more than just red shirts—let’s spark real conversations and connection.
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Videos to Show During Red Ribbon Week
Start the week with videos that open up important conversations in an age-appropriate way. These two clips are great for upper elementary students and give you a natural entry point for class discussion.
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Red Ribbon Week: A Student PSA (YouTube)
A student-led PSA that highlights the importance of saying no to drugs and choosing a healthy lifestyle. -
The History of Red Ribbon Week (YouTube)
This short video explains how Red Ribbon Week began, honoring DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. It helps students understand why we participate.
Class Discussion Prompt:
“What does it mean to make a healthy choice? Can you think of a time you had to say no to something that wasn’t good for you?”
Red Ribbon Week Read Alouds
Books can open doors to thoughtful, age-appropriate conversations—especially around tricky topics like drugs and peer pressure. Here are a few excellent read alouds to anchor your lessons:
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I Am Vape: A Picture Book About the Dangers of Vaping
Vaping is becoming an alarming trend—even among younger kids. This book breaks down the dangers in a way that’s easy for students to grasp. -
No Smoking, No Drinking, No Drugs – For Me!
Simple, clear messaging with vibrant illustrations that make it perfect for class discussions. -
“No” Means No: Let’s Say No to Drugs
This book gives students language they can use when faced with peer pressure.
Tip: Use one read aloud per day and pair it with a quick journal response or class discussion.
Red Ribbon Week Activities for Elementary Students
Whether you’re short on time or ready to go all-out, these Red Ribbon Week activities are simple, meaningful, and classroom-tested.
Dress-Up Days
Add some spirit to your week with simple themed days. Here are a few ideas:
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Monday: Wear red for Red Ribbon Week
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Tuesday: Team Up Against Drugs (wear team shirts)
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Wednesday: Your Future is Bright (wear neon or sunglasses)
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Thursday: Put Drugs to Sleep (pajama day)
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Friday: Be a Hero—Say No to Drugs (superhero shirts)
Here are additional Red Ribbon Week theme day ideas you can include as optional swaps or school-wide options:
Additional Red Ribbon Week Dress-Up Day Ideas
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“Too Bright for Drugs” – Wear bright/neon colors
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“Sock it to Drugs” – Wear crazy socks
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“Hats Off to Being Drug-Free” – Wear hats
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“Lei Off Drugs” – Hawaiian-themed outfits or leis
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“Drugs Are Old School” – Dress retro or decades day
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“Be a Jean-ius, Stay Drug-Free” – Wear jeans
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“Put a Cap on Drugs” – Baseball cap day
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“Team Up Against Drugs” – Wear favorite sports team gear
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“I’m Too Cool for Drugs” – Sunglasses day
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“My Future is Drug-Free” – Dress up as your future career
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“Peace Out to Drugs” – Tie-dye or peace signs
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“Dreaming of a Drug-Free World” – Pajama day
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“Red-y to Live Drug-Free” – All red from head to toe
Door Decorating Contest
Let students brainstorm slogans and decorate the classroom door with a positive message about being drug-free. Let neighboring teachers judge and award simple prizes.
Create Awareness Posters
Have students design posters encouraging others to make healthy choices. Hang them in the hallway or cafeteria to spread awareness school-wide.
Interactive Bulletin Board
Try an “I Pledge to Stay Drug-Free Because…” bulletin board. Each student adds a sticky note or speech bubble with a personal reason.
Invite a Guest Speaker
Reach out to your school nurse, local firefighter, police officer, or community health leader. A short visit with a positive message can make a big impact.
Class Discussion on How to Say No
Peer pressure is a real thing. Teaching students to say no is important. Giving them a variety of ways such as – walking away, ignore the person, change the subject, or simply saying no – can be extremely beneficial. Or, work together to create an web on an anchor chart of different ways to say no.
No-Prep Puzzle Pack
If you need something that’s quiet, engaging, and standards-adjacent, this Red Ribbon Week Puzzle Pack includes a word search, crossword, and a Red Ribbon-themed Sudoku. It works well for morning work, early finishers, sub plans, or even as a calm brain break during a busy week.
Red Ribbon Week FAQs
What is Red Ribbon Week and why is it important in elementary schools?
Red Ribbon Week promotes healthy, drug-free lifestyles. It’s a chance to teach students about the power of making positive choices and standing up for themselves.
When is Red Ribbon Week celebrated in schools?
Most schools celebrate during the last full week of October. Be sure to check your school or district calendar to confirm.
What are some easy Red Ribbon Week activities for upper elementary students?
Try dress-up days, read alouds, poster contests, guest speakers, or grab-and-go puzzles like this one.
How do I make Red Ribbon Week meaningful without scary or inappropriate messaging?
Focus on healthy habits, future goals, and personal empowerment. Use age-appropriate books and videos that build students up rather than scare them.
How can I fit Red Ribbon Week into my already packed ELA schedule?
Read alouds, quick writes, and puzzles can double as ELA time. Integrate short discussions, journal prompts, and vocabulary activities around the theme.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a giant budget or elaborate plans to make Red Ribbon Week impactful. A few thoughtful choices—like showing a meaningful video, reading a powerful book, or creating a class bulletin board—can spark lifelong lessons.
And remember: you’re doing enough. Even if all you manage is a quick read aloud and a dress-up day, that’s still creating space for conversations that matter.
