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Balance Your Choices

Lesson Plan

Choices Chart

Provide a clear outline for the "Choices Chart" mini-lesson, listing goals, needed resources, and step-by-step activities (warm-up, scenario analysis, group work, reflection).

This framework guides small-group discussions on decision-making, helping students articulate choices, weigh outcomes, and internalize responsible decision habits.

Audience

6th Grade Small Group

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Structured discussion and hands-on practice

Materials

Decision Dynamics, Pros & Cons Planner, and Reflection Road

Step 1

Warm-Up Discussion

5 minutes

  • Invite students to share one choice they made today (e.g., breakfast selection, outfit).
  • Ask: What factors influenced that choice?
  • Highlight that everyone considers pros/cons before deciding.

Step 2

Scenario Analysis

10 minutes

  • Present 2-3 age-appropriate scenarios (see Decision Dynamics).
  • In pairs, students identify possible choices and list potential outcomes on a chart.
  • Facilitate group debrief: Which outcome seems most/least desirable and why?

Step 3

Group Activity

10 minutes

  • Distribute Pros & Cons Planner.
  • Students select a real or hypothetical decision and complete the planner.
  • Encourage sharing in triads: discuss planners and provide feedback.

Step 4

Reflection

5 minutes

  • Hand out Reflection Road.
  • Prompt students to write about a past choice: What went well? What could they change?
  • Conclude by discussing how reflection shapes future decisions.
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Slide Deck

Decision Dynamics

Today, we’ll explore how to make responsible decisions by:

• Seeing different options
• Weighing pros and cons
• Choosing wisely
• Learning from our choices

Introduce the purpose of this mini-deck: to practice spotting choices, weighing outcomes, and reflecting. Set expectations for respectful discussion and active participation.

4 Steps to Good Decisions

  1. Identify the Choice: What decision are you making?
  2. List Options: What possible actions can you take?
  3. Weigh Pros & Cons: What could go well or go wrong?
  4. Reflect & Learn: How did your decision turn out? What will you do next time?

Walk students through each step, relating it to everyday examples (e.g., choosing a snack).

Scenario 1: Lunchtime Dilemma

You have 10 minutes left for lunch. Your friend invites you to line up for ice cream, but you haven’t finished eating your sandwich.

• What are your options?
• What might happen with each choice?

Read the scenario aloud. Then have pairs discuss possible choices and list at least two outcomes for each. Reconvene after 5 minutes.

Scenario 2: Group Project Crunch

Your group has a big project due tomorrow. One teammate hasn’t done their part. The teacher offers an extension if you all turn in early.

• What could you do?
• What are the possible results?

Encourage students to think through peer pressure and time management. Highlight that there may be more than two options.

Scenario 3: After-School Invitation

A friend asks you to skip your after-school tutoring session to hang out. If you go, you’ll miss extra help.

• List your choices.
• Predict pros and cons for each.

Point out social factors and responsibility. Promote solutions that are fair and realistic.

Reflect & Discuss

Take 3 minutes to write:

• Which scenario was toughest? Why?
• What did you learn about considering outcomes?
• How will you use these steps next time?

Guide students to reflect individually, then share with the group. Connect reflection to future decisions.

Next Steps

• Head to the ‘Choices Chart’ activity for hands-on practice.
• Use the Pros & Cons Planner to structure your decisions.
• Finish by journaling on the Reflection Road.

Remind students to use the Pros & Cons Planner in the main activity and the journal for reflection.

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Worksheet

Pros & Cons Planner

Instructions: Choose a decision you want to make. For each option, list at least two pros and two cons. Then make your final choice and explain your reasoning.

Decision to Consider: ________________________________________





Options & Outcomes

OptionProsCons
Option 1: __________________________________1. ____________________________

2. ____________________________		1. ____________________________

2. ____________________________
Option 2: __________________________________1. ____________________________

2. ____________________________		1. ____________________________

2. ____________________________
Option 3 (optional): ______________________1. ____________________________

2. ____________________________		1. ____________________________

2. ____________________________

My Final Choice: ________________________________________





Rationale: What outcome do you expect? Why is this the best choice?










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Journal

Reflection Road

Use these prompts to think deeply about your past choices and plan for future decisions.

1. Recall a Past Decision

Describe a choice you made recently that felt challenging:

  • What was the decision?
  • Why was it hard to decide?





2. Decision-Making Process

Explain how you approached that decision:

  • What options did you consider?
  • What pros and cons did each option have?





3. Outcome and Reflection

Reflect on what happened after you chose:

  • What went well?
  • What didn’t go as planned?
  • How did you feel about the result?





4. Lessons Learned

Based on this experience, answer:

  • What did you learn about making decisions?
  • How could you improve your process next time?





5. Looking Ahead

Think of a future situation where you’ll need to decide:

  • Describe the situation.
  • Predict possible options and outcomes.
  • How will you use the 4 Steps from Decision Dynamics to guide you?










6. Connect to the Planner

After writing here, use the Pros & Cons Planner to map out your next decision in detail.


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