Choices and Consequences

Jenny Kaplan

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Choices and Consequences

Ownership of actions and consequences

This lesson engages students in understanding the importance of taking ownership of their actions and the consequences that follow. Through experiential and game-based learning, students will participate in role-playing activities and collaborative problem-solving tasks. This lesson is crucial for developing self-awareness and decision-making skills, empowering students to make informed choices in their daily lives.

Audience

6th and 7th graders

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Experiential Learning, Game-Based Learning, Project-Based Learning, Active Learning, Collaborative Learning

Materials

Worksheet: Decision-Making Scenarios, Reading: Understanding Consequences, Discussion: Reflecting on Choices, Activity: Role-Playing Scenarios, Video: Circle Of Control Activity For Kids, and Game: Decision-Making Challenge

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on what it means to take ownership of one's actions.
Introduce the concept of consequences and how they relate to choices.
Show the Circle Of Control Activity For Kids video to set the stage for the lesson.

Step 2

Role-Playing Activity

10 mins

Divide students into small groups and assign each group a scenario from the worksheet.
Instruct students to role-play the scenario, focusing on the choices made and their consequences.
Encourage creativity and active participation.

Step 3

Group Brainstorming Session

5 mins

Have students brainstorm real-life situations where they or others faced consequences due to their actions.
Encourage them to think about both positive and negative consequences.
Write down ideas on the board and discuss as a class.

Step 4

Decision-Making Game

5 mins

Introduce the decision-making game where students face different scenarios and must choose a course of action.
Each choice leads to a different consequence, helping students understand the impact of their decisions.
Discuss the outcomes and what they learned from the game.

Step 5

Group Discussion

5 mins

Facilitate a discussion where each group shares their scenario and the outcomes of their role-play.
Use the discussion questions to guide students in reflecting on the importance of making thoughtful decisions.

Step 6

Reading and Reflection

5 mins

Distribute the reading handout on understanding consequences.
Allow students a few minutes to read and reflect on the content.
Encourage students to think about how the reading relates to their own experiences.

Step 7

Closure

5 mins

Summarize the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions.
Ask students to share one thing they learned about making choices and dealing with consequences.

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Worksheet

Decision-Making Scenarios

This worksheet provides scenarios for students to role-play, focusing on decision-making and understanding consequences.

Scenario 1: You find a wallet on the ground. What do you do?

Consider the possible outcomes of keeping it versus turning it in.

Scenario 2: A friend asks you to help them cheat on a test. How do you respond?

Think about the consequences for both you and your friend.

Scenario 3: You accidentally break a vase at home. What is your next step?

Reflect on honesty and responsibility.

Reading

Understanding Consequences

This reading handout explains the concept of consequences and how they are linked to the choices we make.

Understanding Consequences

Every action we take has a consequence, whether positive or negative. Understanding the link between our choices and their outcomes is crucial for making informed decisions. This handout explores different types of consequences and provides examples to illustrate their impact on our lives.

Types of Consequences

Natural Consequences: These occur naturally without any human intervention. For example, if you don't wear a coat on a cold day, you might feel cold.
Logical Consequences: These are imposed by others and are directly related to the behavior. For example, if you break a rule at school, you might lose a privilege.
Social Consequences: These involve the reactions of others to your behavior. For example, if you are kind to others, they are likely to be kind in return.

Examples of Consequences

Positive Consequence: Studying hard for a test can lead to a good grade.
Negative Consequence: Not completing homework might result in a lower grade.

Understanding these different types of consequences helps us make better decisions by considering the potential outcomes of our actions.

Discussion

Reflecting on Choices

This discussion helps students reflect on the role-playing activity and connect it to real-life situations.

What did you learn from the role-playing activity?

Encourage students to share insights and realizations about decision-making.

How do the scenarios relate to real-life situations you might face?

Guide students to connect the scenarios to their personal experiences.

Why is it important to think about consequences before making a decision?

Discuss the benefits of foresight and responsibility in decision-making.