Lesson Plan
Choices & Chances: What Happens Next?
Students will be able to identify different choices and predict potential positive and negative consequences of those choices, understanding that their actions have an impact.
Understanding consequences helps students make thoughtful decisions, fostering responsibility and self-awareness. It empowers them to navigate social situations and personal challenges more effectively.
Audience
3rd Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, scenario analysis, and reflective activities.
Materials
Whiteboard or Projector, Consequence Scenarios Slide Deck, Thinking Ahead Worksheet, and Reflection Cool Down
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Review the Consequence Scenarios Slide Deck and become familiar with the discussion points.
- Print enough copies of the Thinking Ahead Worksheet for each student.
- Prepare a blank space on the whiteboard or chart paper for a class brainstorm (optional).
- Review the generated materials as needed.
Step 1
Warm-Up: Ripple Effect
5 minutes
Begin with a quick warm-up activity to get students thinking about how actions can lead to outcomes. Use the Warm Up: Ripple Effect material.
- Ask students: "Think about a time you made a small choice that led to something bigger. What was it?"
- Discuss a few examples briefly.
Step 2
Introducing Choices & Consequences
5 minutes
Use the first few slides of the Consequence Scenarios Slide Deck to introduce the concept of choices and consequences.
- Explain that a choice is something we decide to do, and a consequence is what happens because of that choice.
- Emphasize that consequences can be good or bad, expected or unexpected.
Step 3
Scenario Analysis & Discussion
10 minutes
Present various scenarios from the Consequence Scenarios Slide Deck.
- For each scenario, ask students to:
- Identify the choice being made.
- Brainstorm potential positive consequences.
- Brainstorm potential negative consequences.
- Encourage open discussion and different perspectives.
- Guide students to see how thinking about consequences before making a choice can be helpful.
Step 4
Thinking Ahead Worksheet
5 minutes
Distribute the Thinking Ahead Worksheet.
- Instruct students to choose one of the scenarios discussed (or a new simple one) and fill out the worksheet individually.
- The worksheet asks them to identify a choice and brainstorm its potential positive and negative consequences.
Step 5
Cool Down: Reflection
5 minutes
Wrap up the lesson with a quick reflection activity. Use the Reflection Cool Down material.
- Ask students to share one thing they learned about choices and consequences.
- Collect the worksheets as an informal assessment.
Slide Deck
Choices & Chances: What Happens Next?
Every choice you make leads to something else! What do you think that 'something else' is?
Welcome students! Introduce the lesson by asking if anyone knows what a 'choice' is, or what 'consequence' means. Get them thinking!
What's a Choice? What's a Consequence?
A CHOICE is:
- Something you decide to do.
- You get to pick!
A CONSEQUENCE is:
- What happens AFTER your choice.
- It can be good, or it can be not-so-good.
Explain clearly: A choice is something you decide to do. A consequence is what happens because of that choice. Emphasize that consequences aren't always bad – they can be good too!
Thinking Ahead!
Before you make a choice, it's super helpful to think:
"What might happen if I do this?"
"What might happen if I DON'T do this?"
This helps you make the best choice!
Introduce the idea of 'thinking ahead.' Explain that if we think about consequences, we can make smarter choices. This is the core skill we're teaching.
Scenario 1: Homework Hustle
Malik has homework due tomorrow. He loves playing outside after school, but he also wants to do well in class. He decides to do his homework as soon as he gets home.
First scenario. Read it aloud. Ask students: 'What choice is Malik making?' Then: 'What are some GOOD things that might happen?' (He feels proud, teacher is happy, he learns more, helps class). Then: 'What are some NOT-SO-GOOD things?' (He might miss part of recess, it takes effort). Guide them to understand both sides.
Scenario 2: Playground Push
Sarah is playing tag with her friends. She's really fast! One of her friends is about to tag her, so Sarah gives them a little push to get away.
Second scenario. Read it. Ask: 'What choice is Sarah making?' Then: 'What are some GOOD things that might happen?' (Friends laugh, it's fun for a moment). Then: 'What are some NOT-SO-GOOD things?' (Someone might get hurt, she might get in trouble, the game gets ruined, she hurts feelings). Focus on the impact on others and rules.
Scenario 3: Chore Champion
Leo's mom asked him to help clean up the living room before dinner. Leo really wants to watch his favorite TV show, but he chooses to help his mom first.
Third scenario. Read it. Ask: 'What choice is Leo making?' Then: 'What are some GOOD things that might happen?' (He helps his mom, he learns a new skill, he feels responsible). Then: 'What are some NOT-SO-GOOD things?' (He might get tired, it takes time away from playing). Highlight the positive impact on family and self.
Scenario 4: Toy Troubles
Emily and her friend are playing with blocks. Her friend is building a tall tower, and Emily really wants a specific red block that her friend is using. Emily just grabs it out of her friend's hand.
Fourth scenario. Read it. Ask: 'What choice is Emily making?' Then: 'What are some GOOD things that might happen?' (She gets the toy faster, it's easy). Then: 'What are some NOT-SO-GOOD things?' (She might upset her friend, it's not fair, her friend might not trust her, she might get in trouble). Emphasize fairness and friendship.
Your Turn to Think!
Now it's your turn to think about choices and consequences! You'll get a worksheet to practice what we just learned.
Transition slide for the worksheet. Remind students what they'll be doing and that it's okay to think about both good and bad possibilities.
Remember...
Every choice has a consequence. Think ahead to make smart choices!
Closing slide. Reiterate the main takeaway: thinking before acting helps make better choices.
Script
Consequences Script
Warm-Up: Ripple Effect (5 minutes)
Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon everyone! Let's start with a quick thought experiment. Imagine you drop a small pebble into a pond. What happens?"
(Pause for student responses, guiding towards 'ripples').
"Exactly! Little ripples spread out. Our choices are a lot like that pebble. A small choice can create bigger ripples, or consequences, in our day and in the lives of others."
"Think about a time you made a small choice that led to something bigger, either good or not-so-good. You don't have to share out loud just yet, but just think about it in your head."
(Give students a moment to think.)
"Does anyone want to share a quick example?"
(Call on a few students, keep it brief and positive, reinforcing the idea that choices lead to outcomes.)
"Great examples! Now, let's learn more about how our choices create these ripples!"
Introducing Choices & Consequences (5 minutes)
Teacher: "Let's look at our first slide!"
(Display Consequence Scenarios Slide Deck - Slide 1: Choices & Chances: What Happens Next?)
"So, we just talked about how our choices create ripples. Today, we're going to explore this even more. Every single thing we do, big or small, starts with a choice."
(Display Consequence Scenarios Slide Deck - Slide 2: What's a Choice? What's a Consequence?)
"Look at this slide. Can anyone read what a choice is?"
(Call on a student.)
"That's right! It's something you decide to do. You get to pick! Now, who can read what a consequence is?"
(Call on another student.)
"Excellent! A consequence is what happens after your choice. And here's a very important part: consequences can be good, or they can be not-so-good."
(Display Consequence Scenarios Slide Deck - Slide 3: Thinking Ahead!)
"This slide gives us a super power! Before we make a choice, we can use our brains to think, 'What might happen if I do this? What might happen if I don't do this?' This helps us make the best choice possible!"
Scenario Analysis & Discussion (10 minutes)
Teacher: "Now let's practice our 'thinking ahead' superpower! We're going to look at some scenarios together. For each one, we'll identify the choice, and then brainstorm the good consequences and the not-so-good consequences."
(Display Consequence Scenarios Slide Deck - Slide 4: Scenario 1: Homework Hustle)
"Who can read this scenario for us?"
(Call on a student.)
"Thank you! So, what choice is Malik making here?"
(Guide students to identify: Malik chooses to do his homework right away.)
"Now, let's think about the ripples. What are some good consequences that might happen because Malik chose to do his homework first?"
(Write student ideas on the board or chart paper, or simply discuss. Prompts: He feels proud, his teacher is happy, he learns more, he has free time later.)
"What are some not-so-good consequences?"
(Prompts: He misses some outdoor play, it takes effort.)
"See how both good and not-so-good things can happen? But thinking about it helps Malik choose what's best for him."
(Display Consequence Scenarios Slide Deck - Slide 5: Scenario 2: Playground Push)
"Who would like to read Scenario 2?"
(Call on a student.)
"What choice is Sarah making?"
(Guide students: Sarah chooses to push her friend.)
"What are some good consequences of Sarah's choice?"
(Prompts: She might not get tagged, she might get away.)
"What are some not-so-good consequences?"
(Prompts: Her friend might get hurt, her friend might be sad, she might get in trouble, the game might stop.)
"Wow, that choice has a lot of big ripples, doesn't it? Thinking about those not-so-good consequences before pushing might help Sarah make a different choice next time."
(Optional: Repeat with Scenario 3: Chore Champion or Scenario 4: Toy Troubles from the slide deck if time allows. Adjust timing accordingly.)
Thinking Ahead Worksheet (5 minutes)
(Display Consequence Scenarios Slide Deck - Slide 8: Your Turn to Think!)
Teacher: "You've all done a wonderful job thinking about these scenarios! Now it's your turn to be the 'consequence detective' on your own. I'm going to hand out a worksheet called Thinking Ahead Worksheet."
"On this worksheet, you'll see a space to write about a choice. You can pick one of the scenarios we just talked about, or you can think of your own small choice. Then, you'll write down some good consequences and some not-so-good consequences that could happen because of that choice."
"Remember, there are no wrong answers, just your best thinking about the ripples!"
(Distribute Thinking Ahead Worksheet. Monitor students and offer assistance as needed.)
Cool Down: Reflection (5 minutes)
Teacher: "Alright everyone, let's bring our attention back together for one last thought. You've all worked hard today thinking about choices and consequences. Now, let's quickly reflect."
(Display Consequence Scenarios Slide Deck - Slide 9: Remember...)
"Using our Reflection Cool Down, can one or two people share one new thing they learned today about choices and consequences? Or, one thing they will try to remember next time they make a choice?"
(Call on 1-2 students for brief responses.)
"Fantastic! Remember, every choice has a consequence, and thinking ahead helps us make smart choices that create positive ripples for ourselves and others. Great job today! Please hand in your worksheets as you leave."
Warm Up
Warm Up: Ripple Effect
Think about a time you made a small choice that led to something bigger. What was it?
Worksheet
Thinking Ahead: Choices & Consequences
Name: ________________________
Date: _________________________
My Choice Is:
Write down a choice you might make, or one we talked about today.
If I Make This Choice...
Good Consequences (Positive Ripples):
What are some good things that might happen because of your choice?
Not-So-Good Consequences (Negative Ripples):
What are some not-so-good things that might happen because of your choice?
Cool Down
Reflection Cool Down
Name: ________________________
Date: _________________________
One thing I learned today about choices and consequences is...
Next time I make a choice, I will remember to...