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Problem Solvers

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Abby Cummins

Tier 2
For Schools

Lesson Plan

The Decision Detective Agency

Students will learn and apply a systematic approach to responsible decision-making by evaluating choices and predicting outcomes.

Developing strong problem-solving skills is crucial for students to navigate everyday challenges, make thoughtful choices, and understand the potential impact of their decisions on themselves and others.

Audience

4th Grade Group

Time

35 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, guided practice, and an engaging game.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Steps to Smart Choices, Markers or pens, Small slips of paper for scenarios, Choose Your Own Adventure, and Decision Tree Challenge

Prep

Prepare Materials

15 minutes

  • Review the Steps to Smart Choices and practice the script.
    * Print or prepare to display the Choose Your Own Adventure scenarios.
    * Print one copy of the Decision Tree Challenge per student.
    * Prepare small slips of paper with simple, age-appropriate problem scenarios (e.g.,

Step 1

Introduction: What's the Case?

5 minutes

  • Begin by asking students:

Step 2

Introducing the Decision Detective Steps

10 minutes

  • Present the Steps to Smart Choices.
    * Go through each step, explaining what it means with simple language and real-life examples relevant to 4th graders (e.g., choosing what to do after school, sharing toys, picking a book).
    * Emphasize that being a 'Decision Detective' means carefully investigating all options.
    * Step 1: Identify the Problem. What is the challenge you're facing?
    * Step 2: Brainstorm Solutions. What are all the different things you could do?
    * Step 3: Consider the Consequences. What might happen if you choose each solution? Think about good and bad outcomes for yourself and others.
    * Step 4: Pick the Best Path. Based on the consequences, which solution seems like the smartest choice?
    * Step 5: Reflect and Learn. What did you learn from this decision? How could you apply it next time?

Step 3

Case File Practice: Group Activity

10 minutes

  • Introduce the Choose Your Own Adventure.
    * Divide students into small groups (2-3 students).
    * Give each group a scenario slip.
    * Instruct groups to use the Decision Detective steps to work through their scenario and choose the best path.
    * Circulate, providing guidance and asking probing questions:

Step 4

Wrap-Up: Detective Debrief

5 minutes

  • Bring the class back together.
    * Have a few groups briefly share their scenarios and the decisions they made using the steps.
    * Distribute the Decision Tree Challenge as an independent practice or homework.
    * Remind students that practicing these steps helps them become great 'Decision Detectives' in their own lives.
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Slide Deck

Welcome, Decision Detectives!

Are you ready to solve some mysteries?

Welcome students and introduce the concept of being a 'Decision Detective.' Ask them what a detective does (looks for clues, solves mysteries). Explain that today, they'll be solving 'decision mysteries.'

The Case of the Everyday Choices

What choices do you make every day?

Explain that every day we make many decisions. Some are small, some are big. We're going to learn a secret agent method for making great choices!

Step 1: Identify the Problem

What is the challenge or problem you need to solve?

Introduce the first step: identifying the problem. Give a simple example like: 'You want to play, but your friend wants to read.'

Step 2: Brainstorm Solutions

What are all the different things you could do? Think of many ideas!

Explain brainstorming. Encourage students to think of all possible solutions, even silly ones at first. Emphasize not judging ideas yet.

Step 3: Consider the Consequences

What might happen if you choose each solution?
- Good things?
- Not-so-good things?
- For you and for others?

This is a critical step. Explain that consequences are what happens after you make a choice. Discuss thinking about good and bad outcomes for themselves and others. Use the example from Step 1: 'If I play, my friend might be sad. If I read, I might be bored.'

Step 4: Pick the Best Path

Based on the consequences, which solution is the smartest choice?

Based on thinking about the consequences, which choice feels like the best one? The one with the most good outcomes and fewest bad outcomes.

Step 5: Reflect and Learn

What did you learn from this decision?
How can you use what you learned next time?

Reinforce that learning from our choices helps us make even better ones next time. Ask: 'Did it work out like you thought? What did you learn?'

You're a Smart Decision Detective!

Use these 5 steps to make great choices every day!

Summarize the 'Decision Detective' steps. Remind them that practice makes perfect!

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Game

Choose Your Own Adventure: Decision Detective Cases

Instructions: Work with your group to solve the mystery! Use the Decision Detective Steps to help you make the smartest choice.

Case File 1: The Missing Lunchbox

Scenario: You get to school and realize you left your lunchbox at home! You're really hungry, and lunch isn't for another three hours.

What's the Problem?



Brainstorm Solutions: (List at least 3 ideas)






Consider the Consequences: (For each solution, think about what might happen)

  • Solution 1:


  • Solution 2:


  • Solution 3:


Pick the Best Path: Which solution is the smartest choice for you and others? Why?






Case File 2: The Playground Argument

Scenario: You and your friend both want to play with the last jump rope during recess. You both grab it at the same time and start arguing.

What's the Problem?



Brainstorm Solutions: (List at least 3 ideas)






Consider the Consequences: (For each solution, think about what might happen)

  • Solution 1:


  • Solution 2:


  • Solution 3:


Pick the Best Path: Which solution is the smartest choice for you and others? Why?






Case File 3: The Broken Toy

Scenario: You were playing with your sibling's favorite toy, and it accidentally broke. You know your sibling will be really upset.

What's the Problem?



Brainstorm Solutions: (List at least 3 ideas)






Consider the Consequences: (For each solution, think about what might happen)

  • Solution 1:


  • Solution 2:


  • Solution 3:


Pick the Best Path: Which solution is the smartest choice for you and others? Why?






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Worksheet

Decision Tree Challenge: My Smart Choice

Instructions: Think about a small decision you need to make soon (e.g., what to wear tomorrow, what chore to do first, what game to play). Use the Decision Detective Steps to help you make a smart choice! Write your answers in the spaces below.

My Decision Mystery:

1. Identify the Problem:
What is the decision you need to make or the problem you need to solve?






2. Brainstorm Solutions:
What are at least three different things you could do to solve this problem or make this decision?

  • Idea 1:


  • Idea 2:


  • Idea 3:


3. Consider the Consequences:
For each idea, think about what might happen. What are the good and bad things that could happen if you choose that idea? (Think about yourself and others!)

  • If I choose Idea 1:
    Good things:



    Not-so-good things:


  • If I choose Idea 2:
    Good things:



    Not-so-good things:


  • If I choose Idea 3:
    Good things:



    Not-so-good things:


4. Pick the Best Path:
Which idea do you think is the smartest choice after thinking about the consequences? Explain why you chose it.









5. Reflect and Learn:
What did you learn from thinking about this decision? How can you use these steps again in the future?









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