Smart Choices Quest Script

Before beginning: Make sure the Slide Deck: Smart Choices Intro Slides is projected and everyone can see.

Slide 1: Smart Choices Quest

Teacher says:
“Good morning, everyone! Today we are going on a special journey called Smart Choices Quest. On our quest, we’ll learn five easy steps to help us make choices that we feel proud of. Let’s get started!”

Pause and look around. Smile.

Slide 2: What Is a Decision?

Teacher says:
“First, let’s talk about what a decision is. A decision is a choice we make when we have more than one option. For example, this morning I decided between cereal and toast. Which one did I pick? (Pause for answers.) Yes, I chose cereal!”

“Now, turn to your neighbor and share a simple decision you made today. I’ll give you 30 seconds. Go!”

“Who would like to share? Jamie?”

Jamie shares; then ask, “Great! What made you choose that?”

Slide 3: The Five Steps to Smart Choices

Teacher says:
“Here are our five steps to make smart choices:

1. Stop
2. Think
3. Explore Options
4. Decide
5. Reflect

I’ll say each step, and I want you to say it back to me.”

Point to each word and wait for class echo.

Slide 4: Step 1: Stop

Teacher says:
“Step 1 is Stop. That means we pause for a moment. We take a deep breath. We give ourselves time to think before we act.”

“Let’s practice. Close your eyes, take a deep breath in… and out. How do you feel?”

Wait for one or two responses.

Slide 5: Step 2: Think

Teacher says:
“Step 2 is Think. Ask yourself: What is happening? What do I want? Why do I need to make this choice? For example, if I’m deciding which snack to eat, I think about whether I’m hungry or if I need energy for playtime.”

“Turn to your partner and think of one question you could ask yourself when making a decision. Ready? Go!”

“Who can share their question? Sofia?”

Slide 6: Step 3: Explore Options

Teacher says:
“Step 3 is Explore Options. That means we list choices we could make. We think about what could happen next, both good and not-so-good.”

“For example, if you lost your pencil, you could:

• Ask a friend to borrow one
• Go to the pencil sharpener and see if one is there
• Raise your hand and ask me for a pencil

What other options can you think of?”

Call on 2–3 students.

Slide 7: Step 4: Decide

Teacher says:
“Step 4 is Decide. Pick the option you think will work best. Be confident in your choice!”

“Let’s pretend we lost our pencil on the rug. Which option would you decide on first?”

Take a couple of answers and say,
“Awesome thinking! You decided to ask a friend. Good choice!”

Slide 8: Step 5: Reflect

Teacher says:
“Step 5 is Reflect. Afterward, ask yourself: Did it work? What did I learn? How could I do it differently next time?”

“For example, if you borrowed a pencil but it broke, you might learn to check its tip first next time.”

“Can someone tell me one thing they could reflect on after making a choice?”

Wait for answers.

Slide 9: Scenario Example

Teacher says:
“Let’s see our steps in action! Imagine you have a toy at a friend’s house and it’s almost time to go home. How will you get your toy back? I’ll walk us through quickly:”

• Stop: Pause and think, “I need that toy.”
• Think: Ask “Where did I leave it? Who can help me?”
• Explore Options: I could call my friend, send a note, or ask my teacher.
• Decide: I decide to ask my friend by calling them at home.
• Reflect: I think, “That worked—next time I’ll remind my friend sooner.”

Slide 10: Guided Practice

Teacher says:
“Now it’s your turn. Turn to your partner and use our five steps to decide how you’d get back your toy. Talk through Stop, Think, Explore Options, Decide, Reflect. You have 3 minutes.”

“Time’s up! Who would like to share their five steps? Miguel?”

Slide 11: Independent Practice

Teacher says:
“Great work! Now, please take out the Worksheet: Smart Choices Steps Worksheet. On the first page, match each step to the correct scenario. Then, on the back, draw a decision you made recently and label each step. You have 5 minutes—go!”

Circulate to support students.

Slide 12: Quiz Time!

Teacher says:
“Awesome job, everyone. Finally, let’s see what we remember. Here is the Quiz: Smart Choices Decision Quiz. Answer all five multiple-choice questions about our five steps. You have 5 minutes. Begin now!”

After 5 minutes, review answers together:
Teacher says:
“Let’s go over them. Question 1: Which step tells you to pause and take a deep breath? Yes—Step 1, Stop!”

Conclude:
Teacher says:
“You did a fantastic job today learning how to make smart choices. Remember, anytime you need help deciding, Stop, Think, Explore Options, Decide, and Reflect. I’m proud of each of you—quest complete!”

Smart Choices Steps Worksheet

Part 1: Match the Steps

Match each step of the decision-making model with the correct description. Write the letter of the description in the blank.

1. Stop _____
   
   
   
2. Think _____
   
   
   
3. Explore Options _____
   
   
   
4. Decide _____
   
   
   
5. Reflect _____
   
   
   

Descriptions:

A. Afterward, ask: Did it work? What did I learn? How could I do it differently next time?

B. List choices you could make. Think about what could happen next—both good and not-so-good.

C. Pick the option you think will work best and be confident in your choice.

D. Pause for a moment. Take a deep breath. Give yourself time to think before you act.

E. Ask yourself: What is happening? What do I want? Why do I need to decide?
 
 

Part 2: Draw Your Own Decision

Think of a choice you made recently (for example, choosing a snack or solving a problem with a friend). In the box below, draw a picture showing how you used the five steps of Smart Choices Quest.

Label each step in your drawing:

1. Stop: ____________________________
   
   
2. Think: ____________________________
   
   
3. Explore Options: __________________
   
   
4. Decide: ____________________________
   
   
5. Reflect: ____________________________