Lesson Plan
Long-Term Impact Decision Plan
Students will be able to identify and analyze the long-term consequences of their decisions and apply forward-thinking strategies to align choices with future aspirations.
Understanding the long-term impact of decisions is crucial for personal growth and achieving future goals. This lesson empowers students to make thoughtful choices that lead to positive outcomes in their lives.
Audience
9th Grade Class
Time
50 minutes
Approach
Through guided discussion, scenario analysis, and reflective journaling, students will explore the connection between present choices and future realities.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Connecting Choices to Consequences Slide Deck, Future Self Vision Journal, and If-Then Scenario Builder Activity
Prep
Prepare Materials
15 minutes
- Review the Long-Term Impact Decision Plan Lesson Plan to familiarize yourself with the content and flow.
- Load the Connecting Choices to Consequences Slide Deck onto your computer or projector.
- Print enough copies of the Future Self Vision Journal for each student.
- Prepare copies of the If-Then Scenario Builder Activity for small group work, or be ready to display scenarios for whole-class discussion.
- Ensure writing utensils are available for students.
Step 1
Warm-Up & Introduction: The Ripple Effect
10 minutes
- Begin by asking students: "Have you ever made a small choice that ended up having a much bigger impact than you expected?" Allow a few students to share brief examples.
- Introduce the concept of the 'ripple effect' in decision-making. Explain that every choice, big or small, creates ripples that can spread far into our future.
- Introduce the lesson's main idea: Today, we'll learn how to think about these ripples before we make a splash.
- Display the first few slides of the Connecting Choices to Consequences Slide Deck. Teacher can use the Connecting Choices to Consequences Script as a guide.
Step 2
Exploring Long-Term Consequences
15 minutes
- Transition to the core content using the Connecting Choices to Consequences Slide Deck.
- Lead a discussion on different areas of life where long-term consequences are evident (e.g., academic choices, health habits, relationships, financial decisions).
- Introduce the concept of "Future Self." Ask students to consider: "What kind of person do you want to be in 5, 10, or even 20 years? What kind of life do you envision?"
- Explain that our current choices are building blocks for that future self. Use slides to reinforce these ideas.
Step 3
If-Then Scenario Builder Activity
15 minutes
- Distribute the If-Then Scenario Builder Activity.
- Explain the activity: Students will work individually or in small groups to analyze given scenarios and brainstorm potential short-term and long-term consequences of different choices.
- Encourage them to think critically about the ripple effect for each choice.
- Circulate around the room to provide guidance and facilitate discussion within groups.
Step 4
Future Self Vision Journal & Wrap-Up
10 minutes
- Bring the class back together. Ask a few groups to share one or two interesting scenarios and their analyses from the If-Then Scenario Builder Activity.
- Distribute the Future Self Vision Journal.
- Instruct students to reflect on a personal decision they need to make soon and consider its long-term impact on their "future self" and aspirations.
- Emphasize that responsible decision-making isn't about being perfect, but about being mindful and intentional.
- Conclude by reiterating the lesson's main message: Your future starts with the choices you make today. Think ahead, choose wisely, and build the future you envision.
Slide Deck
The Future Is Now: Connecting Your Choices
Every choice you make creates a ripple effect. Let's explore how to make those ripples positive for your future!
Welcome students and set a positive tone. Explain that today's lesson is about understanding how our everyday choices shape our future.
The Ripple Effect of Decisions
What's a 'ripple effect'?
- One choice leads to another.
- Small decisions can have big impacts over time.
- Every action creates consequences, both short-term and long-term.
Ask students to think about a small decision they made recently and if it had any unexpected bigger impact. Allow a few to share. Introduce the idea that even small choices can have long-term effects.
Envision Your Future Self
Who do you want to be?
- What are your goals?
- What kind of life do you imagine?
- How do you want to feel?
Your choices today are building blocks for this future you!
Introduce the concept of 'Future Self'. Ask students to visualize who they want to be in 5, 10, 20 years. Emphasize that this isn't about perfection, but about intention.
Choices & Consequences: Real-Life Examples
Let's look at different areas:
- Academic Choices: How does studying now affect your future learning or career?
- Health Habits: What impact do daily food and exercise choices have over years?
- Relationships: How does treating others today shape your friendships and community in the long run?
- Financial Decisions: Saving vs. spending – what's the future impact?
Provide examples across different domains. For academic choices, discuss studying vs. procrastination. For health, eating well vs. unhealthy habits. For relationships, kindness vs. conflict. Emphasize that long-term consequences are not always immediate.
Thinking Ahead: Short-Term vs. Long-Term
Every decision has two types of consequences:
- Short-Term: Immediate, easy to see (e.g., getting a good grade on a test).
- Long-Term: Takes time to unfold, can be harder to predict (e.g., developing strong study habits for college).
Responsible decision-making means considering BOTH.
Introduce the idea of proactive decision-making. We can't predict everything, but we can think ahead.
Activity: If-Then Scenario Builder
You will be given scenarios.
For each scenario, consider:
- IF I make this choice...
- THEN what are the potential short-term consequences?
- THEN what are the potential long-term consequences?
Let's practice thinking like future-you!
Introduce the If-Then Scenario Builder activity. Explain that they will practice identifying consequences.
Reflection: Future Self Vision Journal
Now it's your turn to think about YOUR choices.
- Pick a decision you are currently facing.
- How does this decision align with your Future Self?
- What are the potential long-term impacts?
This is your chance to plan your positive ripples.
Transition to the journal activity. Explain that this is a personal reflection to apply what they've learned.
Your Future Starts Now!
Remember:
- Your choices today create your tomorrow.
- Always consider the ripple effect.
- Be intentional and mindful.
You have the power to shape your future!
Summarize the key takeaways. Reiterate the power of intentional choices. Encourage them to keep practicing this skill.
Journal
Future Self Vision Journal
Name: _________________________ Date: _________________________
Reflecting on Your Choices and Your Future Self
This journal is a space for you to think about the powerful connection between the choices you make today and the person you are becoming.
Prompt 1: Envisioning Your Future Self
Imagine yourself 5, 10, or even 20 years from now. What kind of person do you want to be? What values do you hold? What kind of life do you envision for yourself (academically, personally, professionally, socially)? Describe your "Future Self" in detail.
Prompt 2: A Current Decision and Its Ripples
Think about a significant decision you are currently facing or one you will need to make soon (e.g., choosing electives, managing your time, how you interact with friends, a new habit you want to start or stop). Briefly describe this decision.
Now, consider the potential consequences of this decision. Use the "If-Then" thinking we discussed.
My Decision: _________________________________________________________________________________________
If I make Choice A (e.g., studying regularly for a challenging class):
- Short-Term Consequences:
- Long-Term Consequences (how does this impact your Future Self?):
If I make Choice B (e.g., procrastinating and cramming for the same class):
- Short-Term Consequences:
- Long-Term Consequences (how does this impact your Future Self?):
Prompt 3: Aligning Choices with Your Vision
Looking at your Future Self vision and the potential consequences of your current decision, which choice (Choice A or Choice B) seems more aligned with who you want to become? Explain your reasoning. What steps can you take to make choices that support your long-term aspirations?
Activity
If-Then Scenario Builder
Name: _________________________ Date: _________________________
Instructions:
For each scenario below, read the situation carefully. Then, identify two possible choices a student could make. For each choice, brainstorm and write down the potential short-term consequences and the potential long-term consequences. Think about how each choice could impact the student's future self and aspirations.
Scenario 1: The Group Project Deadline
Situation: You have a major group project due next week. Your group has decided to meet every day after school for an hour to work on it, but your favorite video game just released a new update, and your friends are constantly playing online. You are tempted to skip some group meetings to play.
Possible Choice A: Prioritize the Group Project
- Short-Term Consequences:
- Long-Term Consequences:
Possible Choice B: Prioritize Video Game Play
- Short-Term Consequences:
- Long-Term Consequences:
Scenario 2: Social Media Post
Situation: A friend shares a post online that makes fun of another student in your class. You know it's mean, but all your friends are liking and commenting on it. You're considering joining in to fit in.
Possible Choice A: Do Not Engage Negatively / Report the Post
- Short-Term Consequences:
- Long-Term Consequences:
Possible Choice B: Like and Comment on the Post
- Short-Term Consequences:
- Long-Term Consequences:
Scenario 3: Healthy Eating Habits
Situation: You want to start eating healthier and have packed a nutritious lunch. However, your friends are all buying fast food from off-campus, and they invite you to join them.
Possible Choice A: Stick with Your Healthy Lunch
- Short-Term Consequences:
- Long-Term Consequences:
Possible Choice B: Join Friends for Fast Food
- Short-Term Consequences:
- Long-Term Consequences:
Script
Connecting Choices to Consequences Script
Introduction (Slide 1: The Future Is Now: Connecting Your Choices)
"Good morning, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something incredibly powerful that you do every single day: making choices. Every choice, big or small, has an impact. And what we're going to explore is how the choices you make today are actively shaping your tomorrow. It's like you're building your future, one decision at a time!"
The Ripple Effect (Slide 2: The Ripple Effect of Decisions)
"To start, I want you to think for a moment. Has anyone ever made a decision, perhaps a small one, that ended up having a much bigger impact than you first expected? Maybe it led to something really good, or maybe it created a challenge you didn't foresee? Don't worry, you don't have to share if you don't want to, but just hold that thought."
"This idea is what we call the 'ripple effect.' Imagine dropping a stone into a calm pond. What happens? Little ripples spread out, getting wider and wider. Your choices are like that stone. One choice can create ripples that spread far into your day, your week, your year, and even your life! Today, we'll learn how to think about these ripples before we make a splash."
Envision Your Future Self (Slide 3: Envision Your Future Self)
"Now, let's fast forward a bit. I want you to close your eyes for a moment, or just imagine very vividly: who do you want to be in 5, 10, or even 20 years? What kind of life do you envision for yourself? What do you want to achieve academically, personally, in your career, with your friends and family? What kind of person do you want to be known as?"
"Open your eyes. That person you just imagined? That's your 'Future Self.' And here's the cool part: your choices today are the building blocks you're using to construct that Future Self. Every decision you make is either moving you closer to that vision or further away from it."
Choices & Consequences: Real-Life Examples (Slide 4: Choices & Consequences: Real-Life Examples)
"Let's think about this with some real-life examples. We make choices in many different areas of our lives.
-
Academic Choices: If you choose to study regularly for a challenging class, what might be the immediate result? (Pause for student responses - e.g., 'get a good grade', 'understand the material'). And what about the long-term ripple? (Pause - e.g., 'develop good study habits', 'get into a better college', 'feel more confident in learning').
-
Health Habits: If you choose to eat a nutritious lunch and get some exercise, what's the short-term impact? (Pause - e.g., 'feel energetic', 'focus better'). And the long-term? (Pause - e.g., 'stay healthy', 'have more energy for activities later in life').
-
Relationships: How does choosing to be kind and supportive to your friends impact your day? (Pause - e.g., 'they're happy', 'I feel good'). And in the long run? (Pause - e.g., 'stronger friendships', 'a supportive community').
"Notice how some consequences happen right away, while others take time to show up. Both are important."
Thinking Ahead: Short-Term vs. Long-Term (Slide 5: Thinking Ahead: Short-Term vs. Long-Term)
"So, to be a responsible decision-maker, we need to consider both the short-term and the long-term consequences. The short-term ones are usually obvious, right? Like if I stay up all night playing games, the short-term consequence is I'm tired tomorrow. But what's the long-term ripple of consistently staying up late and being tired? It could affect your grades, your mood, your health over time."
"Thinking about the long-term helps us make choices that are good for us not just now, but also for the person we want to become."
Activity: If-Then Scenario Builder (Slide 6: Activity: If-Then Scenario Builder)
"Now, it's your turn to practice this 'Future You' thinking! We're going to do an activity called the If-Then Scenario Builder Activity. You'll be given some scenarios, and for each one, I want you to think: IF I make this choice, THEN what are the short-term and long-term consequences?"
"Work with your small groups to discuss these. Really dig deep into those long-term impacts. I'll be walking around to help out and hear your discussions."
Reflection: Future Self Vision Journal (Slide 7: Reflection: Future Self Vision Journal)
"Great discussions, everyone! It's clear you're all thinking critically about these scenarios. Now, let's bring it closer to home."
"I'm going to hand out the Future Self Vision Journal. This is for you to reflect on a decision you are currently facing or one you'll need to make soon. Think about a real decision in your life. Then, using our 'If-Then' model, consider its potential short-term and long-term impacts on your Future Self and your aspirations."
"This is a personal reflection, so be honest with yourselves. Remember, responsible decision-making isn't about being perfect; it's about being mindful and intentional about the choices you make."
Your Future Starts Now! (Slide 8: Your Future Starts Now!)
"As we wrap up today, I want to leave you with this powerful thought: Your future is not some distant, unchangeable thing. Your future is being built, brick by brick, by the choices you make every single day. You have the power to shape it."
"So, remember to always consider the ripple effect. Be intentional. Be mindful. And keep building that amazing future self you envision! Thank you, class."