Warm-Up: Confidence Check

Instructions: Take two minutes to think about and write your response to the prompt below.

Think about a time you made a small decision that you felt good about. What was it, and how did it make you feel?

Decision Dilemma Activity

Scenario: Your friend invites you to a party on Friday night. You really want to go, but you also have a big test in your most challenging class on Monday. You usually study for this class on Sunday afternoons, but if you go to the party, you might be tired and less focused for studying on Sunday.

Your Task (use the decision-making steps):

1. Identify the Situation: What decision do you need to make?
   
   
   
   
2. List Your Options: What are at least three different things you could do?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Consider Pros & Cons: For each option, list one pro (good thing) and one con (bad thing).
   • Option 1:
     • Pro:
       Con:
   • Option 2:
     • Pro:
       Con:
   • Option 3:
     • Pro:
       Con:
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
4. Make Your Choice: Which option will you choose, and why?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Reflect: How do you feel about your choice? Does it make you feel more or less confident about managing your time and responsibilities?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Cool-Down: Choice Reflection

Instructions: Please answer the following question before you leave.

What is one key takeaway you learned today about making decisions or building confidence?

Teacher Script: Your Choices, Your Power

Introduction & Warm-Up (2 minutes)

(Teacher says): "Good morning/afternoon everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something you do every single day, often without even realizing it: making decisions. And we're going to see how your decisions are directly connected to how confident you feel about yourself. Our lesson today is called, 'Your Choices, Your Power.'"

(Teacher says): "To get us started, I want you to quickly think about a time recently when you made a small decision that you felt really good about. Maybe it was what you chose to wear, or how you spent your free time, or how you approached a small task. What was that decision, and how did it make you feel? Take a minute to jot down your thoughts on the Warm-Up: Confidence Check sheet or just think about it quietly."

(Pause for 1 minute)

(Teacher says): "Would anyone like to share briefly? How did making that decision, even a small one, make you feel?"

(Listen to 1-2 student responses, affirm their feelings.)

Mini-Lesson: Decisions & Confidence (5 minutes)

(Teacher says): "Great! Now, let's dive deeper. We make decisions all the time, but what exactly is decision-making?"

(Display Decision & Confidence Slide Deck - Slide 2: What is Decision-Making?)

(Teacher says): "As you can see, it's simply choosing between different options. From what you chose for breakfast this morning to what you'll do after school, you're constantly making choices."

(Display Slide 3: Why Does It Matter?)

(Teacher says): "But why does it matter? It matters because your decisions shape your day, your future, and ultimately, who you become. They influence your experiences, your relationships, and your opportunities. Think about it: a choice to study a little extra for a test can open up opportunities later, right?"

(Display Slide 4: Simple Steps to Better Choices)

(Teacher says): "Sometimes, making a choice can feel overwhelming. So, let's look at some simple steps that can help us make better, more thoughtful decisions."

• "Step 1: Identify the Situation. What is the choice you need to make? What's the problem or opportunity?"
• "Step 2: List Your Options. What are all the different possibilities you could choose? Don't leave any out!"
• "Step 3: Consider Pros & Cons. For each option, think about the good things (pros) and the bad things (cons) that might happen."
• "Step 4: Make Your Choice. After looking at everything, pick the option that feels best and makes the most sense for you."
• "Step 5: Reflect. After you've made your choice and seen the outcome, think about it. How did it go? What did you learn for next time?"

(Teacher says): "These steps are a guide. The more you practice them, the easier decision-making becomes."

(Display Slide 5: The Confidence Connection)

(Teacher says): "Now, let's talk about the big connection. How do decisions link to confidence? When you go through these steps and make thoughtful decisions, you start to feel more in control, more capable, and ultimately, more confident in yourself. That confidence then creates a positive cycle, helping you make even better decisions in the future! You start to trust your own judgment."

Activity: Decision Dilemma (5 minutes)

(Display Slide 6: Time for Action!)

(Teacher says): "Alright, let's put these steps into action! I have a scenario for us. You can work with a partner, in a small group, or we can discuss it as a whole class – your choice! I will project or hand out the Decision Dilemma Activity."

(Present the scenario from the activity: party vs. test study)

(Teacher says): "Using our decision-making steps, discuss the scenario and decide what you would do. Think about the options, the pros and cons, and what choice you feel most confident about. You have about 3-4 minutes."

(Monitor groups, offer guidance. After 3-4 minutes, bring the class back together.)

(Teacher says): "Okay, let's hear from a couple of groups. What decision did you make, and how did you feel about it? Did applying the steps help you feel more confident in your choice?"

(Listen to 1-2 groups share, encouraging them to explain their reasoning and feelings of confidence.)

Wrap-Up & Cool-Down (3 minutes)

(Display Slide 7: Reflect & Grow)

(Teacher says): "Excellent work everyone! We're almost out of time, but before you go, I want to hear one final thought. Please take a minute to complete the Cool-Down: Choice Reflection ticket."

(Teacher says): "On your ticket, write down one key takeaway from today's lesson about making decisions or building confidence. How can you use what you learned today in your daily life?"

(Collect cool-down tickets as an exit pass.)

(Teacher says): "Thank you for your thoughtful participation today. Remember, your choices have power, and by making them with intention, you're building a stronger, more confident you! Have a great rest of your day!"