Lesson Plan
Your Superpower: The Thinking Path
Students will be able to list and apply a simple 3-step process for making a responsible decision.
Learning a clear decision-making process helps students navigate social situations, academic choices, and personal challenges more effectively and independently.
Audience
3rd Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Direct instruction, guided practice, and collaborative problem-solving.
Materials
Smartboard or Projector, The Thinking Path Slide Deck, Problem-Solving Path Worksheet, and Classroom Dilemma Cards
Prep
Review Materials
10 minutes
- Review The Thinking Path Slide Deck for familiarity.
* Print and cut out Classroom Dilemma Cards, one set per pair or small group.
* Make copies of the Problem-Solving Path Worksheet, one per student.
* Ensure projector/smartboard is set up for displaying slides.
Step 1
Introducing the Decision-Making Steps
5 minutes
- Display Slide 2 and introduce the lesson's objective.
* Explain that everyone faces problems and decisions, and today they'll learn a superpower: the thinking path!
* Go through the 3-step process using Slides 3-5:
* Stop and Think: What is the problem? How do I feel?
* Consider Options: What are some different ways I could solve this? What are the pros and cons?
* Make a Plan: Choose the best option. What will I do? When will I do it? Who can help me?
* Emphasize that it's okay to ask for help with decision-making.
Step 2
Modeling the Process with a Story
8 minutes
- Share a brief, relatable story about a common 3rd-grade dilemma (e.g., two friends want to play with the same toy, someone forgot their homework).
* As you tell the story, explicitly model applying each step of the thinking path using Slides 6-8.
* For example, "Okay, first I need to Stop and Think. The problem is... How do I feel? Hmm... Now, let's Consider Options... And finally, I'll Make a Plan..."
* Engage students by asking questions at each step: "What do you think the character should do?"
Step 3
Guided Practice with Scenarios
7 minutes
- Display Slide 9 and present a new, simple scenario (e.g.,
Step 4
Partner Problem-Solving
7 minutes
- Distribute Problem-Solving Path Worksheet and Classroom Dilemma Cards to pairs or small groups.
* Instruct students to choose one dilemma card, read it together, and then work through the 3-step thinking path on their worksheet.
* Circulate and provide support, prompting students with questions like: "What happens if you choose that option?" or "Who else might be affected by your decision?"
Step 5
Closing Circle
3 minutes
- Bring the class back together.
* Ask a few groups to share one dilemma they worked on and their chosen plan.
* Reinforce the idea that using the thinking path is a powerful skill they can use every day.
* Display Slide 10 and conclude with a positive statement about their new superpower.
use Lenny to create lessons.
Slide Deck
Your Superpower: The Thinking Path
Making Smart Choices Every Day!
Welcome students and introduce the exciting title. Ask them what they think their "superpower" might be. Emphasize that making good choices is a powerful skill.
What's Our Superpower Today?
Objective: Learn a simple 3-step process for making responsible decisions.
Introduce the lesson objective: learning a 3-step path for making responsible decisions. Explain that everyone makes decisions, big and small.
Step 1: STOP and THINK
- What is the problem or decision I need to make?
- How do I feel about this problem?
- Who else might be involved or affected?
Introduce Step 1. Explain that before acting, we need to pause and understand the situation. Ask: "Why is it important to stop and think?"
Step 2: CONSIDER OPTIONS
- What are all the different things I could do?
- What are the good things (pros) about each option?
- What are the not-so-good things (cons) about each option?
- Is there anyone who can help me think of options?
Introduce Step 2. Brainstorming is key. Encourage students to think broadly and consider many possibilities, even silly ones at first. Ask: "What are some ways we could solve this?"
Step 3: MAKE a PLAN
- Which option seems like the best choice for me and others?
- What exactly will I do?
- When and where will I do it?
- Who can help me follow my plan, if needed?
Introduce Step 3. Explain that after thinking through options, it's time to choose the best one and create a clear plan. Ask: "Once you choose, what's next?"
Let's Practice Together!
Listen to a story and help the character make a smart choice using our Thinking Path.
Transition to modeling. Tell the students you will share a story and use the Thinking Path to solve the character's problem.
Scenario: Sharing Troubles
A friend has the book you really want to read. You both reach for it at the same time!
Present a simple dilemma (e.g., two friends want the same book at silent reading time). Guide them through 'Stop and Think' for the scenario. (Example dilemma is for teacher, not on slide).
What Can We Do?
Brainstorm different ways to solve the "Sharing Troubles" dilemma.
Guide students to brainstorm options for the scenario on the previous slide. Ask for pros and cons for each. (Example options are for teacher, not on slide).
Our Plan!
Let's choose the best option and make a plan for the "Sharing Troubles" dilemma.
Help the class choose the best option and formulate a plan for the sharing troubles scenario. (Example plan is for teacher, not on slide).
Your Turn! Partner Up!
Work with a partner to solve new dilemmas using your Thinking Path skills and the Problem-Solving Path Worksheet!
Introduce the idea of partner work with Classroom Dilemma Cards and the Problem-Solving Path Worksheet. Explain that they will apply the steps.
You've Got This Superpower!
The Thinking Path helps you make great decisions and solve problems every day! Keep practicing!
Conclude the lesson by reinforcing the value of the thinking path. Emphasize that this skill empowers them in real life. Praise their effort.
Worksheet
Problem-Solving Path Worksheet
Your Superpower: The Thinking Path!
Use this worksheet to help you make smart choices and solve problems, just like a superhero!
Step 1: STOP and THINK
What is the problem or decision you need to make?
How do you feel about this problem?
Who else might be involved or affected by this problem?
Step 2: CONSIDER OPTIONS
What are at least 3 different things you could do to solve this problem?
For each option, think about what might happen (good and not-so-good):
Option 1:
- Good things (Pros):
- Not-so-good things (Cons):
Option 2:
- Good things (Pros):
- Not-so-good things (Cons):
Option 3:
- Good things (Pros):
- Not-so-good things (Cons):
Step 3: MAKE a PLAN
Which option will you choose? Why is this the best choice?
What exactly will you do? (Be specific!)
When and where will you do it?
Is there anyone who can help you with your plan?
Activity
Classroom Dilemma Cards
Instructions: Cut out these cards. Work with a partner to choose a dilemma and use your Problem-Solving Path Worksheet and the 3-step Thinking Path to find a solution!
Dilemma 1: The Lost Toy
You found a really cool toy on the playground, but you're not sure who it belongs to. You really want to keep it!
Dilemma 2: Group Work Blues
You are working on a project with two classmates. One classmate isn't doing any work and is just playing around, but you don't want to be mean.
Dilemma 3: Lunchtime Mix-Up
Someone accidentally took your lunchbox, and now you have theirs! You don't like what's inside their lunchbox.
Dilemma 4: Secret Whispers
You overhear two friends whispering about another classmate and saying unkind things. You feel uncomfortable but don't want to get involved.
Dilemma 5: The Broken Crayon
You borrowed a new box of crayons from a friend, and accidentally broke their favorite blue crayon in half. You're worried they'll be mad.
Dilemma 6: Playtime Argument
You and your friend both want to play with the same hula hoop during recess. Neither of you wants to share or go first.
Dilemma 7: Homework Help
You are struggling with your math homework, and it's due tomorrow. You're embarrassed to ask the teacher for help again.
Dilemma 8: The Messy Table
After an art project, your table is very messy, but your friend quickly leaves to go to the bathroom. You don't think it's fair if you clean it all.