Life Skills - Term 4 - Week 3

Decision making is a vital skill that involves choosing between different options. It requires evaluating the pros and cons of each choice and considering the consequences of our actions. In this lesson, we will discuss the steps involved in making a decision: identifying the problem, gathering information, considering the options, weighing the outcomes, and making a choice. By practicing these steps, we can improve our ability to make healthy and respectful decisions.

Imagine you are at a school event where snacks are available. You see chips, candy, and fruit. To make a healthy decision, you would first identify the problem: what snack should you choose? Next, gather information about each option. Chips and candy are tasty but not very healthy, while fruit is nutritious. Weigh the outcomes: choosing fruit will give you energy and nutrients, while chips and candy may lead to a sugar crash. Finally, make your choice: opting for fruit is a healthier decision.

In small groups, students will be given different scenarios to role-play. Each group will receive a scenario, such as deciding whether to join a sports team or stay home to study. They will discuss the pros and cons of each option, practice the decision-making steps, and then present their decision to the class. This activity will help students understand how to apply decision-making skills in real-life situations while encouraging respectful dialogue.

Students will take a few minutes to reflect on a recent decision they made. They will write down the decision, the steps they took to make it, and the outcome. After reflecting, each student will set a small goal related to improving their decision-making skills, such as choosing healthier snacks for a week or discussing decisions with a friend before acting. This personal goal will help them apply what they've learned in their daily lives.

• Gather information
• Identify the problem
• Make a choice
• Weigh the outcomes

Answer: Identify the problem

The first step in decision making is to identify the problem or choice that needs to be addressed.

• Chips
• Candy
• Fruit
• Cookies

Answer: Fruit

Fruit is a nutritious option that provides vitamins and energy, making it a healthy choice.

Answer: It can lead to low energy or health issues.

Unhealthy food choices can result in negative health effects, such as low energy levels or long-term health problems.

• Only the positive outcomes
• The consequences of each option
• What others think
• How quickly you can decide

Answer: The consequences of each option

Weighing outcomes involves considering both the positive and negative consequences of each choice.

Answer: They can provide different perspectives and advice.

Discussing decisions with others can help you see different viewpoints and make more informed choices.

• Yelling your opinion
• Ignoring their point of view
• Listening and then sharing your thoughts
• Making fun of their idea

Answer: Listening and then sharing your thoughts

Respectful disagreement involves listening to others and expressing your own views without hostility.