Crossroads Presentation Choice Crossroads
Navigating Decisions & Consequences in Middle School
The 35,000 Question
The average adult makes about 35,000 decisions every single day.
Small Choices
• What to wear?
• What to eat?
• Which seat to pick?
Big Choices
• Who to trust?
• How to react to a text?
• Whether to help someone?
The Ripple Effect
Every choice has a consequence.
Consequences aren't always "bad"—they are simply the outcomes of our actions.
Think About It:
"How does this choice affect me? How does it affect others?"
S
The SODAS Method
S
Situation
What is happening right now? Define the problem.
O
Options
What are 3 different ways I could react?
D
Disadvantages
What are the negatives of each option?
A
Advantages
What are the positives of each option?
S
Solution
Which option is the best choice overall?
Practice Case #1
The "Venting" Group Chat
"Your best friend starts a group chat and everyone is making fun of a classmate who is known for being quiet. They're sharing embarrassing photos. Your phone is buzzing non-stop."
Immediate Reaction:
What do you do first?
Think Long-Term:
What happens tomorrow? Next week?
Before You Act...
"Your choices are the steering wheel of your life. Every turn matters."
Others
Self
Future
Crossroads Decision Tree Worksheet Crossroads Decision Tree
Mapping out the ripple effect of your choices.
NAME: ___________________________
DATE: ___________________________
The Situation
Briefly describe the choice you are facing or the scenario you've been assigned.
Option 1
Disadvantages (-)
Advantages (+)
Option 2
Disadvantages (-)
Advantages (+)
Option 3
Disadvantages (-)
Advantages (+)
Final Solution
Which option is best for everyone involved?
Impact Reflection
How does this affect ME?
How does this affect OTHERS?
Real World Rumbles Worksheet Real World Rumbles
CASE FILE: MIDDLE SCHOOL DILEMMAS
REF: 6-8.COUNS.DEC
Scenario 01: The Accidental Cheat
During a high-stakes math test, you look up to check the clock and accidentally see your friend's paper. You notice they got a different answer for Question 10, which you were stuck on. You realize your answer is wrong and theirs looks right. You haven't turned your paper in yet.
Stakeholders
• You (Your integrity)
• Your Friend (Academic risk)
• The Teacher (Fairness)
Potential Fallout
• Grade issues
• Guilty conscience
• Future reputation
Scenario 02: The Party Invite
The "cool" group invites you to a party Friday night. You're excited, but you find out their parents won't be home and there might be stuff there you aren't comfortable with. Your parents think you're going to a movie with your regular group of friends.
Stakeholders
• You (Safety/Social)
• Your Parents (Trust)
• Your Regular Friends
Potential Fallout
• Grounding/Loss of trust
• Safety risks
• Social pressure
Scenario 03: The Social Media Roast
Someone posted a really mean meme about you on a public account. Within an hour, it has 50 likes and 20 comments from people you know. You're furious and hurt. Your phone is blowing up with friends asking "Are you going to let them get away with that?"
Stakeholders
• You (Self-respect)
• The Poster
• The Audience (School climate)
Potential Fallout
• Cyberbullying escalation
• School discipline
• Mental health impact
The Challenge
Pick one of these scenarios (or one provided by your counselor) and use the Crossroads Decision Tree to figure out the best move. Remember: you aren't just looking for "the right answer," you're looking for the choice with the best long-term outcomes for everyone.
Facilitator Roadmap Guide Facilitator Roadmap
Lesson Guide: Choice Crossroads (Grades 6-8)
Session Duration
45-60 MIN
Learning Objectives
Students will define "consequences" as neutral outcomes of choices.
Students will apply the SODAS method to evaluate options in complex social situations.
Students will reflect on the impact of their choices on themselves and their community.
Materials Needed
• Crossroads Slide Deck
• Real World Rumbles Scenarios
• Crossroads Decision Tree
• Chart Paper & Markers
1
The Hook (10 min)
Open the Crossroads Presentation . Discuss the "35,000 Decisions" statistic. Ask students to shout out the last three decisions they made. Use the "Ripple Effect" slide to shift the focus from "bad vs good" to "outcomes and impacts."
Counselor Prompt:
"Why do we sometimes make choices that we know might have negative consequences later?" (Listen for themes like peer pressure, impulsivity, or short-term gratification).
2
Introduction to SODAS (10 min)
Walk through the SODAS slides. Emphasize that Situation must be defined clearly and objectively. For Options , encourage students to think of at least one "middle ground" option, not just two extremes.
3
The Rumble (25 min)
Distribute Real World Rumbles and the Crossroads Decision Tree . Divide students into small groups (3-4). Assign each group one scenario to "solve" using the tree organizer.
During Work Time:
Circulate and challenge groups that only have one disadvantage for an obviously 'bad' choice. Help them dig deeper into the 'ripple effect'.
Group Share:
Have one group present their "Option 1" vs "Option 2" and explain why their "Solution" was chosen.
4
Exit Reflection (5 min)
Ask students to fill out the Impact Reflection section on their worksheet. Closing thought: "The next time your phone vibrates or a friend asks you to do something, pause for 5 seconds. Run the SODAS. Be the driver, not the passenger."
Counseling Notes & Differentiation
Scaffolding:
For students who struggle with executive function, pre-fill the "Situation" box and provide a list of 5 potential "Options" they can choose from to populate their tree.
Extension:
Ask advanced students to create a "Chain Reaction" map showing how one decision in the scenario might lead to three more decisions later that afternoon.
