Choices and Consequences Lesson Plan Choices and Consequences
Lesson Plan • Social-Emotional Learning
Target Audience: 6th - 7th Grade
Duration: 30 Minutes
Why This Lesson?
This lesson engages students in understanding the importance of taking ownership of their actions and the consequences that follow. Through experiential and game-based learning, students will participate in role-playing activities and collaborative problem-solving tasks. This lesson is crucial for developing self-awareness and decision-making skills, empowering students to make informed choices in their daily lives.
At a Glance
Time: 30 MinutesApproach: Experiential, Game-Based, CollaborativeObjective: Ownership of actions and consequences
Required Materials
Crossroads Slides (Slide Deck)
Scenario Crossroads (Worksheet)
Consequence Compass (Reading Handout)
Reflection Path (Discussion Guide)
Consequence Quest (Game Cards)
"Circle of Control" Video Access
Instructional Sequence
5 mins
Introduction & Video
Begin with a brief discussion on ownership. Introduce the concept of consequences. Show the Circle Of Control Activity For Kids video to set the stage.
10 mins
Role-Playing Activity
Divide students into small groups. Assign each group a scenario from the Scenario Crossroads Worksheet . Focus on the choices made and their resulting consequences.
5 mins
Brainstorming & Game
Brainstorm real-life situations with positive and negative consequences. Introduce the Decision-Making Game where choices lead to different paths.
5 mins
Discussion & Reading
Facilitate a group share-out of role-play outcomes. Distribute the Consequence Compass Reading for quiet reflection and connection to personal experience.
5 mins
Closure
Summarize key points on responsibility. Invite students to share one takeaway about making thoughtful decisions and dealing with outcomes.
Crossroads Slides CROSSROADS
Choices & Consequences
Ownership
"What does it mean to own your actions?"
The Choice
The decision you make in the moment.
The Consequence
The result that follows that decision.
Watch: Circle of Control
Video Placeholder
Circle Of Control Activity For Kids
Please provide a YouTube link to embed this video.
Role-Play Challenge
1
Get into your assigned small groups.
2
Read the scenario on your worksheet.
3
Act out the Choice and the Consequence .
"Focus on how the character feels after the consequence happens. Is it positive? Negative? Fair?"
Consequence Quest
Every move you make has a reaction.
Scenario
Pick a card.
Choice
Pick A or B.
Outcome
See the result.
One Big Takeaway
"I am in control of my choices, and I am responsible for the outcomes."
Self-Awareness • Ownership • Choice
Scenario Crossroads Worksheet Scenario Crossroads
Decision-Making Activity
Name:
Date:
Instructions: Read the scenarios below with your group. Discuss the possible paths you could take and the consequences of each. Prepare to role-play your chosen path for the class.
1
The Found Wallet
You find a wallet on the school playground. Inside, there is $20 and an ID card belonging to a student you don't know.
Choice A: Keep the wallet
Consequence of keeping it...
Choice B: Turn it in
Consequence of turning it in...
2
The Testing Temptation
A close friend hasn't studied for the big history test. They whisper to you, asking to look at your answers during the exam.
Choice A: Help them cheat
Consequence for you/them...
Choice B: Refuse to help
Consequence for you/them...
3
The Broken Vase
You accidentally break a favorite vase at home while playing. No one saw it happen. What is your next step?
Choice A: Hide the evidence
Long-term consequence...
Choice B: Tell the truth
Immediate consequence...
The Reflection Path
Which of these scenarios felt the most difficult? Why?
Consequence Compass Reading Consequence Compass
Navigating the results of our actions
Understanding the Link
Every action we take has a consequence, whether positive or negative. Understanding the link between our choices and their outcomes is crucial for making informed decisions. By looking ahead, we can navigate life more effectively.
Types of Consequences
Natural Consequences
"The way the world works."
These occur naturally without any human intervention. For example, if you don't wear a coat on a cold day, you might feel cold.
Logical Consequences
"The rules of the game."
These are imposed by others and are directly related to the behavior. For example, if you break a rule at school, you might lose a privilege like recess.
Social Consequences
"How others react."
These involve the reactions of others to your behavior. For example, if you are kind to others, they are likely to be kind in return and trust you more.
Quick Comparisons
Positive Consequence
Studying hard for a test can lead to a good grade and a feeling of pride.
Negative Consequence
Not completing homework might result in a lower grade and missed learning.
"Your choices are the steering wheel of your life. Which way are you turning?"
Reflection Path Discussion Guide Reflection Path Discussion Guide
Use these prompts to facilitate a deep-dive discussion after the role-playing activity. Encourage students to connect the classroom scenarios to their personal lives.
01
What did you learn from the role-playing activity?
Facilitator Tip: Look for insights about how characters felt during the "consequence" phase. Did they realize how their actions affected others?
02
How do these scenarios relate to real-life situations you face?
Facilitator Tip: Guide students to mention social media, friendship choices, or classroom behavior. Ask: "When have you felt like Scenario 1 or 2 in your own life?"
03
Why is it important to think about consequences BEFORE making a decision?
Facilitator Tip: Discuss "The Pause." That split second between the stimulus and the response where we have the power to choose.
04
What is one "Natural Consequence" you experienced this week?
Facilitator Tip: Connect back to the reading handout. Examples: forgetting a lunch box (hunger), or staying up late (feeling tired).
"Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response."
Reflection Guide
Consequence Quest Game Cards Consequence Quest
Decision-Making Game Cards • Print & Cut
Scenario Card
The Social Secret
A friend tells you a big secret and asks you not to tell anyone. Later, another friend asks you if you know anything about it.
Choice A: Keep the secret (Loyalty)
Choice B: Tell the other friend (Gossip)
Think about the Social Consequence...
Scenario Card
The Late Night
It's 11:00 PM. You have a huge project due tomorrow that you haven't finished, but you are extremely tired.
Choice A: Stay up and finish it (Exhaustion)
Choice B: Go to bed and finish later (Lower grade)
Think about the Natural Consequence...
Scenario Card
The Group Project
Your group is working on a poster. One member isn't doing any work and is just playing on their phone.
Choice A: Remind them of their task (Confrontation)
Choice B: Do their work for them (Resentment)
Think about the Social Consequence...
Scenario Card
The False Accusation
A teacher thinks you were talking during a quiet study session, but it was actually the person sitting behind you.
Choice A: Respectfully explain what happened
Choice B: Say nothing and take the blame
Think about the Logical Consequence...
