In this 45-minute 8th grade health lesson, students explore healthy relationships and apply a 6-step decision-making model to real-life scenarios. This Tier 1 lesson aligns with the Massachusetts Health Curriculum Framework and equips students with tools to evaluate situations and make positive choices.
Teacher Notes: Discuss Steps 3 & 4. Continue the party example: What might happen? What matters most to you (safety, friendship, rules)?
Phase Three: Action
Steps 5 & 6
Step 5: Decide & Act
Choose the option that aligns with your values and follow through.
Step 6: Evaluate Outcome
Review the results and what you learned for next time.
Teacher Notes: Discuss Steps 5 & 6. In the example: Decide which action best matches your values, then later reflect on how it went.
Example Scenario
"You’re invited to a party where alcohol may be present."
1. Problem: Possible underage drinking at party.
4. Values: Health, trust, family rules.
2. Options: Go, skip, stay briefly, bring friend.
5. Decide: Skip the party to stay safe.
3. Consequences: Safety risks, social pressure, legal trouble.
6. Evaluate: "I felt proud of my choice and stayed out of trouble."
Teacher Notes: Walk through the full example together: Define problem, brainstorm options, weigh pros/cons, connect to values, decide, and evaluate. Model thinking aloud.
Guided Practice
Pick one Relationships Scenario Card with your small group.
Use your journal and the Decision-Making Model Handout.
Work through all six steps!
Timer: 15 Minutes
Teacher Notes: Explain the group activity: small teams, scenario cards, journals, decision-making handouts. Set timer for 15 minutes.
Group Sharing
Present your scenario and your decision process.
Which healthy relationship traits were most important?
Are there other options or outcomes we should consider?
Teacher Notes: After practice, invite each group to share briefly. Use prompts to highlight healthy relationship traits and good decision thinking.
Reflection & Exit Ticket
“What step of the decision-making model do you find most challenging, and why?”
Write your answer in your journal and turn it in.
Teacher Notes: Collect exit tickets for assessment. Encourage honest reflection. Note which steps students found challenging.
Stay Safe.
Make Choice.
Use your decision-making model to navigate your next junction.
See you next time
Teacher Notes: Thank students for their participation. Remind them to use the model whenever faced with tough choices. Preview next class topic if applicable.
