Decision Driver Guide Decision Driver Guide
Teacher Resource
Helping students hit 'pause' before they hit 'play'.
Audience
Elementary (Grades K-5)
Focus
Self-Management & Consequences
ASCA Alignment
B-SMS 2: Self-discipline
Lesson Objective
Students will identify the "Fast Forward" method of thinking (predicting consequences) as a tool for making responsible choices. They will practice using the Stop-Think-Choose model through interactive scenarios.
Preparation Checklist
Pause Power Slides ready for projectionWhat If Cards cut & shuffledCopies of Scenario Spinner Worksheet
A physical "Remote Control" (Optional prop)
Instructional Sequence
1
Hook: The Human Remote (5-10 mins)
Hold up a remote control. Ask students: "What happens if we only ever hit PLAY and never hit PAUSE?" Explain that our brains have a 'Pause Button' to help us see the future (consequences).
2
Direct Instruction (10-15 mins)
Use the Pause Power Slides . Introduce 'Consequences' as the 'Fast Forward' button. Explain that every choice has a result—some we like, and some we don't.
3
Game: What If? (15 mins)
Draw a card from the What If Activity . Ask students to shout "PAUSE!" then discuss: What is the choice? What is the Fast Forward result? How can we change the choice for a better result?
4
Individual Practice (10 mins)
Students complete the Scenario Spinner Worksheet . They draw or write the choice and the 'Fast Forward' result.
Discussion Starters
Predicting Outcomes
"If I choose to [Action], what will likely happen next? How will I feel? How will others feel?"
Better Choices
"If the 'Fast Forward' looks scary or sad, how can I change my 'Play' button choice right now?"
Pause Power Slides Pause and Ponder
Mastering the Power of Choice
Level Up Your Thinking
THE BRAIN REMOTE
Play
Doing an action without thinking first.
Pause
Stopping to use your brain power.
Fast Forward
Looking at what happens next (Consequences).
WHAT IS A CONSEQUENCE?
It is simply what happens next because of a choice you made.
Positive Results
Choices that help us and others.
Negative Results
Choices that hurt feelings or break rules.
Cause & Effect
CHOICE
RESULT
The Secret Weapon
When you're about to
ACT without thinking...
PAUSE
THINK
CHOOSE
SCENARIO 1
FAST FORWARD CHALLENGE
The Situation
You are playing a game and someone else wins. You feel a BIG impulse to push the board off the table.
What is the "Fast Forward" result of pushing the board?
What is a better choice?
SCENARIO 2
FAST FORWARD CHALLENGE
The Situation
You see a classmate drop their lunch money. You have a BIG impulse to put it in your pocket.
What is the "Fast Forward" result if you keep it?
What is a better choice?
GAME TIME!
Get ready to shout "PAUSE!" when you see the impulse.
"The brain is like a muscle. Thinking about the future
What If Cards What If Challenge Cards
Cut these out to play the 'Fast Forward' game!
Class Activity
How to Play
Draw a card and read the Situation . When you reach the Impulse , have the class shout "PAUSE!" Together, predict the Fast Forward result and then brainstorm a Better Choice .
School Day
The Situation: Your teacher is talking, but you just thought of a really funny joke.
The Impulse: Shout it out so everyone can laugh!
Recess
The Situation: Someone is using the swing you want. They've been on it for a long time.
The Impulse: Run up and pull them off the swing!
Hallway
The Situation: You see a long line of students walking quietly. You are feeling really energetic.
The Impulse: Run through the line like a race car!
At Home
The Situation: You broke a lamp by accident while throwing a ball inside.
The Impulse: Hide the pieces and say you don't know what happened.
Cafeteria
The Situation: A classmate has a snack that looks delicious, and they aren't looking.
The Impulse: Grab a handful while they aren't watching.
Library
The Situation: You are bored with your book and want to play with your shoes which have lights.
The Impulse: Stomp loudly to make the lights flash for everyone.
Computer Lab
The Situation: You are supposed to be doing a math game, but you see a cool video on another tab.
The Impulse: Click the video and watch it instead.
Gym Class
The Situation: You are losing the game and you feel really frustrated and angry.
The Impulse: Throw the ball at the wall and quit.
Scenario Spinner Worksheet Scenario Spinner
Use your Brain Remote to see the future!
Name:
Date:
Play
Pause
Fast Forward
1 Think of a time you had a BIG impulse. What did you want to do?
Draw or write your impulse here...
2 Hit the FAST FORWARD button. What would happen next?
Draw or write the consequence here...
3 Make a BETTER CHOICE. What can you do instead?
Remember: You are the driver of your own brain! If you don't like the "Fast Forward" result, hit PAUSE and change your choice.
