Every day, we face moments that require us to make choices. Some choices might seem small, like whether to share a toy or help a friend, while others might feel bigger, like deciding how to handle a challenging situation. The wonderful thing about choices is that we have the power to think them through and make decisions that help ourselves and others.
In this mini-lesson, we’ll explore what it means to make responsible choices – choices that show kindness, respect, and good judgment. We’ll learn that making responsible choices isn’t about being perfect, but about thinking carefully, considering how our actions might affect others, and always trying our best to make positive decisions.
Mini-Lesson: Choose Wisely
Time:
30-40 minutes
Objective:
Students will:
- Understand what responsible choices look like
- Identify steps to make thoughtful decisions
- Recognize the impact of their choices on themselves and others
Materials:
Preparation Steps
- Print enough worksheets for each student. To customize your worksheet with different scenarios for grades K-1 or 2-3, choose the blank template option.
- Ensure you are using the worksheet designed for your grade/age group.
- Prepare reflection questions for the end of the activity.
Introduction (10 minutes)
- Circle Up: Gather students in a circle or comfortable learning space.
- Spark Discussion:
- K-1: “What does it mean to make a good choice?”
- 2-3: “When was a time you made a positive choice and what was the outcome?”
- 4-5: “How do our choices affect ourselves and others?”
Group Activity (All Grades)
Discuss the steps to making a responsible decision:
- Stop and Think: Pause before acting
- Consider Options: What could happen?
- Choose Wisely: Pick the most responsible action
- Reflect: How did my choice impact others?
Talk more in depth about step two with the WINGS Skill Builder Yes Mess. There are three questions you can ask yourself to help you make the choices that are best for you to do:
- Could anyone (including me) get hurt if I choose this?
- Could I get into trouble if I get caught doing this?
- Could anything bad happen if I make this choice?
If you can answer YES to any of these questions, you are in a YES Mess. That means that you are not making the best choice.
Worksheet
Grades K-1: Hand out the worksheets to students and talk through each scenario together. Remind students to ask questions if they need help.
Grades 2-5: Hand out worksheets to each students and go over the instructions together.
Reflection
After completing the activity, open up a discussion:
- What are some things that can happen if you make the wrong choice at school? home?
- What was a choice you made today that supported someone else?
- Share a time you made a different choice from your friends.
Closing
As you facilitate this lesson on responsible choices, remember that your guidance is more powerful than any scripted activity. The magic happens in the moments between the planned exercises – when you validate a student’s thinking, help them reflect on their choices, or share a personal story of making a responsible decision. Every child comes to this lesson with unique experiences and perspectives, so remain flexible and compassionate.
This lesson is not about creating perfect decision-makers, but about nurturing young people who feel confident in their ability to think critically and choose wisely. Pay attention to the subtle moments of growth: a student who pauses before acting, who considers another’s feelings, or who bravely admits a mistake. These are the true indicators that social-emotional learning is taking root.
