Using Positive Decision Making to Enhance Health
Overview
A quick lesson designed for PreK-2 on decision making. Specifically decision making using the stop, think, act model.
Introduction
Keep students at their desk for the hook. After asking a question call on 2-3 students who have their hands raised. “What are choices?” Allow for answers. “What are consequences?” Allow for answers “How do we know what a healthy decision is, versus an unhealthy decision? Or a safe decision versus a risky one?” Have a conversation about this. |
Raise your hand to answer!
Key Questions:
What are choices?
What are consequences?
How do we make decisions?
How do we know what a healthy decision is, versus an unhealthy decision? Or a safe decision versus a risky one?
Stop, Think, Act - Part One
Call for students to come up in front of the BenQ smart board. Have them sit on the floor on their own dot. We will start by watching this video: How to Make Good Choices: Mindfulness for Kids | Cosmic Kids (app preview)
Let’s dive into the “stop, think, act” model for decision making. Students can use this for small decisions, big decisions, and anything in between. I want to use inquiry to guide this lesson so let’s ask a question.
“In the video they discuss a strategy for making mindful decisions. Does anyone remember the first step?”
Wait for an answer, if no one raises their hand, call on someone.
If students do not seem to have been paying attention, rewind the original video to 1:45. This will be the portion with the traffic light.
After this, discuss the “stop” portion. Continue to discuss the think and the act.
In this video they discuss a strategy for making mindful decisions. Does anyone remember the first step to this strategy?
The second step?
The third?
Stop, Think, Act - Part Two
Next, pass out the “Stop Think Act” worksheet. (Can be found at the end of this document on page 4.) Have students return to their desk and do the worksheet. They need to trace the letters, and write it themselves. I would let them quietly talk during this portion. They may use whatever materials they would like for coloring.
All of this should have taken around 25 minutes. Five for hook questions, ten for discussion, and ten for writing/coloring.
Complete this worksheet. Color the traffic light. Trace "Stop! Think! Act!" and write it yourself on the bottom lines.
Stop, Think, Act - Part Three
Use a classroom management technique such as “give me five” to calm the students back down.
Explain to the students that the decisions we make affect us, and those around us. We can use the “Stop, Think, Act” model for decisions we make for our health as well. Such as if we want to spend the day inside, if we should have another cookie, or if we should ask for medicine. Understanding how to slow down and think about decisions will help us make the right one.
We can also use this method to make decisions about safety measures. “Should I open the door for a stranger?” “Should I cross the road right now?” Explain how this is related to Stop, Think, Act.
Remind students to write their name on the back of their paper and drop their papers off in the “turn-in” tray.
The Stop, Think, Act strategy can be used to make other kinds of decisions. It can help us determine what the safest option is. Such as deciding whether or not to invite a stranger inside.
What are some other examples where this strategy could help us make decisions?
Write your name on the back of your paper and put it in the turn-in tray.
Formative Assessment
We will have an in class activity where students act out scenes. In these scenes the class will decide what the healthy/safe decision would be.
Split students into groups of 2 or 3 “actors”. Have a couple scenarios where one of the “actors” is faced with a decision. Have the rest of the watching class discuss and vote on what the best decision would be.
After a scene has played out, discuss with the class how they came to their conclusions and why they were the right or wrong choice.
Actors:
1. Talk to your partner.
2. Discuss your scene.
3. Practice your parts.
Viewers:
1. Watch the skit.
2. Decide which choice is the best.
3. Prepare to make your vote.
Summative Assessment
Students are presented with a two sheet “test.” On the first sheet students are presented with decisions. Here they can choose the good, or “healthy" decision. Follow the directions on the assesment. |
1. We will review these options together.
2. After hearing the options, circle the best mindful decision using the Stop, Think, Act strategy. Draw an X on the bad decision.