Think Ahead: Making Choices for a Better Future
Learning Goals:
- Learn new words about making decisions and thinking about the future.
- Talk about choices we have to make and how they can affect us later.
- Read a story about someone who had to choose between two different paths.
- Listen to someone talk about a big decision they made.
- Write a letter to your future self about a choice you’re making.
Key Words:
- Decision: A choice between two or more things.
- Short-term: Something that happens or affects you soon.
- Long-term: Something that happens or affects you in the future.
- Consequences: The things that happen as a result of your choices.
- Goal: Something you want to achieve.
Let’s Talk About It!
- Can you think of a time when you had to make a difficult decision? What did you choose?
- Do you usually focus on what you want right now, or do you think about how your choices might affect you in the future?
- What are some things you’re saving money for or working towards? (College, a trip, a new bike?)
Let’s Read a Story!
Emma had a good job, but she didn’t love it. She wanted to start her own business. Starting a business would be exciting, but it would also be hard and risky. She wouldn’t make as much money at first. Emma had to decide: Should she stay with her safe job or take a chance on her dream?
Questions about the Story:
- What are Emma’s two choices?
- What are the short-term benefits of staying at her job?
- What could be the long-term benefit of starting her own business?
Listen and Learn!
(Teacher plays a short clip of someone talking about a big decision they made in their life. Focus on the words “short-term” and “long-term” to see how their choice affected them in the present and the future.)
Talk with a Partner!
One of you is a student who wants to spend all their money on a new video game. The other is a parent or friend giving advice.
Example:
- Student: “I really want to buy this new game! It’s on sale right now.”
- Parent/Friend: “It’s okay to want things, but you should also think about saving some money for the future. What if you need it for something important later?”
Homework:
Write a letter to your future self (maybe 5 or 10 years older). Talk about a decision you’re making now and why you think it’s the right choice for your future.
Extra Fun:
Make a list of your top three goals for the future. Think about the steps you need to take to achieve them, even if it means making some short-term sacrifices.
