Making Smart Choices: Solving Problems and Deciding What to Do
Learning Goals:
- Learn new words about making decisions and solving problems.
- Talk about problems and how to find solutions.
- Read a story about someone who had to make a difficult decision.
- Listen to an expert talk about making choices.
- Write about a time when you had to make a decision.
Key Words:
- Problem: A challenge or difficulty you need to figure out.
- Solution: The answer to a problem or a way to make things better.
- Decision: A choice you have to make between different options.
- Pros: The good things about an option.
- Cons: The bad things about an option.
- Brainstorm: To think of many ideas quickly.
Let’s Talk About It!
- What is a problem you’ve had recently? How did you solve it?
- Can you think of a time when you had to make a difficult decision? What helped you decide?
- Do you like to make decisions quickly, or do you like to take your time and think carefully?
Let’s Read a Story!
A traveler came to a fork in the road. There were two paths. One path was shorter but dangerous. The other path was longer but safer. The traveler thought about the good and bad things about each path. Finally, they decided to take the longer, safer path.
Questions About the Story:
- What problem did the traveler have?
- What were the pros and cons of each path?
- What decision did the traveler make?
Listen and Learn!
(Teacher plays a short clip of a life coach giving advice about how to make difficult decisions.)
Talk with a Partner!
One of you is having a problem. The other gives suggestions.
Example:
- Person 1: “I don’t know what to do this weekend. I’m bored!”
- Person 2: “You could go to the park, see a movie, or invite friends over.”
Homework:
Write a short paragraph about a time when you had to make a decision. What was the problem? What were your options? What did you decide, and how did it turn out?
Extra Fun:
Think of a problem you have right now. With a partner or small group, brainstorm as many solutions as you can! Then, talk about the pros and cons of each solution.
