Activity Overview
When it comes to big life decisions, you can usually find your answer while looking at the short-term and long-term outcomes of each option. Eventually, students will be facing the difficult decision of what to do after high school. There is pressure from their parents, the school, society, and themselves to choose wisely. In reality, they have a lot of time to really figure out what they want to do and they can change their mind at anytime. Their answers may get a lot clearer if they look at the short-term and long-term outcomes.
In this activity, students will visualize the short and long-term outcomes of a major, usually stressful decision. Creating a decision through a storyboard can help visualize what the future may look like. After weighing the outcomes, the decision should be easier to make. Students should be encouraged to consider an upcoming decision, like choosing their career, in order to further connect them to the activity.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Weigh the outcomes of a difficult decision.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Create a visual of a tough decision that high schoolers usually face in the first cell.
- Make a visual of what the short-term outcomes are to each option.
- Make a visual of what the long-term outcomes are to each option.
- Answer both questions in the reflection description box.
- Each other description box should be a brief explanation of the cell.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tough Decision | The cell used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict the two options of a tough decision. The description briefly indicates what is being depicted in the cell above. | The cell used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict the two options of a tough decision. The description briefly indicates what is being depicted in the cell above. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict a tough decision. The description shows an unclear understanding of content. |
| Short-Term Outcome | The cell used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict two different short-term effects of a decision. The description briefly indicates what is being depicted in the cell above. | The cell used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict two different short term effects of a decision. The description briefly indicates what is being depicted in the cell above. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict the short term outcomes. The description shows an unclear understanding of content. |
| Long-Term Outcome | The cell used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict two different long term effects of a decision. The description briefly indicates the what is being depicted in the cell above. | The cell used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict two different long term effects of a decision. The description briefly indicates the what is being depicted in the cell above. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict the long term outcomes. The description shows an unclear understanding of content. |
| Reflection | The student was able to effectively answer both questions using two or more sentences. | The student was able to adequately answer both questions using two or more sentences. | The student was unable to adequately answer both questions using two or more sentences. |
| Grammar | There are few to no grammar or spelling mistakes. The text clearly indicates student understanding of the decision making model. | There are some grammar or spelling mistakes, but understanding of content is clear. | There are too many grammar or spelling mistakes creating an unclear understanding of content. |
Activity Overview
When it comes to big life decisions, you can usually find your answer while looking at the short-term and long-term outcomes of each option. Eventually, students will be facing the difficult decision of what to do after high school. There is pressure from their parents, the school, society, and themselves to choose wisely. In reality, they have a lot of time to really figure out what they want to do and they can change their mind at anytime. Their answers may get a lot clearer if they look at the short-term and long-term outcomes.
In this activity, students will visualize the short and long-term outcomes of a major, usually stressful decision. Creating a decision through a storyboard can help visualize what the future may look like. After weighing the outcomes, the decision should be easier to make. Students should be encouraged to consider an upcoming decision, like choosing their career, in order to further connect them to the activity.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Weigh the outcomes of a difficult decision.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Create a visual of a tough decision that high schoolers usually face in the first cell.
- Make a visual of what the short-term outcomes are to each option.
- Make a visual of what the long-term outcomes are to each option.
- Answer both questions in the reflection description box.
- Each other description box should be a brief explanation of the cell.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tough Decision | The cell used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict the two options of a tough decision. The description briefly indicates what is being depicted in the cell above. | The cell used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict the two options of a tough decision. The description briefly indicates what is being depicted in the cell above. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict a tough decision. The description shows an unclear understanding of content. |
| Short-Term Outcome | The cell used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict two different short-term effects of a decision. The description briefly indicates what is being depicted in the cell above. | The cell used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict two different short term effects of a decision. The description briefly indicates what is being depicted in the cell above. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict the short term outcomes. The description shows an unclear understanding of content. |
| Long-Term Outcome | The cell used exemplary school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict two different long term effects of a decision. The description briefly indicates the what is being depicted in the cell above. | The cell used adequate school appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict two different long term effects of a decision. The description briefly indicates the what is being depicted in the cell above. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict the long term outcomes. The description shows an unclear understanding of content. |
| Reflection | The student was able to effectively answer both questions using two or more sentences. | The student was able to adequately answer both questions using two or more sentences. | The student was unable to adequately answer both questions using two or more sentences. |
| Grammar | There are few to no grammar or spelling mistakes. The text clearly indicates student understanding of the decision making model. | There are some grammar or spelling mistakes, but understanding of content is clear. | There are too many grammar or spelling mistakes creating an unclear understanding of content. |
How Tos about Life Decisions Reflection Activity
Guide students in setting achievable goals after making big decisions
Help students translate their decisions into realistic, actionable goals by breaking down the next steps they need to take. Goal-setting makes the decision process feel less overwhelming and increases motivation.
Brainstorm possible short-term actions as a class
Collect ideas from students about what immediate steps they could take after making a big decision. Group brainstorming helps everyone see practical ways to start moving forward and builds a sense of support.
Create a simple action plan template
Provide a template where students can list their decision, short-term goals, and a timeline for each. Templates make it easier for students to organize their next steps and track progress.
Schedule goal check-ins with students
Set regular check-in times to review each student's progress on their goals. Consistent follow-up encourages accountability and allows for timely support or adjustments.
Celebrate small achievements along the way
Recognize and celebrate when students reach milestones, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement builds confidence and keeps students engaged in their decision-making journey.
Frequently Asked Questions about Life Decisions Reflection Activity
What is a life decisions reflection activity for high school students?
A life decisions reflection activity helps high school students visualize and analyze the short-term and long-term outcomes of a major decision, such as choosing a career or post-graduation path. Students use storyboards to map out possible results, making complex choices easier to understand.
How can students use storyboards to make tough decisions?
Students can create a decision storyboard by illustrating a difficult choice and its possible outcomes in sequence. By visualizing both immediate and future impacts of each option, students can better weigh their choices and reflect on which path aligns with their goals.
What are examples of short-term and long-term outcomes in decision-making?
Short-term outcomes are immediate effects, like how a decision impacts daily life or emotions. Long-term outcomes consider the future, such as career opportunities or personal growth. For example, choosing a job right after high school may offer quick income but fewer long-term advancement options compared to attending college.
Why is it important for students to reflect on their decisions before acting?
Reflecting on decisions helps students anticipate consequences, reduce anxiety, and make informed choices. Considering both short-term and long-term effects encourages critical thinking and builds confidence in their ability to manage life changes.
What's the best way to guide high schoolers through decision-making activities?
The best way is to encourage students to visualize outcomes using tools like storyboards, ask open-ended questions, and facilitate discussions. Providing relatable scenarios, such as choosing a career path, helps students connect personally and engage deeply with the activity.
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