Activity Overview
Responsible decision making is the ability to make constructive and well thought out decisions about one’s own behavior and social interactions. Some steps of the responsible decision making process include identifying choices, evaluating choices, deciding on a course of action, and evaluating your decision.
In the story Too Much Glue by Jason Lifebvre, Matty makes an irresponsible decision when he decides to use way too much glue and gets it all over himself, causing chaos in his classroom. Although the story is cute and funny, it illustrates how one decision can impact many people. For this activity, students will create a 4 cell storyboard illustrating an example of someone making a decision using the 4 steps of the decision making process.
Other Picture Books for Teaching Responsible Decision Making
- How to Live Forever by Colin Thompson
- I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen
- Beegu by Alexis Deacon
- A Day’s Work by Eve Bunting
- For You are A Kenyan Child by Kelly Cunnane
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a 4 cell storyboard illustrating an example of someone making a decision using the 4 steps of the decision making process.
Student Instructions
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- In each cell, create a scene for a scenario that shows someone going through the decision making steps using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Describe each cell in the description box.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
Responsible decision making is the ability to make constructive and well thought out decisions about one’s own behavior and social interactions. Some steps of the responsible decision making process include identifying choices, evaluating choices, deciding on a course of action, and evaluating your decision.
In the story Too Much Glue by Jason Lifebvre, Matty makes an irresponsible decision when he decides to use way too much glue and gets it all over himself, causing chaos in his classroom. Although the story is cute and funny, it illustrates how one decision can impact many people. For this activity, students will create a 4 cell storyboard illustrating an example of someone making a decision using the 4 steps of the decision making process.
Other Picture Books for Teaching Responsible Decision Making
- How to Live Forever by Colin Thompson
- I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen
- Beegu by Alexis Deacon
- A Day’s Work by Eve Bunting
- For You are A Kenyan Child by Kelly Cunnane
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a 4 cell storyboard illustrating an example of someone making a decision using the 4 steps of the decision making process.
Student Instructions
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- In each cell, create a scene for a scenario that shows someone going through the decision making steps using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Describe each cell in the description box.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about Practicing the Decision Making Process
Easily Integrate Decision Making Practice into Daily Classroom Routines
Incorporate short decision-making discussions during everyday moments to reinforce responsible choices. For example, ask students to reflect on options when lining up, choosing partners, or selecting materials. Frequent practice helps students internalize the process and apply it beyond SEL activities.
Model the Decision Making Process Out Loud
Demonstrate each step by thinking aloud during classroom scenarios. Show students how you identify choices, weigh options, make a choice, and reflect on the result. This explicit modeling helps students visualize and understand the process in real-life situations.
Create Quick-Choice Scenarios for Students to Solve
Present brief, relatable dilemmas (e.g., what to do if you forget homework) and invite students to walk through the decision-making steps as a group. Keep it interactive and encourage students to share their thinking for each step. This builds confidence and critical thinking skills.
Celebrate Responsible Decisions with Positive Reinforcement
Recognize and praise students when they use the decision-making process in daily life. Highlight specific examples and connect their actions back to the process steps. Positive feedback motivates students to keep practicing these important skills.
Frequently Asked Questions about Practicing the Decision Making Process
What are the steps of the responsible decision making process for elementary students?
The responsible decision making process for elementary students typically involves four steps: identifying choices, evaluating choices, deciding on a course of action, and evaluating your decision. Teaching these steps helps students think critically about their actions and consequences.
How can I teach the decision making process using picture books?
You can teach the decision making process by reading stories like Too Much Glue and discussing the character's choices. Then, have students create storyboards or role-play scenarios that follow the four steps: identifying, evaluating, deciding, and reflecting.
What is a quick classroom activity to practice responsible decision making?
A quick activity is to have students create a 4-cell storyboard, illustrating a character going through each step of the decision making process. This helps students visualize choices and consequences in a fun, engaging way.
Why is teaching responsible decision making important in grades 3-4?
Teaching responsible decision making in grades 3-4 helps students develop social-emotional skills, make better choices, and understand how their actions impact themselves and others. It lays the foundation for lifelong positive behavior.
What are some recommended books for teaching decision making to kids?
Recommended books include Too Much Glue by Jason Lifebvre, How to Live Forever by Colin Thompson, I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen, Beegu by Alexis Deacon, A Day’s Work by Eve Bunting, and For You are A Kenyan Child by Kelly Cunnane.
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