Healthful Living Grade 6 Objective 1 01 Instant

Healthful Living Grade 6 Objective 1. 01

Instant Activity: What’s the most difficult decision you have ever had to make? Ask yourself these questions as you answer: �How did they make this decision? �How did they know it was the right decision? �Were there other choices you could have made? �How did you arrive at your choice and/or how did you know it was the right decision?

Decide which of these lines is the longest. A C B

Think about this… �Do you sometimes make decisions quickly without thinking about them? (For some situations it is okay to make quick decisions) �Is it a good idea to make quick decisions? Why or why not? �What is a situation that you should think through carefully before making a decision?

Sometimes you will go against your peers and sometimes you will go along with your peers. It will be important to think through each choice before deciding which path to take. Making quick decisions in some situations can lead to decisions that you may regret.

Today’s Objective: Use a structured thinking process to make decisions and solve problems.

What IS a decision? Definition: choices you make Each choice we make has consequences. Sometimes our decisions have a positive outcome and other times they have negative consequences. Making a good decision is something that we have to learn how to do. We are not born with that ability. That is why we should rely on practice, experience and caring adults to help us make wise choices. It is important that we think about the outcomes of our decisions before we act on them. There is a decision making process that you can go through to make sure that you are making the best choice for yourself.

Think Fast: Situation # 1 Your best friend asked to copy your science homework every day. You are worried that the teacher will find out and give both of you a zero. What should you do?

Think Fast: Situation # 2 You are baby-sitting your 5 -year old sister. When you come home from the store, you notice that she has a pack of gum. She said she put it in her pocket when no one was looking. What should you do?

Think Fast: Situation # 3 You buy a CD at Wal-Mart. The cashier mistakenly gives you $5. 00 more than you are due. You don’t notice until you walk away from the counter. What should you do?

How do we determine if… A decision is safe, risky or harmful?

The Decision-Making Process Big decisions are kind of like math problems. They should be broken down into smaller parts before they can be solved. Whenever possible, it is a good idea to write down your answers and work through each step. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. State the problem/situation List all possible options Weigh the possible outcomes Consider Values Make your decision and Act on It Evaluate your decision

1) State the problem/situation �Before you make a decision, you should understand the problem or situation. �Ask yourself: What are the facts? Who else is involved?

2) List all possible options �What are all the possible choices in this situation? Think of all the ways you could go about solving the problem and write them down. �You may want to ask other people for suggestions. An adult whom you trust is a good person to ask for advice.

3) Weigh the possible outcomes of each option Consider you options carefully �H (Healthful) – What health risks, if any, will this option present? �E (Ethical) – Does this choice reflect what you and your family believe to be ethical or right? �L (Legal) – Does this option violate any local/state/federal laws? �P (Parent Approval) – Would your parents approve of this choice? You also may need to consider: Cumulative Risk – the addition of one risk factor to another, increasing the chance of harm or loss.

4)Consider your Values – beliefs you feel strongly about that help guide the way you live. �Values reflect what is important to you and what you have learned is right or wrong. �Your values should guide any important decision you make.

What other things should be considered when making decisions? �Remember, if you would feel uneasy or strange about a certain decision, then it’s probably not your best choice! �If it makes you feel uncomfortable to make a certain decision, TAKE YOUR TIME and THINK IT THROUGH!

5) Make your decision �You have weighed your options. �You’ve mapped out the risks and consequences NOW YOU ARE READY FOR ACTION!!! �Choose the course that seems best and supports your values. �Make sure you are comfortable with your decision. �If not, look at other options or ask a trusted adult for help.

6) Evaluate your decision After you have acted on your decision, look at the results. �Were the results positive or negative? �Were there any unexpected outcomes? �Was there anything you could have done differently? �What have you learned from the experience?

Practice makes Permanent! �Kris’ family moved to a new town. Almost from the first day, Lisa became her best friend. Lisa showed Kris around town and introduced her to other teens. At school Lisa asked Kris to help her pass an English test. “All you need to do, ” Lisa explained, “is move your hand so I can see your paper. ” Kris was taught to always help out a friend. Yet what Lisa was asking Kris to do was to help her cheat. Kris was also taught that cheating is wrong. What should Kris do? Use the Decision-Making Model to come to a final decision and then evaluate your choice