Introduction

In life, we are constantly faced with choices and decisions, ranging from simple everyday tasks to more complex situations. For students in Special Education, learning how to be their own decision makers is an essential skill. As educators, we can help students develop the skills necessary to make informed choices and take responsibility for their actions. This blog post will provide an overview of how to teach students to be their own decision makers, along with a no-prep activity, discussion questions, and suggestions for related skills.

No-Prep Activity: The Decision-Making Tree

This activity requires no preparation or materials from the educator. Have your students sit in a circle and explain that you will be discussing the process of making decisions. Present a scenario to the students, such as deciding what to wear on a rainy day. Ask a volunteer student to share their thought process when making this decision. Then, introduce the concept of a “Decision-Making Tree.” Explain that each branch represents a potential choice, and each choice may lead to different outcomes.

Guide the students through identifying the choices and potential outcomes in the scenario. For example, one choice might be to wear a raincoat, which could lead to staying dry and feeling comfortable. Another choice could be to wear a t-shirt, which might result in getting wet and feeling cold. Continue the discussion by asking the students how they would decide which choice to make. Encourage them to consider the consequences of each option and how they might feel after making the decision.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it important to think about the consequences of our choices before making a decision?
2. How can we avoid making decisions based on peer pressure? What strategies can we use to stay true to our own values and beliefs?
3. How can we learn from our past decisions, both positive and negative, to make better choices in the future?
4. What are some examples of decisions you have made recently? Were you happy with the outcomes? Why or why not?
5. How can practicing good decision-making skills help us in various aspects of our lives, such as school, friendships, and personal growth?

Related Skills

Teaching students to be their own decision makers also offers opportunities to develop other important skills. Some related skills that can be explored alongside decision-making include:

• Problem-solving: Learning how to identify and address challenges in a constructive manner.
• Self-awareness: Understanding one’s own emotions, strengths, and weaknesses, and how they influence decision-making.
• Goal-setting: Developing the ability to set realistic and achievable goals, and making decisions that align with those goals.
• Communication: Effectively expressing thoughts and ideas, and listening to the perspectives of others during the decision-making process.
• Resilience: Bouncing back from setbacks and learning from mistakes to make better decisions in the future.

Next Steps

Now that you have a better understanding of how to teach students to be their own decision makers, we encourage you to explore additional resources and activities to further develop this skill. To access free sample materials, including lessons and activities related to decision-making and other essential life skills, sign up at Everyday Speech. By providing students with the tools and guidance they need to make informed decisions, we can empower them to take control of their lives and build a strong foundation for success.