Content Area: Health and Physical Education

 

Index: 2.2B Grade 6 CPI 4

 

Standard: 2.2 - Integrated Skills

 

Strand: B -   Decision Making 

 

Cumulative Progress Indicator: 4 -  The student will explain how personal ethics influence decision making.

 

Grade: 6

 

Sample Activities:

 

·        YOUR VALUES - Brainstorm a list of commonly accepted values (e.g., generosity, fairness, honesty, courage, respect, trust, responsibility, loyalty). Most people base decisions on their values. Values show in how you act, what you talk about, what you stand up and fight for, and what you are willing to sacrifice for. For the following statements, students identify the value(s) associated with each. Discuss the responses.
-        I may lose the class election but I have to say what I believe.
-        You hold the door open for an older person.
-        A person works hard to provide shelter for the homeless.
-        You and your sister like to watch different TV shows. You agree to watch each other’s shows for one week.

      -        A neighbor left for vacation and left her garden hose running. You shut it off without being asked.

Variation: Using the student-generated list of common values, students select the three values they feel are most important to them and justify their responses. Students compare their responses with their classmates. Is there agreement or do the class values differ? Why? Discuss factors that contribute to the formation of values.

 

·        DECISIONS IN MUSIC - Students identify messages in popular songs (provide lyrics) and discuss them using the following questions.
-        What is the message? Is it realistic?
-        What decision was made? Did the person use a decision-making model?
-        What were the consequences of the decision?
-        Did the person(s) behave responsibly? Why or why not?
-        How were other people affected by the decision?
-        What were the alternatives?

Students re-write the song lyrics using a decision-making model to ensure a positive outcome. Students sing or role-play the new version of the song.
 

·        DECISIONS, DECISIONS -  Set up four “thinking stations” (one for children, teens, parents, and senior citizens). At each station, have large sheets of chart paper and markers. Divide the class into four groups for this carousel brainstorming activity. Each group starts at one station and then moves to the next one on signal. At each station, students list major decisions that individuals at that stage of life make. Groups cannot repeat an item on the list, they can only add to the list. After each group has rotated to all four stations, post the lists. Students compare the lists for similarities and differences.

Variation: Students select three decisions from the children/teens lists and write a journal entry describing why those decisions are important for them.