SEL: Responsible Decision Making
Practice making safe, respectful, and thoughtful choices
SEL: Responsible Decision Making
Practice making safe, respectful, and thoughtful choices
SEL - Grade 4-5
- 1
You see a classmate drop a library book in the hallway without noticing. What is a responsible choice you could make, and why is it responsible?
Think about what would be helpful, honest, and safe.
A responsible choice is to pick up the book and return it to the classmate or the library. This is responsible because it helps take care of school materials and shows respect for others. - 2
A friend dares you to run across the parking lot without looking for cars. Name two possible consequences of doing this.
One possible consequence is that you could get hurt by a car. Another possible consequence is that you could get in trouble for making an unsafe choice. - 3
Use the decision steps: Stop, Think, Choose. A teammate wants you to blame another player for a mistake you made. What should you do at each step?
Responsible choices often include honesty and fairness.
Stop means pause before speaking. Think means consider that blaming someone else is unfair and dishonest. Choose means tell the truth and take responsibility for the mistake. - 4
You forgot to bring your homework. Which response shows responsible decision making? A. Say your dog ate it even though that is not true. B. Tell your teacher the truth and make a plan to turn it in. C. Hide during class. Explain your choice.
Choice B shows responsible decision making because it is honest and includes making a plan to fix the problem. - 5
At recess, two friends want to play different games, and both ask you to choose their game. What is one fair way to solve the problem?
Look for a solution that respects more than one person.
One fair way to solve the problem is to take turns playing each game or vote as a group. This is fair because everyone has a chance to be included. - 6
You are upset after losing a game and want to yell at the other team. What is a better choice, and what might happen if you choose it?
A better choice is to take a deep breath, say good game, and walk away if needed. This can help you stay calm, show respect, and avoid an argument. - 7
A student finds money on the classroom floor. List three choices the student could make. Circle or name the most responsible choice and explain why.
Think about honesty and returning lost items.
The student could keep the money, ask classmates if they lost it, or give it to the teacher. The most responsible choice is to give it to the teacher because the teacher can help find the owner fairly. - 8
Look at this decision: You can study for a science quiz or play a game for an hour before bed. What short-term consequence and long-term consequence could happen if you choose to study?
A short-term consequence is that you have less time to play. A long-term consequence is that you may understand the science material better and feel more prepared for the quiz. - 9
Your group is working on a project, but one person is not helping. What can you say or do that is respectful and responsible?
Use words that solve the problem instead of words that blame.
You can calmly ask the person to choose a task or remind the group to divide the work fairly. This is respectful because it focuses on solving the problem without insulting anyone. - 10
A website asks for your full name, address, and school name before letting you play a game. What responsible decision should you make?
The responsible decision is to stop and ask a trusted adult before sharing any personal information online. This helps keep you safe. - 11
You promised to help clean up after art class, but your friends are going outside. What values or responsibilities should you consider before deciding what to do?
A responsible decision often connects to a promise or duty.
You should consider keeping your promise, helping your classmates, respecting the classroom, and being trustworthy. These responsibilities can guide you to help clean up before joining your friends. - 12
A classmate makes a mistake while reading aloud, and some students start laughing. What choice could you make that helps the classroom community?
You could stay quiet, avoid laughing, and encourage the classmate kindly. This helps the classroom feel safe and respectful for everyone. - 13
Complete this cause and effect idea: If I make a choice without thinking about how it affects others, then...
Think about feelings, safety, fairness, and trust.
If I make a choice without thinking about how it affects others, then I might hurt someone's feelings, create a problem, or make an unfair choice. Responsible decisions include thinking about other people. - 14
You accidentally break a classroom pencil sharpener. No one saw it happen. What is the responsible decision, and why?
The responsible decision is to tell the teacher what happened. This is responsible because it is honest, helps the teacher fix the problem, and shows that you can take responsibility for your actions. - 15
Think of a real decision you might need to make this week at school or at home. Write the decision, two choices, and the choice that seems most responsible.
Choose a decision that could really happen, such as homework, chores, friendships, or screen time.
Answers will vary. A complete answer should name a real decision, give two possible choices, and explain which choice is most responsible because it is safe, respectful, honest, or fair.