Activity Overview
Part of making decisions is thinking about the consequences of each choice. In this activity, students will be presented with several scenarios. They should illustrate the consequences of a negative decision and make a positive decision. These scenarios are ones they hopefully won’t face, but will now be prepared for. The template example will have three different types of pressures that cause them to make a quick decision.
The three initial scenarios can be modified or adapted to fit the educational goals in your classroom. The ones provided are different peer pressures. Asking your students to develop their own scenarios may help personalize the learning objective and get them thinking about scenarios they see themselves encountering in the future.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Continue the storyboard to show negative consequences and positive decision making.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Analyze the peer pressure decisions and depict what the negative consequences might be if the main character were to make the wrong decision.
- Create what it would look and sound like making a better choice in the positive decision cells.
- In each description box, provide a brief explanation of what is taking place in each cell.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 25 Points | Emerging 19 Points | Beginning 13 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Negative Consequences | All three cells used exemplary school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict three examples of negative consequences when making poor decisions. | 1-2 cells used exemplary school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict examples of negative consequences when making poor decisions. | At least one cell used an inappropriate scene, characters, and text to depict an example of a negative consequence when making a poor decision. |
| Positive Choice | All three cells used exemplary school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict three examples of positive decision making. | 1-2 cells used exemplary school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict examples of positive decision making. | At least one cell used an inappropriate scene, characters, and text to depict an example of a positive decision. |
| Descriptions | All six descriptions effectively reinforced the message from each cell. | 3-5 descriptions effectively reinforced the message from each cell. | Fewer than three descriptions effectively reinforced the message from each cell. |
| Use of Conventions | There are few to no grammar or spelling mistakes. | There are some grammar or spelling mistakes, but understanding of content is clear. | There are too many grammar or spelling mistakes, creating an unclear understanding of content. |
Activity Overview
Part of making decisions is thinking about the consequences of each choice. In this activity, students will be presented with several scenarios. They should illustrate the consequences of a negative decision and make a positive decision. These scenarios are ones they hopefully won’t face, but will now be prepared for. The template example will have three different types of pressures that cause them to make a quick decision.
The three initial scenarios can be modified or adapted to fit the educational goals in your classroom. The ones provided are different peer pressures. Asking your students to develop their own scenarios may help personalize the learning objective and get them thinking about scenarios they see themselves encountering in the future.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Continue the storyboard to show negative consequences and positive decision making.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Analyze the peer pressure decisions and depict what the negative consequences might be if the main character were to make the wrong decision.
- Create what it would look and sound like making a better choice in the positive decision cells.
- In each description box, provide a brief explanation of what is taking place in each cell.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 25 Points | Emerging 19 Points | Beginning 13 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Negative Consequences | All three cells used exemplary school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict three examples of negative consequences when making poor decisions. | 1-2 cells used exemplary school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict examples of negative consequences when making poor decisions. | At least one cell used an inappropriate scene, characters, and text to depict an example of a negative consequence when making a poor decision. |
| Positive Choice | All three cells used exemplary school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict three examples of positive decision making. | 1-2 cells used exemplary school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to depict examples of positive decision making. | At least one cell used an inappropriate scene, characters, and text to depict an example of a positive decision. |
| Descriptions | All six descriptions effectively reinforced the message from each cell. | 3-5 descriptions effectively reinforced the message from each cell. | Fewer than three descriptions effectively reinforced the message from each cell. |
| Use of Conventions | There are few to no grammar or spelling mistakes. | There are some grammar or spelling mistakes, but understanding of content is clear. | There are too many grammar or spelling mistakes, creating an unclear understanding of content. |
How Tos about Consequence First: Decision Scenarios
How can I adapt consequence-based decision scenarios for younger students?
Adjust the complexity of scenarios by using familiar situations, like playground disagreements or sharing issues, to make them age-appropriate. This helps younger students relate and apply decision-making skills in their daily lives.
Create a safe space for discussion
Establish classroom norms that encourage respectful listening and open-mindedness. Let students know their thoughts are valued and mistakes are part of learning.
Use visuals and role-play to illustrate decisions
Incorporate drawings, storyboards, or simple skits so students can act out consequences and positive choices. This makes abstract ideas more concrete and memorable.
Encourage students to reflect on personal experiences
Invite students to share times they faced tough choices, guiding them to identify what influenced their decisions and what they learned. This builds self-awareness and empathy.
Reinforce positive decision-making with praise
Acknowledge thoughtful choices during activities and discussions. Consistent positive feedback builds confidence and motivates ongoing good decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions about Consequence First: Decision Scenarios
What is the 'Consequence First: Decision Scenarios' activity?
The 'Consequence First: Decision Scenarios' activity is a lesson where students analyze peer pressure situations, illustrate the negative consequences of poor choices, and model positive decision-making. It helps students prepare for real-life scenarios by encouraging thoughtful responses to difficult situations.
How can teachers use decision scenario activities to teach decision-making skills?
Teachers can use decision scenario activities by presenting realistic situations, guiding students to explore possible outcomes, and facilitating discussions about positive versus negative choices. This method encourages critical thinking and helps students develop strong social-emotional skills.
What are some examples of peer pressure scenarios for high school students?
Examples of peer pressure scenarios for high school students include: being encouraged to skip class, feeling pressured to try substances, or facing a dare to break school rules. These situations help students practice making safe and responsible decisions.
Why is it important for students to consider consequences before making decisions?
It is important for students to consider consequences before making decisions because it helps them anticipate outcomes, avoid risky behavior, and build responsible decision-making skills that aid them in real-life challenges.
How can students create their own decision scenarios in class?
Students can create their own decision scenarios by brainstorming situations they might encounter, outlining possible choices, and illustrating both the negative and positive outcomes. This exercise personalizes learning and deepens understanding of decision-making processes.
More Storyboard That Activities
Decision Making Skills
This Activity is Part of Many Teacher Guides
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
