SPHE - Decision-making - Sample lesson
Strand: Myself
Strand Units: Growing and Changing/Making Decisions
Third to sixth classes
The lesson recommended is RSE Third and fourth class Resource Materials (P.104-
112). It is referenced in "Making the Links" for both of the above strand units. Included
below are some extra resources which may be useful
It focuses particularly on the content objective
"The child should be enabled to¼¼learn and devise a simple decision-making strategy" (SPHE Curriculum P.45). The individual elements of such a strategy are outlined both on P.44 of the curriculum and P.104 of the RSE Materials.
It is also a suitable exemplar of the Active Learning Methodology "Talk and Discussion".
The "Think, Pair, Share" approach is used.
Also included in this pack is .P11 of the RSE Resource Materials which provides sample
"Rules for Group Discussion" and "Steps for Group Decision-Making". The roles of
secretary and reporter are mentioned but it may also be an opportunity to introduce the
idea of all group members having a role For example: time-keeper, encourager ¼
Option 1 involves:
• Individual activity with photocopied worksheet
• Pair discussion based on worksheet
• Class feedback on pair responses and possible recording of same
This option could be more suited to third and fourth class
Option 2 involves:
• Class discussion of who makes particular decisions
• Group work involving decision-making (it could be emphasized that all group
members should be happy with what is being recorded/presented by the group)
• Personal and group reflection on the decision-making process
These documents were originally compiled by team members of the previous support services that are now part of PDST.
I have added some laminated cards which should make the Group Discussion and
Group Reflection more efficient.
This option could be more suited to fifth and sixth class or groups familiar with group work strategies.
Option 3 involves:
• Group work on decision-making
• Class feedback on group decisions
• Personal and group reflection on the decision-making process within the group
• This option could be used from third to sixth class.
I have included a set of laminated price lists for use in lesson.
Group Activity 1
Please agree on the best three ideas for each of the
following:
1 . A g i ft fo r a b a b y
2. Ways to be a good friend
3. Ways to solve an argument
Before you start please agree on who will do each of the
following:
• Record (write down) your ideas
• Report back to the class • Keep an eye on the time
• Make sure everybody gets a say
These documents were originally compiled by team members of the previous support services that are now part of PDST.
Group Activity 2
Please agree on the best three ideas for each of the
following:
1. Things that are worth arguing about
2. Things that are not worth arguing about
3. Gifts that money cannot buy
Before you start please agree on who will do each of the
following:
• Record (write down) your ideas
• Report back to the class • Keep an eye on the time
• Make sure everybody gets a say
Group Activity 3
Please agree on the best three ideas for each of the
following:
1. Gift for a family
2. Family rules
3. Qualities of people we can trust
Before you start please agree on who will do each of the
following:
• Record (write down) your ideas
• Report back to the class • Keep an eye on the time
• Make sure everybody gets a say
These documents were originally compiled by team members of the previous support services that are now part of PDST.
Group Activity 4
Please agree on the best three ideas for each of the
following:
1. Favourite sights
2. Favourite sounds 3. Favourite holidays
Before you start please agree on who will do each of the
following:
• Record (write down) your ideas
• Report back to the class • Keep an eye on the time
• Make sure everybody gets a say
Group Activity 5
Please agree on the best three ideas for each of the
following:
1. W hat ev er y f am i l y needs
2. Things that make us happy
3. Things that make us sad
Before you start please agree on who will do each of the
following:
• Record (write down) your ideas
• Report back to the class • Keep an eye on the time
• Make sure everybody gets a say
These documents were originally compiled by team members of the previous support services that are now part of PDST.
Group Activity 6
Please agree on the best three ideas for each of the
following:
1. Ways of caring for a mother who is expecting a baby
2. Ways of caring for a baby before s/he is born
3. Ways of caring for a baby after s/he is born
Before you start please agree on who will do each of the
following:
• Record (write down) your ideas
• Report back to the class • Keep an eye on the time
• Make sure everybody gets a say
These documents were originally compiled by team members of the previous support services that are now part of PDST.
Activity:
You have E10 to spend on a party for five children of your age. Please agree on how your group will spend
the money
Apples¼¼¼¼¼¼¼40 cent each Crisps¼¼¼¼¼¼¼..30 cent a bag
Pop-corn¼¼¼¼¼.50 cent a bag
7-up¼¼¼¼¼¼..2.50 for 2 litres Coke¼¼¼¼¼¼.2.50 for 2 litres Fanta¼¼¼¼¼¼.2.50 for 2 litres
Sparkling Water¼¼€2.00 for 2 litres
B ananas ¼ ¼ ¼ ¼ ¼ 40 c ent e ac h J e llie s ¼ ¼ ¼ ¼ ¼ ¼ ¼ .4 0 c e n t a b a g
Co c k ta i l S a u s a g e s ¼ € 2 .5 0 fo r 2 5
P e a r s ¼ ¼ ¼ ¼ ¼ ¼ ¼ ...3 0 c e n t e a c h Marsh mallows¼¼¼..20 cent each Pringles¼¼¼¼¼.€1.00 per pack L o l l i p op s ¼ ¼ ¼ ¼ ¼ ¼ 1 0 c e n t e a c h
Mixed sweets¼¼¼¼.50 cent a bag
Co o k i e s ¼ ¼ ¼ ¼ ¼ ..€ 1 .0 0 p e r p a c k
Ice cream¼¼¼¼¼€3.00 per tub Oranges
Co n e s ¼ ¼ ¼ ¼ ¼ ¼ ..€ 1 .0 0 fo r 2 0
Oranges¼¼¼¼¼¼¼30 cent each
Before you begin please agree who will do the following
• Record (write down) your decisions
• Report back to the class • Keep an eye on the time
• Make sure everyone has a say.
These documents were originally compiled by team members of the previous support services that are now part of PDST.