Decision-Making Unit: Smart Choices for Real-World Problems
Grade: 2 (high-ability learners)
Length: 10 lessons (20–30 minutes each)
Focus: Logical reasoning, project-based problem solving, writing, and presenting
Embedded Files
Teacher Guide Overview
Goal: Students will learn to identify problems, generate multiple solutions, evaluate options with criteria, make a decision, and reflect on the process.
Skills: Critical thinking, persuasive writing, collaboration, oral presentation, and metacognition.
Final Project: Students apply the decision-making model to a real-world scenario of their choice, create a written argument, and present their decision to the class.
Student Packet Sections
Decision-Making Steps Anchor Chart (visual model)
Graphic Organizers (Problem-Solution chart, Criteria table, Decision-making grid, Reflection page)
Writing Pages (persuasive writing frames, summary sheets)
Presentation Prep Sheet
Lesson Breakdown
Lesson 1: What is a Decision?
Teacher: Introduce decision-making with a fun scenario: "Should we have indoor or outdoor recess?"
Student Task: Brainstorm choices they make daily. Sort them into "easy" vs. "hard" decisions.
Writing: Journal: “The hardest decision I made this week was…”
Lesson 2: Identifying a Problem Clearly
Teacher: Guide students to frame problems as clear questions.
Student Task: Rewrite vague problems into specific ones (e.g., "I want fun" → "Which board game should I play with friends?").
Writing: Create a problem statement: “The problem I want to solve is…”
Lesson 3: Generating Many Options
Teacher: Model brainstorming without judging ideas.
Student Task: In small groups, list as many solutions as possible to: “How could we reduce food waste at school?”
Writing: Record at least 5 possible solutions in packet.
Lesson 4: Setting Criteria
Teacher: Teach students to pick fair criteria (cost, time, safety, fun).
Student Task: Practice applying criteria to a silly scenario: “Which snack is best—carrots, cookies, or chips?”
Writing: List 3 criteria they think matter most for their own problem.
Lesson 5: Weighing the Options
Teacher: Introduce decision-making grid (options vs. criteria).
Student Task: Score snack choices against chosen criteria. Discuss how scores help, but don’t decide everything.
Writing: Fill in a decision grid for their project problem.
Lesson 6: Making a Decision
Teacher: Emphasize evidence-based choice, not just preference.
Student Task: Make a decision on the snack problem as a group, justifying with evidence.
Writing: Write: “I chose ___ because…”
Lesson 7: Persuading Others
Teacher: Introduce persuasive writing structure (opinion, reasons, evidence, conclusion).
Student Task: Draft persuasive paragraphs for their chosen solution.
Writing: “My decision is the best because…”
Lesson 8: Preparing to Present
Teacher: Model presentation structure: introduction, evidence, conclusion.
Student Task: Create posters, slides, or visuals to support their solution.
Writing: Fill in presentation prep sheet with key talking points.
Lesson 9: Student Presentations
Student Task: Present projects to class (3–5 minutes each).
Peers: Ask clarifying questions, give positive feedback.
Lesson 10: Reflecting on Decisions
Teacher: Guide reflection on process—Was the decision fair? Did criteria help?
Student Task: Write reflection: “One thing I learned about making good decisions is…”
Group Closure: Vote on which solutions could be shared with school community.
Final Project Examples
Which classroom charity should we support?
What should our class pet be?
How can we make recess better for everyone?
Which field trip should we take?
Student Decision-Making Packet
For High-Ability 2nd Graders
Anchor Chart: The 6 Steps of Smart Decision-Making
State the Problem Clearly
Brainstorm Many Options
Choose Fair Criteria
Compare Options with Criteria
Make a Choice with Evidence
Reflect on Your Decision
(Tip: Use this chart throughout the unit. You can post it in the classroom or print in student packets.)
Graphic Organizer 1: My Problem Statement
📝 Write your problem as a clear question.
The problem I want to solve is: ____________________________
Why is this important? _____________________________________
Graphic Organizer 2: Options Brainstorm Page
💡 Write down as many possible solutions as you can—no judging yet!
Option 1: ___________________
Option 2: ___________________
Option 3: ___________________
Option 4: ___________________
Option 5: ___________________
(Challenge: Can you think of at least 7 options?)
Graphic Organizer 3: My Criteria
Think about what makes a “good” solution. Pick 3–4 criteria.
My solution should be ____________
My solution should be ____________
My solution should be ____________
My solution should be ____________
Graphic Organizer 4: Decision-Making Grid
Options
Criteria 1: ______
Criteria 2: ______
Criteria 3: ______
Total Score
Option 1
+ / – / ?
+ / – / ?
+ / – / ?
_____
Option 2
+ / – / ?
+ / – / ?
+ / – / ?
_____
Option 3
+ / – / ?
+ / – / ?
+ / – / ?
_____
(+ = Meets the criteria, – = Doesn’t meet, ? = Maybe)
Graphic Organizer 5: My Decision Statement
I chose _______________________________
because _____________________________________________
This decision is better than the others because _____________
Writing Frame: Persuasive Paragraph
Sentence Starters:
I believe the best choice is ______.
One reason is ______.
Another reason is ______.
The evidence shows ______.
In conclusion, we should choose ______ because ______.
Free graphic organizers here: https://www.hmhco.com/blog/free-graphic-organizer-templates?srsltid=AfmBOooNMckCkjOZ7n6olf1x5vUlxvVgexHjtdeLCJiFu5HR_86Ksojb
Presentation Prep Sheet
Title of My Project: _____________________________
Introduction: (How will I hook the audience?)
Main Points / Reasons:
Visuals I will use: _____________________________
Conclusion (My call to action):
Reflection Page
🪞 Look back on your decision-making process.
One thing I learned about making good decisions is ____________.
Something I would do differently next time is ____________.
The step that helped me the most was ____________.
The step that was hardest for me was ____________.
Enrichment / Extension Pages (Optional for high-ability learners)
What If…? – Try the process again, but change ONE criterion. Does your choice change?
Debate Prep – Write reasons why someone might disagree with you, and how you would respond.
Real-World Connection – How could adults use this process in their jobs? (Give 2 examples.)
Page updated
Report abuse