Lesson Plan

Safe Choices Lesson Plan

Students will learn to recognize risks and benefits in everyday scenarios and choose the safest option. By the end of the lesson, they will confidently weigh simple situations and make responsible decisions.

Developing early decision-making skills helps students stay safe and independent. This lesson builds CASEL’s responsible decision-making by teaching 1st graders to evaluate everyday risks on the playground and at home.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Review and Prepare Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Objective

5 minutes

Step 2

Discussion with Slides

10 minutes

Step 3

Role-Play Activity

8 minutes

Step 4

Independent Practice

5 minutes

Step 5

Cool-Down Exit Ticket

2 minutes

Slide Deck

Risky or Safe?

Welcome students! Today we will look at pictures and decide whether each choice is risky or safe. Encourage kids to share their thinking.

How to Think About Choices

Explain that when we make choices we can think: What could go wrong? What could go right? Then pick the safest option.

Scenario 1

Show the picture of a child running in the classroom. Ask: Why might this be risky? Prompt kids to mention slipping or bumping others.

Scenario 2

Picture: child wearing helmet and knee pads while riding a scooter. Ask: How does the helmet help? Lead to safe.

Scenario 3

Picture: child climbing to the top of a tall playground structure without adult help. Ask: What could happen if they fall? Guide toward risky.

Scenario 4

Picture: child sitting properly in a chair to reach a shelf. Ask: Why is this safer than standing on the chair?

Scenario 5

Picture: child walking around with scissors pointing forward. Ask: What could go wrong? Emphasize holding tools safely.

Great Job!

Summarize: remind students to think about risks and benefits before choosing. Praise their thoughtful answers.

Lesson Plan

Safe Choices Lesson Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Review and Prepare Materials

Step 1

Introduction & Objective

Step 2

Discussion with Slides

Step 3

Role-Play Activity

Step 4

Independent Practice

Step 5

Cool-Down Exit Ticket

Slide Deck

Risky or Safe?

How to Think About Choices

Scenario 1

Scenario 2

Scenario 3

Scenario 4

Scenario 5

Great Job!

Activity

Worksheet

Cool Down

What’s a Safe Choice?

Chinelle Andrews