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Why Choice?
Why Choice?
Making decisions based on choices builds executive function skills and prepares students for making choices throughout life.
Making decisions based on choices builds executive function skills and prepares students for making choices throughout life.
It turns out that the part of the brain that handles executive function doesn't fully develop until about the age of 25! So skills such as reasoning and making decisions based on future consequences may not be very strong in those younger than 25.
It turns out that the part of the brain that handles executive function doesn't fully develop until about the age of 25! So skills such as reasoning and making decisions based on future consequences may not be very strong in those younger than 25.
Providing students with choices and discussing them will help develop that part of the brain!
Providing students with choices and discussing them will help develop that part of the brain!
Decision Making
Sometimes it seems easier to just make the decisions; but if you can pause to give students some choice, you can help them in more ways than you think.
Would you like hot dogs or pizza for dinner? (When you can offer up a choice, do! And if you have multiple children, have them take turns. As they are able, have them discuss and agree on a choice . . . but that can take time!)
Let students select their clothes for school; younger students may need to be given a choice of two outfits.
Would you rather read your book to me or read alone?
Download the tool below to support your student in setting a goal and making decisions that will bring that goal to life!
Goal-Setting
Encourage children to set personal goals and track their progress, promoting self-directed learning. This may include:
Homework
Trying new foods
Hobbies
Meeting new friends
Reading
Outside activities
Learn more here about the power of goal setting!
Learn more here about the power of goal setting!
MBK choice.mp4If...Then Goal Setting Decisions.pdfChore Allocation
Instead of assigning chores arbitrarily, involve children in the process of allocating household tasks. Create a chore chart together and let them choose which chores they would like to take on based on their interests and abilities. This fosters a sense of responsibility and accountability.
Future Planning
Have students think ahead! Seeing future outcomes in light of actions taken today is a powerful skill to learn from a young age. The future can be later today or later in life.
For older students, get them thinking about choices they can make to set future goals:
Next year, do you think you'd like to take French, Italian, or Spanish, and why?
Would you rather be in the band or the orchestra?
For younger students, have them plan out the afternoon or the next day:
Tomorrow after school, would you rather go to the park or stay home and watch a TV show?
Would you like to invite a friend for dinner on Saturday or not?
Supporting Their Choices
Get students thinking about choices and their reasoning for the choices they make. The choices can be fun! After all, it's not about making the right choice; it's about giving their brains practice with making choices and explaining why they made that choice.
If you weren't human, would you rather be a squirrel or an ant? Why?
Would you rather be a famous musician or an astronaut? Why?
Menu Planning
Involve children in weekly meal planning by creating a list of meal options together. Allow them to choose one or two meals they'd like to have during the week. This not only gives them a sense of ownership over their food choices, but also teaches them about nutrition and meal preparation.
Organizing Personal Space
Let children have a say in how they decorate and organize their personal space, such as their bedroom or study area. Allow them to choose the colors, posters, or organizational tools they prefer, within reason. This gives them a sense of ownership and responsibility for their environment.
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