Unit 2: Choices

In this unit, children discuss their likes and dislikes and the difference between right and wrong. They develop decision-making skills, explore the influences on the choices they make, and practise resisting peer influence. They consider rights and responsibilities when making decisions. The unit highlights the use of knowledge and skills to make informed and responsible personal choices and to consider the effect of those choices on other people and the environment. Children apply what they have learnt in a variety of contexts.

Vocabulary

Through the activities in this unit, children will be able to understand, use and spell correctly words relating to decision-making, eg dilemma, conflict, pressure, influence, option, alternative, consequence, choice, responsibility

Preparing to play an active role as citizens

Key stage 1:

Pupils should be taught:

2a to take part in discussions with one other person and the whole class

2c to recognise choices they can make, and recognise the difference between right and wrong

Key stage 2

Pupils should be taught:

2a to research, discuss and debate topical issues, problems and events

2e to reflect on spiritual, moral, social and cultural issues, using imagination to understand other people’s experiences

2f to resolve differences by looking at alternatives, making decisions and explaining choices

2j that resources can be allocated in different ways and that these economic choices affect individuals, communities and the sustainability of the environment

Expectations

At the end of this unit most children [will] realise that they usually have several alternatives when making decisions. They take time to consider their options and begin to assess the consequences of their decisions. They know what they like and dislike and what is right and wrong. They are aware of peer, family and media pressure in certain circumstances. They make reasoned decisions and justify their choices. They cope with an increasing number of alternatives.

What kinds of decisions do I make?

• to recognise that they can make choices

• the difference between right and wrong

• what they like and dislike

• what is fair and unfair

• to share their opinions on matters that are important to them

• to take part in discussions with one other person and the whole class

• to resolve differences by looking at alternatives, making decisions and explaining choices

How do I make decisions?

• about strategies for making informed decisions

• to consider alternatives, make decisions and explain their choices

• about rights and responsibilities when making decisions

What influences our choices?

• about different influences that can affect choices

• to discuss their views and communicate with others

• that pressure to behave in an unacceptable way can come from a variety of sources, including people they know

• that peer influence can be positive as well as negative

• about different types of advert

• that our resources are limited and we need to make choices

• to understand that text on the same topic may contain different information, and to distinguish between fact and opinion

• to evaluate how the media present information to their target audience

How do we make informed choices in our everyday lives?

• how choices affect us, other people and the environment

• to investigate and consider alternatives when making an informed choice

• about the responsibility involved in making choices

 

See also PSHE Knowledge, skills and understanding