Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 6

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Define 'consequence' and know the difference between positive and negative ones.
• Identify factors that influence your decisions.
• Evaluate the possible consequences of a choice.
• Make a responsible choice based on your evaluation.
• Explain how responsible choices lead to a healthy life.

Lesson summary

This week's topic focuses on making responsible choices and understanding the consequences, both positive and negative, that result from our actions. In South Africa, where learners often face complex social and economic pressures, it's crucial to develop the ability to make informed decisions that consider the potential impact on themselves, their families, and their communities. This skill is vital for navigating everyday situations, resisting negative peer pressure, and achieving personal success. Learning to assess consequences helps Grade 6 learners become responsible citizens who contribute positively to South African society.

Lesson notes

What is a Consequence? A consequence is the result or effect of an action or decision. Every choice we make has a consequence, whether we realize it or not. Consequences can be positive or negative.

Positive Consequences: These are the good things that happen as a result of a responsible choice. They can lead to benefits, rewards, or desirable outcomes.

Negative Consequences: These are the bad things that happen as a result of an irresponsible or poor choice. They can lead to harm, punishment, or undesirable outcomes.

Factors Influencing Decision-Making: Many factors influence the choices we make. Understanding these factors can help us make more responsible decisions.

Peer Pressure: This is the influence that your friends or classmates have on you. It can be positive (encouraging you to study) or negative (pressuring you to skip school).

Emotions: Our feelings can sometimes cloud our judgment. For example, if you are angry, you might make a decision you later regret.

Values: These are the beliefs and principles that are important to you. For example, if honesty is important to you, you are less likely to cheat on a test.

Information: Having accurate and complete information about a situation is crucial for making a good decision.

Past Experiences: What happened in the past can influence your choices today. If you failed a test because you didn't study, you are more likely to study for the next one.

Family and Community Values: The values taught by your family and the broader community significantly influence your choices. For example, the emphasis on respect for elders in many South African communities can lead to decisions that uphold this value.

Evaluating Consequences: Before making a decision, it's essential to consider the potential consequences.

Ask yourself: What might happen if I choose to do this? Who will be affected by my decision? Are the potential consequences positive or negative? What are the long-term consequences of my decision?

Example 1: Skipping School to Play Soccer Let's say Sipho is tempted to skip school to play soccer with his friends.

Choice: Skip school.

Possible Positive Consequences: Having fun playing soccer, feeling accepted by friends.

Possible Negative Consequences: Missing important lessons, getting in trouble with teachers and parents, falling behind in schoolwork, potentially affecting future job prospects.

Responsible Choice: Even though playing soccer is fun, the negative consequences of missing school outweigh the positive. Sipho should go to school and play soccer after school or on the weekend.

Example 2: Borrowing Money from a Friend Thandi wants to buy a new soccer ball but doesn't have enough money. Her friend offers to lend her the money.

Choice: Borrow money from a friend.

Possible Positive Consequences: Getting the soccer ball she wants, feeling happy.

Possible Negative Consequences: Having to pay back the money, potentially damaging the friendship if she can't repay it on time, feeling stressed about owing money.

Responsible Choice: Thandi should consider whether she can realistically repay the loan within the agreed-upon timeframe. If not, she should consider other options, such as saving up or asking her parents for help. She should also discuss repayment terms clearly with her friend beforehand.

Example 3: Disrespecting an Elder A grandmother is asking her Grandson to do the dishes. He's busy playing video games and disrespects her.

Choice: Disrespecting an Elder Possible Positive Consequences: Staying playing video games.

Possible Negative Consequences: Hurting the grandmothers feelings, disappointing family, being punished.

Responsible Choice: Stop playing the game and respectfully doing the dishes. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: You are invited to a party at a friend's house, but you know there will be no adults present. Your parents have told you not to go to parties without adult supervision. What are the possible consequences of going to the party?

Solution: Possible Positive Consequences: Having fun with friends, feeling popular.

Possible Negative Consequences: Disobeying parents, potentially getting into trouble if something goes wrong (e.g., someone gets hurt, something gets broken), potential for risky behavior (e.g., drinking alcohol, drug use).

Commentary: This question encourages learners to think about both immediate and potential long-term consequences. It also touches on the importance of respecting parental rules.

Question 2: Your friend offers you a cigarette behind the school. You know that smoking is bad for your health. What are the possible consequences of accepting the cigarette?

Solution: Possible Positive Consequences: Feeling accepted by your friend (but this is a false positive - true friends wouldn't pressure you).

Possible Negative Consequences: Harming your health (e.g., lung damage, addiction), getting caught by teachers or parents, setting a bad example for others, wasting money.