Objective:
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to write a personal
narrative that details a difficult decision they have made,
considering the decision itself, the people involved, and the impact
of that decision on their lives.
A difficult decision and how you felt about it
Example: Career Change
Imagine someone who has been working in a stable job for several years, earning
a comfortable income but feeling unfulfilled and unhappy. They have a passion for
music, and they dream of becoming a professional musician. The difficult decision
they face is whether to leave the security of their current job and pursue their
dream of a music career.
This decision is challenging for several reasons:
Financial Security: The stable job provides financial security, including a regular
paycheck, health benefits, and retirement savings. Leaving this job would mean
facing financial uncertainty and possibly a lower income during the transition.
Family and Responsibilities: The individual may have a family to support and other
responsibilities. Their decision affects not only their life but also the well-being
of their loved ones.
Risk and Uncertainty: The music industry is highly competitive and unpredictable.
Success is not guaranteed, and pursuing a music career involves a significant risk.
Passion and Happiness: On the other hand, the individual's passion for music and
the desire for a fulfilling, creative career drive them to take the risk. They
believe that following their dream is the key to long-term happiness and personal
fulfillment.
Ultimately, this person faces a difficult decision: whether to remain in a stable
but unfulfilling job or take a risk to pursue their passion for music, potentially
leading to a more satisfying and meaningful life. This decision involves weighing
financial security against personal happiness and fulfillment.
"In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next
best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing." —
Theodore Roosevelt
"The biggest risk is not taking any risk. In a world that's changing quickly, the
only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks." — Mark Zuckerberg
"Life is the sum of all your choices." — Albert Camus
"You are the sum total of everything you've ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been
told, forgot - it's all there. Everything influences each of us, and because of that,
I try to make sure that my experiences are positive." — Maya Angelou
"The hardest thing about the road not taken is that you never know where it
might have led." — Lisa Wingate
Lesson Plan: Exploring Difficult Decisions Through Personal Stories
Objective: By the end of this lesson, students will be able to write a personal
narrative that details a difficult decision they have made, considering the decision
itself, the people involved, and the impact of that decision on their lives.
Duration: 1-2 class periods (adjustable based on class pace and the depth of
exploration desired)
Materials:
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Whiteboard and markers or a digital whiteboard for brainstorming and
discussion
Examples of personal narratives
Writing materials (notebooks, pens, or access to digital writing tools)
Lesson Outline:
I. Introduction (15 minutes)
1. Hook (5 minutes)
 Begin with a thought-provoking quote or short story related to
decision-making.
 Ask students if they have ever faced a difficult decision and how they
felt about it.
2. Objective Explanation (5 minutes)
 Clearly state the objective of the lesson: to write a personal narrative
about a difficult decision.
 Mention the key elements to be considered: the decision itself, the
people involved, and the impact on their lives.
3. Discussion (5 minutes)
 Engage students in a brief discussion about the significance of making
difficult decisions in life.
 Ask if they think writing about these experiences can be valuable.
II. Brainstorming and Outlining (20 minutes)
1. Brainstorming Session (10 minutes)
 Use the whiteboard or digital whiteboard to create a mind map.
 Encourage students to share their thoughts on a difficult decision
they've made, considering the three aspects: the decision, the people
involved, and the impact.
2. Peer Sharing (10 minutes)
 Have students share their thoughts and stories with a partner.
 Partners can offer feedback and suggestions on the clarity and
emotional depth of their narratives.
III. Crafting the Personal Narrative (30 minutes)
1. Guided Writing (20 minutes)
 Instruct students to begin writing their personal narratives.
 Emphasize the importance of setting the scene, describing the decision,
and conveying their emotions.
 Encourage them to include details about the people involved and the
effects or outcomes of their decision.
2. Teacher Assistance (10 minutes)
 Provide individual or group assistance as needed, addressing questions
or concerns students may have.
IV. Peer Review and Revision (20 minutes)
1. Peer Review (15 minutes)
 Students exchange narratives with a partner for peer review.
 Partners provide constructive feedback on content, structure, and
clarity.
2. Revision (5 minutes)
 After receiving feedback, students revise their narratives.
V. Sharing and Reflection (15 minutes)
1. Sharing (10 minutes)
 Invite volunteers to share their narratives with the class.
 Encourage discussion and questions after each presentation.
2. Reflection (5 minutes)
 Discuss the process of writing about difficult decisions and the value it
can have for personal growth and self-expression.
VI. Homework Assignment (5 minutes)
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Assign students to revise and finalize their narratives based on the feedback
received.
Ask them to be prepared to discuss the impact of sharing their stories in the
next class.
Assessment:
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Assessment will be based on the completeness and quality of the personal
narrative, as well as class participation during discussions and peer reviews.
Extension Activities:
1. Have students analyze the common themes and lessons learned from their
personal narratives.
2. Encourage them to consider how they can apply these lessons to future
decision-making.
3. Explore the power of storytelling in building empathy and connection by
discussing the narratives' impact on their peers and themselves.
By following this lesson plan, students will not only practice their writing skills but
also gain valuable insights into the decision-making process and its effects on their
lives. They'll also have the opportunity to share and learn from their peers'
experiences.