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Developed by: Rebecca Rimmer
Level: 3-5
Let's Use Our Brains and Work Together!!

Standards Learning Expectations	This activity will help students acquire competencies which relate to the following standards: 2.0 Improve learning and achieve challenging goals. The learning expectations for this activity are to help students: 2.1 Apply critical thinking skills in learning situations. 2.4 Explore aptitudes and interests to learning.
General Approach	The general approach is that students will set goals as a group and be able to accomplish them through decision making and problem solving.
Activity Steps	The class will come up with a goal they want to accomplish as a group (for example: putting on a play for the rest of the grade level). Class will decide on roles for each member (for example: who will be actors/actresses? who will help direct play? who will handle costumes? sets? money/finances? who will be in charge of promotion?? After students have assigned roles, have a counselor-led discussion regarding the decision making process. Use the following "leads" and wait for their responses: *What was it like working as a group in the decision making process?* *What happened when there was disagreement? Could anything have been done differently?* *People have to make small steps often when they make decisions. What are some of the small steps we made?* *Sometimes people have to ask for assistance. Were there any times in the decision making process where you had to ask for help?* *How can we help each other to follow through with this goal? What kinds of skills do we need?* After goal has been accomplished, have a counselor led discussion. Use the following "leads" and wait for their responses: *How does it feel to have accomplished our goal?* *What did you like/not like about the process? What could have been changed?* *People often find that they start out in one role in the process but find that they really liked something else. What did you learn about your likes/dislikes?* *What was it like to work in a group? What was easy? What was hard? What skills did we use?*
Time required	This activity will vary in length according to goal. The decision making process can be done in the first session. There will need to be other sessions to check progress of goal. A final session should be held to discuss accomplishment of goal.
Resources Needed	Materials needed will be dependent on the type of goal the group chooses
Performance Indicators	Students will be able to: Utilize decision making skills Utilize problem solving skills Achieve challenging goals as a group and as individuals Identify own interests and aptitudes