# Accountability Scenarios Activity ## Overview This activity presents three detailed scenarios set in a school context that depict children making poor choices. The student will be asked to identify the problem in each scenario and suggest how the child can take accountability for their actions. This exercise is designed to spark critical thinking and personal reflection, allowing the student to relate the situations to their own experiences at school. ## Scenario 1: The Classroom Project Mishap ### Situation During a group project in class, Tommy was responsible for drawing a part of the poster. He was in a hurry and didn't follow the instructions properly. As a result, his part of the poster had mistakes that made the group project look messy. Instead of admitting his error, Tommy tried to cover it up by quickly drawing over it without asking for help or explaining what went wrong. ### Questions - What went wrong in this scenario?

- How could Tommy take accountability for his mistake?

## Scenario 2: The Missed Library Duty ### Situation Sara was assigned to help tidy up the classroom library during a free reading period. Instead of organizing the books and magazines as instructed, she got distracted by a fun story and ended up leaving the shelf in a disorganized state. When the teacher checked on the library later, it was clear that the books were not where they should be. Sara thought about it but didn't tell anyone what happened. ### Questions - What is the problem in this situation?

- How can Sara take accountability for not completing her library duty?

## Scenario 3: The Unshared Lunch Treat ### Situation Jacob brought a special treat for lunch that he was excited to eat. During lunch, one of his friends asked if they could try a piece, but Jacob quickly said no and even hid his treat so that no one would see it. Later, his teacher noticed that Jacob's behavior was making other students feel left out, and it disrupted the friendly atmosphere in the cafeteria. ### Questions - What made Jacob's choice a problem in this situation?

- What would be a good way for Jacob to take accountability and fix this issue?

## Activity Instructions 1. **Read through each scenario carefully.**

2. **Identify the main problem** in each situation. Consider what went wrong and why it might impact others at school.

3. **Discuss or write down** how the child in each scenario can take accountability for their actions and make a positive change, such as apologizing or offering to correct the mistake.

4. **Share your thoughts** with your teacher, explaining why you chose those responses and how accountability can help make things better at school.

## Follow-Up Points - Reflect on why taking accountability is important in everyday school situations.

- Think about times when you might have made a similar mistake in school and what you could do differently next time.

[Return to Lesson Plan](#taking-charge-lesson-plan)

Lesson Plan

Taking Charge: Owning Our Actions Lesson Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Preparation

Step 1

Introduction & Discussion

Step 2

Accountability Activity

Step 3

Wrap-Up

Activity

Taking Charge: Owning Our Actions

Ryan Holt Ph.D.