Grades 2–4
Needs or Wants?
Cut out twelve cards and glue each one under needs or wants, then explain one that was hard to decide.
SEL worksheet · Problem solving and decisions
Is It in My Control?
Sort twelve things into what I can control, like my effort and my words, and what I cannot, like the weather.
- Grade level
- Grades 2–5
- Time
- About 20 minutes
- Answer key
- Yes, page 2 of the PDF
- Kids practice
- Problem solving, Decision making, Thinking about consequences, Safety
What kids do
Printed on the sheet:
- When a problem worries you, look for the part you can control and put your energy there. Let the rest go.
- Write each one in the right box.
- I cannot control
- Something I worry about, and the part I can control:
Teacher tip
Draw a circle on the board: things I control go inside.
How to use it
- Use real (and safe) classroom problems as extra examples.
- Let kids share how they decided, not just what they picked.
- Use it during morning meeting or right after recess, when the topic is fresh.
Watch for
Some scenarios involve safety. Make sure every child knows which grown-ups to tell.
Talk about it
- Who could you ask for help?
- How might someone else see it differently?
Take it further
Act out a scenario two ways: one choice and then another.
US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.
More problem solving and decisions worksheets
Grades 3–5
Ways to Say No
When kids push you to make a bad choice, how can you say no? Circle the strongest way for six moments.
Grades 2–5
Smart Choices Online
Circle smart or not smart for ten things kids do on tablets, games and the internet, then write a family online rule.
Grades 2–5
Safe, Kind, Fair, Honest Check
Test four choices and one of your own with four questions: is it safe, kind, fair and honest?
Free for teachers
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