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.
SEL worksheet · Problem solving and decisions
Needs or Wants?
Cut out twelve cards and glue each one under needs or wants, then explain one that was hard to decide.
- Grade level
- Grades 2–4
- 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:
- A need is something you must have to live and be healthy. A want is something nice to have that you can live without.
- Cut out the cards at the bottom. Glue each one in the right box.
- One that was hard to sort, and why:
Words on this sheet
NeedsWantsa homesleepsicka tableta video gamelight-upa toy robotwaterwarm clothesa pool partycandyhealthy food
Teacher tip
Talk about the tricky ones, like a coat (need) versus a fancy coat (want).
How to use it
- Talk through the first scenario as a class before kids work alone.
- Ask kids to think of at least two choices before picking one.
- Read scenarios aloud for younger kids and let them answer with a drawing.
Watch for
Some scenarios involve safety. Make sure every child knows which grown-ups to tell.
Talk about it
- Is there another choice no one thought of?
- Have you ever been in a moment like this? What happened?
Take it further
Write a class problem-solving chart and use it during real problems.
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 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?
Grades 3–5
Two Choices, Two Paths
Compare two choices side by side: what could happen, how you and others would feel and whether each one is safe and fair.
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