Grades 2–5
Plan B: Flexible Thinking
When Plan A falls through, think flexibly: write a Plan B for six letdowns, from a rainy picnic to a lost game.
SEL worksheet · Problem solving and decisions
SODAS Decision Maker
Use SODAS for a big decision: name the situation, list three options with their advantages and disadvantages, then choose a solution.
- Grade level
- Grades 4–5
- Time
- About 25 minutes
- Answer key
- Not needed: answers vary
- Kids practice
- Problem solving, Decision making, Thinking about consequences, Safety
What kids do
Printed on the sheet:
- SODAS helps you make a big decision: Situation, Options, Disadvantages, Advantages and Solution.
- S · Situation: What is the problem or decision?
- O, D, A · List three options and the good and bad things about each.
- Advantages (good things)
- Disadvantages (bad things)
- S · Solution: I choose… because…
Teacher tip
Model SODAS with a real decision, like what to do for a class reward.
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
- What could happen next if you made that choice?
- 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 3–5
Ask the Advice Column
Be the advice columnist: read three letters from kids with problems and write what they could do and your best advice.
Grades 2–4
Problem-Solving Word Search
Find twelve problem-solving words, like option, calm and fair, hidden across, down and on a slant, then use one in a tip.
Grades 2–5
Five Steps to Solve a Problem
Number the five problem-solving steps in order, then use them on a forgotten-homework problem.
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