Grades 2–5
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.
SEL worksheet · Problem solving and decisions
What Is the Best Choice?
Read six problem scenarios and circle the best choice for each one.
- 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:
- Circle the letter of the best choice.
- 1. You find a wallet on the playground.
- 2. You don’t understand the directions.
- 3. Your friend wants you to skip your chores to play.
Teacher tip
Let kids defend their choice. Sometimes there is more than one good answer.
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.
- Let kids choose to share or keep their answers private. Both are fine.
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 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.
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.
Free for teachers
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