Self-Leadership Skills Problem Solving and Flexible Thinking Grades 6-9

Problem solving and flexible thinking activities for grades 6–9 that help middle school students identify the real problem, think through choices, and choose a smart next step. This self-leadership resource is designed for teachers, counselors, and intervention staff who need practical worksheets and lesson materials for students who react quickly, shut down, or struggle when plans change.

Middle school students often struggle when something does not go as planned. A small setback can quickly turn into frustration, avoidance, blaming others, or giving up. Many students need direct support with identifying the actual problem, separating feelings from facts, thinking of more than one possible response, and adjusting when their first plan does not work. This resource gives educators a structured way to teach those skills in realistic school situations.

What Problem This Resource Solves

• Helps middle school students who struggle to identify the real problem instead of reacting only from emotion.
• Supports students who have trouble thinking through choices before they act.
• Helps students predict likely outcomes so they can make better decisions in school and social situations.
• Teaches students how to choose a helpful next step when they feel stuck, frustrated, or overwhelmed.
• Builds flexible thinking for students who struggle when plans change or things do not go their way.
• Supports self-regulation and problem-solving skills for students who react quickly, shut down, or make problems bigger with their response.
• Gives teachers a structured way to teach self-leadership, executive functioning, and responsible decision-making.
• Reduces teacher overwhelm by providing ready-to-use problem solving and flexible thinking activities for grades 6-9.

What’s Included

• Introduction pages
• Why this skill matters pages
• ADAPT strategy pages for problem solving and flexible thinking
• ADAPT poster/reference page
• Activities/ Worksheets
• Exit ticket
• Teacher answer keys and sample responses
• Teacher discussion support
• Teacher guide
• Teacher assessment table / rubric for progress monitoring

The files are in PDF format. You need to have an Adobe Reader or Pro to open the files.

Benefits for Teachers

• Saves planning time with ready-to-use problem solving and flexible thinking activities
• Gives clear structure for teaching self-leadership and executive functioning skills
• Supports classroom management by helping students respond more calmly to setbacks
• Includes teacher guide, discussion prompts, answer keys, and assessment support
• Works well for SEL, advisory, counseling groups, intervention, and study skills lessons
• Makes it easier to monitor student growth in decision-making, flexibility, and self-control

Benefits for Students

• Builds confidence in handling everyday school problems
• Helps students identify the real problem before reacting
• Strengthens flexible thinking and decision-making
• Improves emotional regulation during frustration and stress
• Encourages students to think through consequences and next steps
• Supports responsibility, independence, and reflection when plans change

When & How to Use

• Use during SEL lessons to teach problem solving and flexible thinking in a structured way.
• Use in advisory or homeroom to support self-leadership and responsible decision-making.
• Use in counseling groups to help students work through real-life school and peer challenges.
• Use during executive functioning or behavior support sessions for students who struggle with reactions, frustration, or changing plans.
• Use as a whole-group lesson, small-group intervention, or individual support resource.
• Teach the activities across several class periods or break them into shorter lessons as needed.
• Use the reflection pages, exit ticket, and rubric for progress monitoring and discussion.
• Teachers, counselors, interventionists, and support staff can all use this resource.

Problem solving and flexible thinking activities for grades 6-9 that help middle school students make better choices and handle setbacks.