Think or React

This worksheet helps students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 develop emotional literacy and self-regulation by analyzing everyday social, school, and friendship scenarios. Students read short situations and a character’s response, then decide whether the behavior shows a thoughtful response or an impulsive reaction, strengthening awareness of emotional triggers, impulse control, and responsible decision-making.

Learning Goals

• Impulse Control & Self-Regulation (Grades 4-6) – Distinguish between calm, thoughtful responses and impulsive reactions.
• Emotional Awareness – Identify emotional triggers that influence behavior and communication.
• Decision-Making Skills – Evaluate how different responses affect outcomes and relationships.
• Categorizing Written Scenarios – Classify examples accurately using clear criteria and reasoning.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed to align with SEL and ELA standards.
• Clear Respond vs. React Framework – Provides an easy-to-understand structure for self-reflection.
• Realistic Situations – Includes examples from school, friendships, and everyday interactions.
• Flexible Use – Suitable for classroom SEL lessons, advisory periods, small groups, or homeschool learning.

This printable worksheet encourages students to slow down and reflect before acting by comparing impulsive reactions with self-regulated responses. By analyzing how choices affect communication and relationships, learners build stronger impulse control, emotional awareness, and responsible decision-making skills. Ideal for classroom and homeschool settings, this activity supports healthier behavior patterns, thoughtful communication, and long-term social-emotional growth.

This worksheet is part of our self-regulation in social settings worksheets collection.