Critical Thinking Handouts (by date, latest first)

Unlocking Logic: 20 Engaging Puzzles for Grades 5–8 is a fun and challenging collection of brain teasers designed to boost critical thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving skills in middle school students. This ebook features 20 diverse puzzles, including number patterns, riddles, code-breaking, magic squares, logic grids, spatial reasoning, and more. Each puzzle is crafted to spark curiosity and encourage creative thinking, making it perfect for classroom use, homework, enrichment, or early finishers.

The puzzles vary in difficulty and style to engage a wide range of learners and support flexible use across grades 5–8. Students are encouraged to work individually or in pairs, explore multiple strategies, and build resilience through thoughtful problem-solving. A full answer key is provided to support self-checking and guided discussion.

Whether you're a teacher looking to inspire your class or a parent wanting to support logical thinking at home, this ebook is the perfect companion for building sharp minds—one puzzle at a time!

Create a meaningful bulletin board with the "We All Fit Together" puzzle piece template! This engaging resource includes customizable puzzle pieces where students can write or draw how they show kindness. Perfect for social-emotional learning, teamwork, and creating a sense of classroom community.

Everything included:

• Customizable Puzzle Piece templates: Printable blank puzzle pieces for each student to decorate with their kindness messages or drawings.
• Lesson Plan: A detailed, step-by-step guide for teaching kindness and using the puzzle pieces in a creative activity. (Objectives and assessment)
• Bulletin Board Display Template: Instructions and ideas for assembling the puzzle pieces into a collaborative bulletin board display.

If you like this resource, be sure to check out our other activities!

⭐️Puzzle piece template

⭐️Puzzle piece template | We all fit together puzzle heart

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Need social skills activities for elementary students that promote social-emotional learning and teach emotional regulation skills? Look no further; here are 130+ diverse resources designed to help you address student concerns and take your elementary school counseling program to the next level!

Download the entire Mrs. Bell The Crafty Counselor store! It's filled with creative, highly engaging lessons, games, and activities geared toward supporting the social-emotional learning and personal growth of your students. Have access to over 140 (and growing) diverse resources now!

This school counseling curriculum storewide bundle currently contains over 130 crafty lessons & activities that will support your student’s academic, personal, and social-emotional needs. The included social skills activities and games will help children learn emotional regulation skills, coping strategies, anger management strategies & SO MUCH MORE!

These activities are ideal for individual counseling sessions, small group counseling curriculums, classroom guidance lessons, teacher use in the classroom, and calm down corners…the list of possible uses for these resources is never-ending!

This is a growing bundle that currently includes all of Mrs. Bell The Crafty Counselor’s products at a very steep 50% discount. As a growing bundle, it means that the price will increase each time that I add a new product until I reach TeachShare’s 400-paid products cap for a bundle listing. Once the maximum of 400 products has been reached, no more resources will be added to this bundle, and it will no longer be considered a growing bundle. 

Buy today! *Have access to up to 400 products in the future! 

Included are creative counseling lessons, SEL activities, and self-regulation resources for busy educators. This is your one-stop spot for counselors and teachers looking for creative, interactive SEL resources for students.

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Copyright © Mrs. Bell The Crafty Counselor. All rights reserved by the author. This product is to be used by the original downloader only. Copying for more than one user is prohibited.

*There is no guarantee that 400 products will be added to the Mrs. Bell The Crafty Counselor Store or to this bundle.

Teach students different social skills, calming strategies, and coping skills with these no-cut, low prep, flipbooks!

Save time on prep, giving you more time to teach students vital social-emotional skills and strategies. 

Students will learn how to:

• manage big emotions
• display empathy for others
• repair a friendship
• practice various social skills
• maintain friendships
• change a fixed mindset
• what to do with worry
• cope with divorce and family changes
• have school attendance success
• use self-regulation tools to reflect on their behavior
• use countless calm down skills
• use various coping skills
• use numerous calming strategies

Included in this bundle are nine of my best-selling flipbooks!

Included in Download:

• Calm Down Anger Control Flipbook

• Empathy Flipbook

• Friendship Flipbook (girl drama, peer mediation)

• Growth vs. Fixed Mindset Flipbook

• Managing Worry Flipbook

• Divorce Flipbook

• Attendance Success Flipbook

• Reflect and Regulate Think Time Flipbook

• Calm Down Secret Compartment Flipbook

Please click the preview for more details and final product images. 

Mrs. Bell

The Crafty Counselor

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You May Also Like:

• Anger Bundle

• Behavior Cards Bundle

• Get-To-Know-Me Icebreaker Bundle

• Interactive Books Bundle Pack

Copyright © Mrs. Bell The Crafty Counselor. All rights reserved by the author. This product is to be used by the original downloader only. Copying for more than one user is prohibited. This product may not be distributed or displayed digitally for public view. Failure to comply is a copyright infringement and a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Clipart and elements found in this PDF are copyrighted and cannot be extracted and used outside of this file without permission or license. See product file for clip-art and font credits.

Empower your students to have empathy, compassion, the ability to take the perspective of others, and to understand that people often have different perspectives of the same event with these social skills building and empathy activities.

Encourage students to put themselves in someone else’s shoes to better understand how they are feeling with the included empathy and social skills building activities. Assembly is a breeze thanks to the no-cut, fold, and staple design of this printable. 

Included in this download is ONE “Walk a Mile in Their Shoes - Empathy Building Activities” Flipbook. 

This empathy and perspective-taking skill builder activity challenge students to:

• think about varying emotions
• evaluate the impact their actions may have on others
• identify what they can do to help others
• use empathy to see situations from various points of view

Other Educators Like You Said:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Jackie G. says, “This fits with our social emotional curriculum. Love it.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Kristin C. says, “This flip book has A LOT of content. You could easily get two lessons out of one book. Thank you!”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Sara L. says, “Love these flipbooks! They are such a fun resource and really get the students to think about the concepts!”

Click the preview for more details and images of these social skill builders and empathy activities! 

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You May Also Like:

• Coping with Pet Loss and Grief
• Tease Monster Julia Cook Book Companion 
• Divorce and Family Changes 

These empathy activities are copyright © Mrs. Bell The Crafty Counselor. All rights reserved by the author. This product is to be used by the original downloader only. Copying for more than one user is prohibited.

10 themed handouts/worksheets for students to color objects that belong in scenes. Students choose and mark one item that does not belong in each scene. Includes: Scene to color: Does not belong in scene: Beach scene Snowman Fall scene Rabbit in airplane School scene Duck Mountain scene Cup and saucer House scene Ship Football scene Gingerbread man Pirate scene Igloo Snowman scene Campfire Ballet scene Soccer ball Western desert scene Snowflake Directions Answers Help students discuss, understand, and assess category skills. Fun and educational!

Get students thinking about test taking tips and strategies for being successful on that important day! This 20 page, critical thinking, emotional intelligence handout packet comes with boy and girl images, and it includes: --no facial expressions so students can fill these in --coloring images --emotional intelligence questions such as: eating a good breakfast and plan your menu be on time find a comfortable chair and desk stress meter following directions pace yourself don't rush (acrostic poem) stay focused check your answers find something fun to do after the test Students practice listing, peer group cooperative activity, fill in answers, etc... Great way to reinforce being mentally and physically ready for Testing Day!

Trapped in a snowstorm in a dangerous mountain pass, students use character traits to debate and give rationals to win the only two seats in the wagon. Students create avatars with this 22 page handout based on character traits and character flaws. Uses social skills combined with ELA skills to practice compare and contrast, fact-based arguments and persuasion. Includes:

Directions

Character Trait List with Definition

Character Flaw List with Definition

12 Western themed Male Avatars

12 Western themed Female Avatars

Wagon, Ho! Scenario

Group Chart with Note Taking section

Character Reflection Sheet

Extra Resources

Optional Writing, Project, and Video Assignments

Excellent for small/whole group, whether at-risk/GT/AP, that uses character traits and fact-based evidence/proof to practice decision making processes and expository writings.

Students create avatars with this 22 page handout is based on character traits and character flaws. Students debate for a seat on a lifeboat to survive a luxury cruise shipwreck. Uses social skills combined with ELA skills to practice compare and contrast, fact-based arguments and persuasion. Includes:

Directions

Character Trait List with Definition

Character Flaw List with Definition

12 Male Avatars

12 Female Avatars

Lifeboat Scenario

Group Chart with Note Taking section

Character Reflection Sheet

Extra Resources

Optional Writing, Project, and Video Assignments

Excellent for small/whole group, whether at-risk/GT/AP, that uses character traits and fact-based evidence/proof to practice decision making processes and expository writings.

Improve your students growth mindset with this easy to print coloring in templates with the most adorable monster images. This pack offers 18 printable worksheets for your PreK, Kindergarten or First/Second year students. These worksheets are a valuable resource for cultivating self-belief, embracing challenges & fostering a growth-oriented mindset. Empower your students to conquer any obstacle with the help of these lovable monsters and their uplifting messages.

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Your feedback is important to me. If you find this Growth Mindset Pack helpful, please take a moment to leave a rating and review. Your input allows me to continue creating high-quality resources and make improvements where needed. Plus, by rating paid products, you can earn valuable TeachShare credits to use towards future purchases. To leave a review, simply visit your My Purchases page and click on the provided link. Your support through purchases, ratings, and following my store is greatly appreciated. Thank you, and happy shopping.

Foster a classroom culture of positivity, resilience and growth with this Roll and Reflect with 36 Growth Mindset Questions. This engaging growth mindset activity is designed to empower your students to develop a growth mindset and embrace challenges with confidence. These questions can be used during morning meetings, as a brain break or incorporated into your growth mindset lessons. Inside this pack you will find 6 unique worksheets, each with 6 thought-provoking growth mindset reflection questions. With a total of 36 questions your students will have a wealth of opportunities to explore their mindset and develop a positive outlook on learning. The printable pack includes both black and color versions, allowing you to choose the perfect style to match your classroom decor. It's UK and US English friendly. The Roll and Reflect activity is simple and fun. Your students take turns rolling the dice and answering the corresponding growth mindset question. As they share their thoughts and experiences, they will discover the power of perseverance, determination and the value of embracing mistakes as learning opportunities. Promote essential social-emotional skills and critical thinking.

Click this link to view more Growth Mindset resources.

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Your feedback is important to me. If you find this Roll and Reflect Growth Mindset Questions Pack helpful, please take a moment to leave a rating and review. Your input allows me to continue creating high-quality resources and make improvements where needed. Plus, by rating paid products, you can earn valuable TeachShare credits to use towards future purchases. To leave a review, simply visit your My Purchases page and click on the provided link. I sincerely hope that you are happy with your purchase and find it deserving of a 5-star rating. However, if you have any concerns or suggestions for improvement, please feel free to reach out to me. Please send me a question or comment by clicking this link and I will do my utmost best to improve my product. Your support through purchases, ratings, and following my store is greatly appreciated. Thank you, and happy shopping.

Create a classroom filled with positivity, kindness, and support with this fun and engaging Roll and Encourage Growth Mindset pack. This resource is thoughtfully designed to inspire a warm and uplifting learning environment for your students. The kindness activities pack includes 6 dynamic worksheets, available in both vibrant color and printer-friendly black and white versions, ensuring flexibility and cost-effectiveness in your classroom. With this printable pack you'll empower your students to embrace kindness, empathy, and a growth mindset, creating a joyful and supportive learning environment that enhances their overall development. Elevate your classroom culture with this easy-to-use, creative, and impactful teacher resource that will inspire your young learners to be compassionate, confident, and caring individuals.

Key Features:

• Multiple Worksheets: Each worksheet presents unique tasks that encourage students to roll the dice and share words of encouragement, positive affirmations, and kindness with their fellow classmates.
• Laminate for Durability: With the option to laminate the worksheets, this product becomes a reusable and long-lasting addition to your classroom activities.
• Dice Template Included: A dice template is provided for easy and convenient classroom use, ensuring hassle-free implementation of this interactive activity.
• Writing Template: Encourage students to reflect and write about their positive experiences with our included writing template, fostering self-awareness and mindfulness.
• Inspire Growth Mindset: Our Roll and Encourage questions align with growth mindset principles, empowering students to support each other's growth and development.

Ways to Use:

• Morning Energizer: Start the day positively with a roll and share activity during morning meetings.
• Classroom Community Builder: Foster a strong sense of community and camaraderie during circle time or group discussions.
• Brain Break Fun: Use as a refreshing brain break to recharge students and promote positive interactions.
• Positive Reinforcement: Reward positive behavior and acts of kindness with a chance to participate in this inspiring activity.
• Weekly Journals: Incorporate the questions in students' journals for weekly reflections on their learning experiences.

Click this link to view more Growth Mindset resources.

Click here for some awesome Back To School resources in my store.

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Your feedback is important to me. If you find this Roll and Encourage Growth Mindset Questions Pack helpful, please take a moment to leave a rating and review. Your input allows me to continue creating high-quality resources and make improvements where needed. Plus, by rating paid products, you can earn valuable TeachShare credits to use towards future purchases. To leave a review, simply visit your My Purchases page and click on the provided link. I sincerely hope that you are happy with your purchase and find it deserving of a 5-star rating. However, if you have any concerns or suggestions for improvement, please feel free to reach out to me. Please send me a question or comment by clicking this link and I will do my utmost best to improve my product. Your support through purchases, ratings, and following my store is greatly appreciated. Thank you, and happy shopping.

Turkey Mystery Picture Puzzles Activities

Engage your students this Thanksgiving with fun, interactive picture puzzles that reinforce addition and subtraction skills! This Thanksgiving-themed resource includes a variety of puzzles where students solve math problems to reveal hidden images. Perfect for practicing addition and subtraction fluency, these puzzles are ideal for centers, early finishers, homework, or seasonal math activities.

In this delightful set, you'll find 10 engaging puzzles in color and B&W options:

• Puzzle # 1: Addition To 10
• Puzzle #2: Subtraction Within 10
• Puzzle #3: Addition To 20
• Puzzle #4: Subtraction Within 20
• Puzzle #5: Add and Subtract within 20 (Mixed Review)
• Puzzle #6: 2 Digit Addition
• Puzzle #7: 2 Digit Subtraction
• Puzzle #8: Add and Subtract 2 Digit (Mixed Review)
• Puzzle #9: 3 Digit Addition
• Puzzle #10: 3 Digit Subtraction

Make math festive this Thanksgiving while helping students build confidence in their skills! Great for grades K-2, but can be easily adapted for other grade levels as needed.

May you like to explore our Thanksgiving resources

I hope my products bring value to you and that your kids find joy in them as well! Your feedback means the world to me, so if you could take a moment to leave a comment, it would truly make my day. Knowing that I'm able to spread happiness means everything to me. :)❤️

Need to help your students learn to take notes and a way for you as the instruction to understand what they understood and what they need help with?

This is a great organizer that students can use to evaluate what they understand and what they need help with.

Une histoire, deux regards : Explorer la subjectivité et l'empathie à travers des récits à double perspective

Description :

Plongez dans l'univers de la subjectivité et de l'empathie avec "Une histoire, deux regards", un recueil unique de huit nouvelles, chacune racontée selon deux points de vue opposés. Conçu pour les élèves de 5e à 4e, cet outil invite les lecteurs à examiner des situations familières sous différents angles, favorisant ainsi la compréhension, la compassion et l'esprit critique.

Chaque histoire met en scène deux personnages distincts, comme le nouvel élève timide et le pitre turbulent de la classe, ou encore l'athlète déterminé et l'artiste passionné. En présentant les deux perspectives côte à côte, ces récits invitent les élèves à se mettre à la place de chaque personnage, à explorer ses pensées, ses sentiments et ses motivations. Au fil des histoires, ils développeront une meilleure compréhension du rôle que la personnalité, les priorités et les expériences de vie jouent dans la perception du monde.

Mais l'apprentissage ne s'arrête pas aux histoires elles-mêmes ! Cette ressource complète comprend également 20 activités et questions de discussion stimulantes, offrant aux enseignants une multitude d'outils pour approfondir les leçons d'empathie et de prise de perspective. De l'analyse comparative aux exercices d'écriture, en passant par les jeux de rôle et les liens avec le monde réel, ces activités sont conçues pour aider les élèves à intérioriser les messages des histoires et à les appliquer à leur propre vie.

Points forts de "Une histoire, deux regards" :

• 8 nouvelles captivantes, chacune racontée selon deux points de vue opposés
• Encourage l'empathie, l'esprit critique et l'appréciation de la diversité des points de vue
• Inclut 20 activités et questions de discussion pour une exploration plus approfondie
• Adaptable à différents contextes de classe et styles d'apprentissage

En explorant ces récits à double perspective et en participant aux activités qui les accompagnent, les élèves :

• Développeront une compréhension plus profonde de l'empathie et de la subjectivité
• Reconnaîtront l'importance de prendre en compte des points de vue multiples
• Renforceront leur esprit critique et leurs capacités d'analyse
• Amélioreront leurs compétences de communication écrite et orale
• Favoriseront une communauté scolaire plus bienveillante et inclusive

"Une histoire, deux regards" est un outil indispensable pour tout enseignant souhaitant promouvoir l'apprentissage socio-émotionnel, l'éducation au caractère et le développement des compétences du XXIe siècle. Téléchargez-le dès maintenant et observez vos élèves devenir des individus plus compréhensifs, empathiques et ouverts d'esprit !

This resource is aimed at 7th to 10th grade.

The political landscape in the United States is deeply polarized, with Republicans and Democrats often having starkly different positions on many issues. 

Here are ten hot contentious topics that hav been prominent in the political discourse. These topics are highly dynamic, and the positions associated with each party can evolve over time, influenced by current events, leadership changes, and public opinion. Always consult the most recent sources for the latest information on these and other political issues.

Each issue has further been divided into two short stories, or rather scenarios, one from the perspective of a democrat, and one from the perspective of a republican.

Finally, there are sets of questions that probe each scenario and dig deeper into the issues and perspectives.

The topics covered are:

Gun control

Abortion

Healthcare reform

Climate change & environmental policy

Tax policy

Immigration

Economic inequality & social welfare

Education

LGBTQ+ Rights

Voting rights and electoral integrity

One Story, Two Perspectives: Exploring Subjectivity and Empathy through Dual-Perspective Narratives 5-8

Description:

Dive into the world of subjectivity and empathy with "1 Story, 2 Perspectives," a unique collection of eight short stories, each told from two contrasting viewpoints. Designed for students in grades 5-8, this resource encourages readers to examine familiar scenarios through different lenses, fostering understanding, compassion, and critical thinking skills.

Each story features two distinct characters, such as the shy new kid and the boisterous class clown, or the driven athlete and the passionate artist. By presenting both perspectives side by side, these narratives invite students to step into the shoes of each character, exploring their thoughts, feelings, and motivations. As students engage with the stories, they'll develop a deeper appreciation for the role that personality, priorities, and life experiences play in shaping one's perception of the world.

But the learning doesn't stop with the stories themselves! This comprehensive resource also includes 20 thought-provoking activities and discussion questions, providing educators with a wealth of tools for extending the lessons of empathy and perspective-taking. From comparative analysis and writing prompts to role-playing exercises and real-world connections, these activities are designed to help students internalize the stories' messages and apply them to their own lives.

Key features of "1 Story, 2 Perspectives":

• 8 engaging short stories, each told from two contrasting viewpoints
• Suitable for students in grades 5-8
• Encourages empathy, critical thinking, and appreciation for diverse perspectives
• Includes 20 activities and discussion questions for deeper exploration
• Adaptable for various classroom settings and learning styles
• Aligns with Common Core Standards for English Language Arts

By exploring these dual-perspective narratives and engaging in the accompanying activities, students will:

• Develop a deeper understanding of empathy and subjectivity
• Recognize the importance of considering multiple viewpoints
• Strengthen critical thinking and analysis skills
• Improve written and verbal communication abilities
• Foster a more compassionate and inclusive classroom community

"One Story, Two Perspectives" is a must-have resource for any educator looking to promote social-emotional learning, character education, and the development of 21st-century skills. Download now and watch as your students grow into more understanding, empathetic, and open-minded individuals!

This engaging and educational resource is perfect for young learners (grades 1-3) to discover the magic of fall! The Fall Adventure Pack is packed with interactive activities that will captivate students as they learn about the changing seasons.

What's Inside:

• Fall Science: Fun, easy-to-understand lessons about the life cycle of trees, animal hibernation, and the water cycle.

• Identifying Leaves: A colorful visual guide to common fall leaves with fun facts and an outdoor leaf hunt challenge.

• Fall Weather: Learn about weather changes, shorter days, and cloud formations with a simple graph and weather symbols.

• Word Search & Crossword Puzzles: Fall-themed word puzzles to reinforce important vocabulary in a fun and engaging way.

• Fall Weather Journal: A daily journal for students to track the weather, helping them observe and understand the impact of fall on the environment.

This product is perfect for classrooms, homeschooling, or fun seasonal activities at home. Spark curiosity and inspire learning as kids explore the wonders of fall!

Check out this fun and educational Fall Fun Sampler: Explore Leaves, and Autumn Activities! This free sample gives you a glimpse into the activities that will inspire young learners this season.

What's Included in the Free Sample:

• A colorful page of the Leaf Identification Guide to help kids identify fall leaves.

• A fun Fall Word Search puzzle that reinforces seasonal vocabulary like "leaves," "autumn," and "clouds."

This free sample will give you a glimpse into the exciting full product that's perfect for classroom activities or homeschooling.

Want More?

If you enjoyed the sample, you'll love the full Fall Adventure Pack: Explore Nature, Weather, and Fun Activities!

which includes:

• The complete Leaf Identification Guide

• Word Search and Crossword Puzzles

• Fall Science Lessons on Trees, Hibernation, and Weather

• The Complete 7-Day Fall Weather Journal, and more!

Unlock the power of assertive communication with our comprehensive Assertiveness Training program, specially designed for teens and adults. This engaging and interactive resource includes a detailed PowerPoint presentation and a complementary handout, offering practical exercises and strategies to help learners develop and practice assertiveness in various situations.

What's Included:

1. PowerPoint Presentation: An informative and visually appealing PowerPoint that covers the fundamentals of assertiveness. Each slide is designed to educate and engage learners, featuring key concepts, real-life examples, and interactive exercises.
2. Interactive Exercises: Embedded within the PowerPoint are exercises that encourage active participation and practical application of assertiveness techniques. These exercises are designed to build confidence and reinforce learning through practice.
3. Handout: A comprehensive handout that summarizes key points from the presentation. This handout serves as a valuable reference tool for learners to review and practice assertiveness techniques on their own.

Empower teens and adults to communicate with confidence and clarity through our Assertiveness Training program. Download today to foster a culture of respect, self-assurance, and effective communication!