Some Choices Can Wait: Preschool Social Studies

This choices and their purposes worksheet asks children to choose an item that fits the particular purpose described in the story. The friend needs water now. The friend can play with a new toy another time. The illustrated activity includes two prompts and a conversation starter. Read the situation together, then look at the details named in the instructions before choosing, drawing, tracing, or explaining a response. An adult can read the words aloud so the child can concentrate on the idea being explored.

The first prompt is: Circle the first choice for this situation. The second asks: Tell what could wait and why. Take the prompts in that order, giving the child time to point out the relevant part of the scene or explain a choice. Ask what they noticed before offering your own example, and connect any mark on the page with its meaning.

Read the situation before discussing which object to choose. Water fits a need for a drink, while a drum fits making music; the useful choice depends on the stated purpose. Ask the child why an item fits this situation instead of labeling every plaything as an unimportant choice. Pointing and a short spoken reason can show the reasoning. The conversation starter continues the activity: Explain your idea. Listen to someone else's idea.

Find more activities at this level in Preschool Social Studies Adventures. For another activity on the same topic, explore choices and their purposes printables. Use the page during a short conversation at home or in a small group. Finish by asking the child to explain one observation or decision in their own words; a specific example is more useful than repeating a rule without a reason.