Turkey Trouble | SEL Activities for Perseverance & Problem-Solving | K-2

Think Like Turkey! Perseverance & Problem-Solving SEL Lesson for K–2

Looking for a fun, hands-on way to teach perseverance and flexible thinking?

This turkey-themed SEL lesson helps students learn how to keep trying, problem-solve, and bounce back when things don’t go their way!

With story hooks, role-play, and engaging visuals, your students will love helping Tom the Turkey get his feathers back while practicing real-life “keep trying” skills.

What’s Included:

• Lesson Plan Aligned with SEL Standards: Ready-to-use and designed to teach perseverance, problem-solving, and flexible thinking in a kid-friendly way.
• Hands-On & Interactive Activities:
• Turkey Feather Sort – Students help Tom the Turkey find his “Keep Trying” feathers and sort out the “Give Up” ones.
• Turkey Try-Again Cards (Role-Play) – Partners act out common classroom problems and practice what a “Turkey Problem-Solver” could do.
• Turkey Visual – Use as a class mascot or helper; students can “ask Turkey” for ideas when they get stuck.
• My Turkey Grit Moment – Students draw and write about a time they didn’t give up: “I didn’t give up!”
• Turkey’s Plan Worksheet – Illustrate Turkey’s disguise ideas that didn’t work… and one that did!
• Fix-It Feathers Sorting Game – Match everyday problems to positive, “keep trying” solutions.
• Turkey’s Toolbox Worksheet – Brainstorm tools and strategies (like deep breaths or asking for help) that help students persevere.
• Think Like Turkey! Board Game – A fun, flexible thinking game where players solve real-life problems and help Turkey reach the barn.
• Discussion Prompts: Meaningful questions that connect perseverance to students’ everyday challenges.
• Reflection & Follow-Up Ideas: Simple activities that encourage self-reflection and “turkey grit” moments.
• Optional Independent & Small Group Extensions: Print-and-go or reusable versions for centers, small groups, or counseling sessions.
• Home Connection Newsletter: Family-friendly ideas for supporting perseverance and problem-solving at home.

How It Helps

This resource helps students:

• Recognize the difference between giving up and trying again
• Build confidence and resilience when faced with challenges
• Strengthen problem-solving, communication, and flexible thinking skills
• Practice real-world perseverance through engaging, story-based activities

Your students will love helping Tom the Turkey earn his feathers back—and you’ll love how naturally they build grit, growth mindset, and social-emotional skills along the way.

Perfect For

• Grades K–2
• Whole-Class SEL Lessons
• Small Group or Individual Counseling
• School Counselors, Teachers, and SEL Specialists
• SEL units on Perseverance, Growth Mindset, or Problem-Solving

Why You’ll Love It

Engaging, story-driven activities keep students learning through play and movement.

This print-and-go SEL pack makes it easy to teach perseverance, flexibility, and positive problem-solving, just like Tom the Turkey, who never gives up!