Problem Solving Reading Comprehension Passages — Grade 2
A missing crayon. A canceled plan. These problem solving reading comprehension passages give Grade 2 readers ten texts at F&P levels K–M on the small problems that fill a school day.
This resource is in the full SEL Resource Library. See what’s included or start with 10 free resources. Have an account? Log in.
About this resource
A missing crayon. A canceled plan. These problem solving reading comprehension passages give Grade 2 readers ten texts at F&P levels K–M on the small problems that fill a school day. The set builds problem solving, a core piece of Responsible Decision-Making, a CASEL competency, and shows calming strategies, step-by-step thinking and teamwork turning a stuck moment into a solved one.
What students practice
- Asking for help and calming down when stuck
- Following steps to solve a problem
- Adapting when plans change
- Working with classmates on a shared fix
- Thinking like a scientist
What’s inside
- 10 passages at F&P levels K–M, from narrative nonfiction and a science text to a school news feature and a historical event
- 5 multiple-choice questions per passage
- 2 open-ended questions per passage for written answers or discussion
- Teacher’s Copy of 11 pages, with each passage beside its questions and the correct multiple-choice answers marked
- 33-page student file, including an overview of the passages with F&P levels and SEL focus
A look inside
- The Missing Crayon: narrative nonfiction about asking for help and calming down.
- Animal Engineers: Beavers: a science text on problem solving in the natural world.
- Fixing the Playground Rules: a school news feature on student-led problem solving.
- Kids Clean Up the Lunchroom: a real-world student feature on responsibility and leadership.
- The Moon Landing: Team Problem Solving in Space: a historical event that shows teamwork and perseverance.
How to use these problem solving reading passages
- Guided reading groups at levels K–M, using the Teacher’s Copy for quick prep
- Partner reading, with the two open-ended questions as a talk prompt
- SEL reading comprehension: read “What to Do When You’re Stuck” and talk about first moves
- Independent practice or homework
Grade fit
Written for Grade 2, with levels moving from K to M. The problems are the size of a classroom, and the moon landing at the end lets early readers see the same thinking at a big scale.
Digital version
With the interactive digital version, you share one link and students read each passage and answer the questions on any device, with no student logins. At the end they download an answer sheet to hand in.
Pairs well with
For more problem solving activities, try Problem Solving Conversation Cards for morning meeting or Problem Solving Task Cards for short written prompts.
Questions teachers ask
Which reading levels does the Grade 2 problem solving set cover?
The ten passages run from F&P level K to M. Text types include narrative nonfiction, how-to, informational, compare & contrast.
Is there an answer key?
Yes. The 11-page Teacher’s Copy shows each problem solving passage beside its questions, with the correct multiple-choice answers marked. The open-ended questions have no fixed answer.
Can students read the problem solving passages on a device?
Yes, through the digital version. You share one link and students open it on any device without logging in.
More for Responsible Decision‑Making
See all in the library →
Every resource, one library.
572 SEL resources for elementary classrooms — printables, digital activities and answer sheets, and every new one we add.
