Small vs Big
Tell one difference between a small problem and a big problem.
Small = can solve quickly / not dangerous
Big = safety or serious impact
Example: “Small problems are easy to fix; big problems may need adult help.”
What does the word “solution” mean when we talk about problems?
Solution = a way to fix or improve a problem.
Define “coping skill” in one sentence
Coping skill = a healthy strategy to manage feelings or stress.
Name one person at school you could ask for help if a problem feels too big
Teacher / counselor / principal / parent / social worker
Read: “You spilled juice on a friend’s notebook.” What is one good immediate action to take?
Apologize
Help clean
Offer to fix
Get paper towel
Give an example of a small problem and explain one simple step you could take to fix it.
Example: forgot pencil
Fix: borrow one / ask teacher / get from supply
Name two different solutions you could try if you and a classmate disagree about a group project.
Take turns choosing
Combine ideas
Vote
Ask teacher
Split project parts
Name three healthy coping skills someone can use when they feel angry.
Deep breathing
Walk
Count to 10
Stretch
Talk to someone
List two signs that tell you it’s time to ask an adult for help with a problem
Signs:
Problem repeats
Feels too big
Strong emotions
Safety concern
Can’t solve alone
Read: “You studied but still got a low grade.” Name two things you could do next week to improve.
Ask teacher feedback
Study differently
Extra practice
Tutoring
Review mistakes
Describe how your feelings might change when a problem goes from “small” to “big.” Name one clue that a problem is getting bigger.
Feelings change: annoyed → worried → upset
Clue problem growing:
lasts longer
affects others
gets repeated
stronger emotions
For the problem “I’m running out of time to finish a project,” write two solutions and one possible consequence for each solution.
Solutions:
Make schedule → consequence: less stress
Ask for extension → consequence: teacher decision
Describe how deep breathing can help calm you when you feel stressed. Give one breathing exercise you could use.
How helps: slows heart, relaxes body, clears mind
Exercise: box breathing / belly breathing
Explain how you would tell a trusted adult that you need help without making the problem sound smaller or bigger than it is
Example:
“I’m having a problem with a classmate and I’m not sure how to handle it. Could you help me?”
Read: “You and a friend had an argument and aren’t speaking.” Suggest three steps to try to fix the friendship.
Calm down first
Apologize or talk
Listen and solve
Read this situation: “You forgot your homework at home on a test day.” Decide whether this is a small or big problem and explain two reasons for your choice.
Correct: small problem
Reasons:
Homework can be turned in later
Not dangerous
Can explain to teacher
Choose a problem: “I feel nervous about giving a presentation.” Propose a step-by-step plan with at least three steps to help solve this
Plan for presentation nerves:
Practice aloud
Use breathing
Start with notes
Positive self-talk
A student feels overwhelmed before a big test. Create a short routine of coping skills they can use the morning of the test and right before starting the test.
Routine:
Morning:
Stretch
Positive self-talk
Review notes
Before test:
3 deep breaths
Relax shoulders
Focus statement
Describe a situation where asking for help is better than trying to handle the problem alone. Explain why
Example: bullying / safety issue / ongoing conflict
Why: adult authority + support + protection
You feel nervous joining a new club because you don’t know anyone.” Provide a plan with coping skills and a small solution to help you join.
Plan:
Coping: breathing before
Small step: attend once
Introduce self
Sit near friendly peer
List three questions you can ask yourself to determine how big a problem really is. Use those questions on this example: “A friend didn’t text you back.
Questions:
Is anyone hurt or unsafe?
Can I solve it myself?
Will it matter tomorrow?
Apply to “friend didn’t text back”:
No one unsafe
I can wait or ask later
Won’t matter later
→ small problem
Explain why brainstorming several solutions is better than choosing the first idea you have. Give an example showing a good and a poor solution for the problem “lost bus pass.
Why brainstorm:
More options
Better choice
Avoid poor decisions
Example:
Good solution: report lost bus pass → replacement
Poor: ignore → can’t ride bus
Explain how using coping skills regularly can change the way you respond to problems over time. Use a specific coping skill as an example
Regular use builds habit → calmer reactions
Example: deep breathing → less anger over time
Role-play prompt: Write what you would say to a counselor if you felt bullied but were scared to talk. Include how you would start the conversation and one detail you would share.
Example script:
“Hi, can I talk with you? I’m worried about how some students are treating me. I feel left out and it’s been happening a lot at lunch.”
Complex scenario: “You are being left out of a group repeatedly, it makes you sad, and it’s affecting your schoolwork.” Identify the problem size, list three possible solutions (including at least one that involves asking for help), and describe two coping skills you can use while working on the solutions.
Problem size: big (repeated + emotional + school impact)
Solutions:
Ask trusted adult
Join different group
Talk to group
Coping skills:
Deep breathing
Positive self-talk
Talk feelings out