Problem Solving
Brianna feels this way when she wants to use the monkey bars but has to wait
What is angry (or frustrated)?
Julian feels this way when he sees all the blocks are being used by Jharell.
What is disappointed, sad, or jealous?
Abraham is standing by himself watching others paint. How is he feeling?
What is left out or wants to paint?
Nikki tripped and the other girls laughed at her. How is she feeling?
What is angry, upset, embarrassed, or hurt?
Before you try to solve a problem, it’s important to do this so you can think clearly.
What is calm down?
The first step in problem-solving is to do this. For Julian and Jharell, it means saying what the problem is in a fair way.
What is say the problem?
Role Play Idea: Have two students pretend to be Julian and Jharell and say the problem out loud.
Lamarr notices Abraham feels left out. The first step in problem-solving is to do this.
What is say the problem?
Role Play Idea: Students pretend to be Lamarr and say the problem out loud: “I want to invite Abraham, but Rita says no.”
Nikki feels like calling Brianna a name back. Before solving the problem, she needs to do this.
What is calm down?
Brianna and Ann both wanted to use the monkey bars, but only one person at a time is allowed. Saying this out loud is the first step in problem-solving.
What is say the problem?
One safe and respectful thing Julian could do is ask Jharell to do this so they can both play together.
What is share the blocks?
One safe and respectful solution is for Lamarr to do this so Abraham can join the fun.
What is invite Abraham to paint or start a different painting with him?
Role Play Idea: Students practice inviting a partner: “Will you paint with me?”
After Nikki is calm, the first Problem-Solving Step is to do this. For Nikki, it means saying what the problem is in a fair way.
What is say the problem?
Brianna could play with something else or Ann could take a break. These are called _________ solutions because they are safe and respectful.
What are possible solutions?
If Julian asks to trade or share the blocks, a positive thing that could happen is this.
what is they both have fun playing together or building a castle and rocket ship?
If Lamarr invites Abraham to join, this is how Abraham will feel.
What is happy or included?
Name one safe and respectful thing Nikki could do if someone calls her a name.
What is tell them to stop, tell a teacher, or ignore them?
Role Play Idea: Students pair up and practice saying, “I don’t like it when you call me names. Please stop,” or ignoring a pretend classmate.
After thinking of solutions and what might happen, Brianna and Ann pick the one that works best. This last step is called ________.
What is pick the best solution?
There are three Fair Ways to Play. Name one way you can solve a problem when two students want the same toy or book.
What is take turns, share, or trade?
Why is it important to invite others to join you?
What is it helps people feel included, shows empathy, and is the right thing to do?
Sometimes ignoring or telling someone to stop doesn’t work. What should Nikki do next?
What is tell a grown-up or teacher