Problem Solving Steps
This first step in problem solving is S: Say the _______________
Problem
Words like "you", "always", "he/she/they", and "never" are examples of this type of language.
blaming language
You and a friend both want the same book in the library.
Name one possible solution.
Take turns /ask the teacher if there is another copy/answers vary
True or False: A consequence is always bad/negative.
False
You and a friend both want the same jump rope. Which is the best solution?
A) Grab it
B) Take turns
C) Walk away mad
B) Take turns
Before we can problem solve, we need to _________ _______
calm down
There’s one camera in the class that all students can use. Student 1: “It’s my turn to use the camera. You’re always going over your time with it!” Student 2: “You’re always bugging me! I’m almost done with this project.”
Say the problem without blame.
Hint: What do they both want/need out of the situation?
Both students want to use the camera, but only one person can use it at a time.
You want to play outside, but your friend wants to stay inside.
Name two possible solutions.
Go outside first, then inside / split up / choose a different activity you both like
You and another classmate are arguing over the last pencil. You grab it out of their hand and walk away. What is a possible consequence of this action?
Make the problem worse/ you could get in trouble
You’re upset with a classmate. Which is the best solution?
A) Yell at them
B) Talk calmly
C) Ignore them forever
B) Talk calmly
The third step in problem solving is E:
Explore Consequences
Two students are late getting to lunch. By the time they get to the front of the line, there’s only one cookie left, and Student 2 takes it. Student 1: “Hey! Give me that cookie! You never give other people a chance!” Student 2: “I didn’t grab it! I got it first. You’re always accusing me of things I don’t do.”
Name at least two blaming words in the scenario.
"You're always"
"You never"
Two students have been arguing about who gets to use the basketball at recess. Student A says, “There’s no solution—we’re just going to argue.”
What is one solution they could think of instead?
Take turns / compromise / ask for help / pick a new activity
You decide to spread a rumor after getting into an argument.
What are two possible consequences of this choice?
Someone’s feelings could get hurt/ You could get in trouble/ Others may stop trusting you
You and your group can’t agree on a game. The group decides to vote.
Is this the best solution? Why or why not?
Yes—because it is fair and gives everyone a voice
We can't do all of our solutions at once, so we must P: ______ the best __________.
Pick, Solution
Two students are arguing over who gets to use the last marker. One says, “You always take everything!”
What is the best way to say the problem without blame?
Hint: What do they both want/need out of the situation?
“We both want to use the marker at the same time.”
Your friend suggests, “Let’s just ignore each other” when you disagree about a game.
Is this a good solution? If not, what is a better solution?
No, ignoring doesn’t solve the problem.
A better solution: take turns, compromise, or choose a game together.
After a disagreement, you have two choices:
Which choice has better long-term consequences and why?
Apologizing and talking it out—because it fixes the problem and keeps the friendship strong
You forgot your homework and think about:
A) Blaming someone else
B) Telling the truth
C) Ignoring the teacher
Which is the best solution and why?
B) Telling the truth
Because it shows responsibility and avoids bigger problems
Step 2 is T: Think of Solutions. Our solutions should be ______ & __________ to all parties involved.
safe and respectful
Sarah was asked to say her problem without blame. She is upset because her friend didn’t invite her to their birthday party. Sarah said, “they never include me!”
What is the mistake in Sarah's problem statement?
She used a blaming word. "They never"
You and a classmate both want to present first. Which is the best solution and why?
A) Argue until someone gives up
B) Take turns or flip a coin
C) Refuse to present
B) Take turns or flip a coin
Because it is fair and solves the problem without hurting anyone.
You’re mad at a friend and have three choices:
A) Post something mean about them online
B) Talk to them calmly later
C) Ignore them forever
Which choice would lead to the worst consequences and why?
A) Post something mean about them online
Because it can hurt their feelings publicly, damage trust, and get you in serious trouble
You and a friend both want to win a game. You decide to let them win so they don’t get upset.
Is this the best solution? Why or why not?
No—while it avoids conflict, it’s not fully fair or honest.
A better solution would be to play fairly or take turns winning.