Definitions
A series of steps that are followed to achieve a goal.
Plan
Talking point: Planning helps us slow down and avoid making things worse.
Problems only happen when you do something wrong.
False
Talking point: Problems happen in daily life. They are part of learning and growing.
Someone reacts without thinking and gets angry.
Poor
Talking point: Strong emotions can block good problem-solving.
What is the first step in problem-solving?
Identify the problem
Talking point: You can’t fix a problem if you don’t know what it is.
This character solved a problem by following clues and working with new friends to find his child.
Marlin - Finding Nemo
Talking point: He didn’t give up, even when the problem felt overwhelming.
Finding a way to fix or handle a problem.
Problem-solving
Talking point: Problem-solving is a skill. It means thinking instead of reacting.
It helps to stay calm when solving a problem.
True
Talking point: Calm bodies help calm thinking.
Someone asks a trusted person for advice.
Good
Talking point: Other people can help us see options we missed.
What step involves thinking of different choices?
Brainstorming options
Talking point: Even two choices is better than none.
This character solved a problem by making a careful plan to overcome challenges to protect her people.
Moana - Moana
Talking point: She used planning, courage, and help from others.
Something that is hard or needs to be fixed.
Problem
Talking point: Problems can be small or big. Everyone has them. Having a problem does not mean you did something wrong.
There can be more than one solution to a problem.
True
Talking point: Different people may solve the same problem in different ways.
Someone stops, thinks, and looks at their choices.
Good
Talking point: This shows self-control and awareness.
What step means choosing the best option?
Make a decision
Talking point: “Best” means safest and most helpful.
This character solved a problem by learning to share attention and leadership instead of getting jealous.
Woody - Toy Story
Talking point: They used teamwork and quick thinking to stay safe.
Choosing between options.
Decision
Talking point: Decisions are choices. Even choosing to wait is a decision.
Asking for help means you failed.
False
Talking point: Asking for help is a smart problem-solving skill.
Someone ignores the problem and hopes it goes away.
Poor
Talking point: Ignoring problems often makes them last longer.
What step means trying out your plan?
Take action
Talking point: Thinking alone doesn’t solve problems—action matters.
This character solved a problem by figuring out that laughter has more power than screams to solve an energy crisis.
Sully - Monsters, Inc.
Talking point: They used teamwork and creativity.
An answer or plan that helps solve a problem.
Solution
Talking point: A solution doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to help.
Thinking before acting can prevent bigger problems.
True
Talking point: Pausing first can stop small problems from becoming big ones.
Someone tries a different idea when the first one doesn’t work.
Good
Talking point: Flexibility is an important problem-solving skill.
What step means checking if the solution worked?
Evaluate / Review the result
Talking point: If it didn’t work, that’s okay—you can try again.
This character solved a problem by changing how she handled her emotions during a big life change.
Riley - Inside Out
Talking point: Understanding feelings helped her solve her problem.