Size of Problem
Which type of problem doesn't really need help or something you can solve on your own?
What are appropriate reactions?
Small Problem
Individual Reaction; Take a deep breath, ignore the problem, wait your turn, find something else to do
Your sister takes your tablet and yell out- "I AM SO MAD! MY TABLET IS RUINED, YOU HAVE YOUR OWN!"
Big reaction to a small problem.
Bonus: How could you react differently?
This skill will help you learn to express concerns and ask for help when needed.
Effective communication
("I statements..")
At lunch, someone accidentally bumps into you and you get food on your clothes.
Small problem.
Bonus: What will you need to do?
Why is it important to differentiate between big and small problems?
It makes it easier to be reflective of our reactions, be able to manage them appropriately and know when to seek help.
What size of problem is this and what would be the best reaction?
Your marker ran out of ink.
Small problem.
Can be fixed by getting a new marker and throwing out the old.
You forget to do your homework.
Little, you can explain to your teacher and ask for an extension.
Bonus: What would make it a medium problem?
This skill will help you understand how your actions and decisions can impact others.
Empathy
You're on a chess team and the team makes it to the final round of the tournament. You must win this last game to be champions. Despite your best efforts, you lose and the team is upset with you.
Medium problem
Bonus: What will you need to do?
How can understanding the size of a problem help us in decision-making and problem-solving?
Helps us in knowing how urgent it is and who to go to for help.
Which type of problem would need a little help from an adult or trusted person. You may not feel well, it may be more challenging and may need some help.
What would be appropriate reactions?
Medium problem.
Ask a trusted adult, professional, or person for help. Talk it out, choose a calming activity to do.
Your sibling doesn't want to watch the same movie or play the same game as you. You yell while calling them "Stupid" and getting an adult involved.
Medium reaction to a small problem.
Bonus: Did you need to ask for help? What would have been a better response?
This skill will help you develop strategies to address and resolve conflicts in a constructive manner.
Conflict resolution
You and your sibling are fighting constantly.
Medium problem.
Bonus: What will you need to do?
What strategies can we use to determine if a problem is big or small?
Ask yourself how many people does this impact, how long will it take to solve, and what emotions are coming up.
What size of problem is this and what would be the best reaction?
You lost your backpack, you looked and cannot find it.
Medium problem.
You will need to ask a teacher or peer if they saw it. Re-trace steps, deep breathing.
Your shoe comes untied. You bend down and fix it- then move on with your day.
SMALL reaction to a small problem
Bonus: What would make this a large problem?
This skill will help you recognize your emotions and how they influence decision-making.
Self-awareness
You want a snack, and you see you only have fruit when you wanted cookies.
Small problem.
Bonus: What will you need to do?
When is it appropriate to ask for help when facing a problem? How can we determine who to ask for help?
When we can't do it alone. Who is someone supportive in our life.
What type of problem is it when you or someone else is hurt really bad, needs help right away, or are in an earthquake or severe storm.
What are appropriate reactions?
Large problem.
Get to a safe place and tell a trusted adult or person immediately. Coping strategies can be used to manage, but safety and getting to a trusted adult/person is priority.
In the middle of a test, the teacher hears students talking. The noise came from your section and it seems like you are the one talking. The teacher says "Please stop or you will fail due to cheating." You begin to worry and start to yell ""BUT I DIDN'T TALK! THIS ISN'T FAIR! YOU'RE BEING RUDE!"
Large reaction to a medium problem.
Bonus: What would have been a better reaction?
This skill will help you build the ability to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to changing circumstances.
Resilience
You were excited about building one of your new Lego sets but find that one of the pieces is missing/broken.
Small/Medium problem.
Bonus: What will you need to do?
Can you think of a situation where you misjudged the size of a problem? How did this affect your decision-making and the outcome?
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