Best Solution
Size of the Problem
What Could You Do?
Emotions Category
100
Eva was hoping her friend Sam would introduce her to the new girl’s at lunch because Sam already met them. Eva can’t find Sam anywhere so she introduces herself instead of waiting. Did Eva choose the best solution?
Yes, Eva chose the best solution.
100
Jack went over to his friend’s house and spilled grape juice all over their white carpet. What size is the problem?
Yellow (medium) problem: The rug is not yours and you will need help cleaning it. This involves more people, causes bigger reactions, and isn’t so easy to solve on your own.
100
Your family is going out for dinner. No one can decide on a restaurant. You have been waiting 10 minutes, and you are hungry. What can you do?
-Make a suggestion
-Be flexible with the solution
-Help your family decide on a place to go
-Eat a snack while your family chooses a restaurant
100
You are in a bad mood today. Your friend wants to talk to you, but you are not in the mood for a conversation. What kind of problem is this and what do you do and say?
Green problem: You can talk to your friend yourself, you do not need an adult.
Do: You can talk to your friend.
Say: "I'm sorry, but I don't feel like talking today."
200
Mindy saw that her friend was solving the math problems in the wrong way. She didn’t want to tell her friend she was wrong so she didn’t say anything. Did Mindy choose the best solution? If not, what should she have done instead?
Mindy did not chose the best solution.
Instead, she could have:
-Offered to help her friend solve the problem
-Explained how to correctly answer the math problems in a polite way
-Ask her friend to work on the problems together
200
Ron made plans to hang out with his friends Saturday but his mom just told him that they have to visit his grandmother instead. What size is the problem?
Green (small) problem: This is a problem that you can solve alone. That might make you sad, but does not need a big of reaction. You can feel sad, realize you cannot control the situation, and move on.
200
Your mom was carrying cupcakes to the car for a party at work and she dropped the box. She is very anxious and angry at herself. What could you do?
-Offer to help her
-Say it will be okay
-Offer to help bake new cupcakes
-Suggest that you both go to the store and buy new cupcakes for the party
200
You found out that your friend has spread a rumor about you. What kind of problem is this and what do you do?
Green problem: Can be solved on your own between you and your friend.
Examples: Step away from the situation
-Talk to the friend about why you are angry
-Tell your friend: "I don't want you to talk about me behind my back, gossiping isn't what friends do."
300
Hector was mad at his friend so he blocked him from all social media accounts. Did Hector choose the best solution? If not, what could he do instead?
Hector did not choose the best solution.
Instead, Hector could have:
-Told his friend how he felt
-Ignored his friend until he was no longer upset
-Talk to someone about how he is feeling and ask for advice
300
Lisa heard that her day to present in front of the class has been changed but she already prepared. What size is the problem?
Green (small) problem: This is a problem that you can solve alone. That might make you sad, but does not need a big of reaction. You can feel sad, realize you cannot control the situation, and move on.
300
Your teacher was late arriving to school and looks very upset and distracted. What could you do?
-Sit quietly and patiently at your desk
-Wait for her to start the lesson
-Ask her if she is okay
300
You had been so excited to eat ice cream when someone accidentally bumps into you and knocks your ice cream the cone and apologizes. What kind of problem is this and what do you do?
Green problem: It is something you can solve on your own. It was an accident and the student apologized, telling an adult is not necessary.
Examples: Say "That's ok" to the person who bumped into you
-Walk away
-Take a breath
-Get more ice cream
400
Clay got a bad grade on his last science test so he made sure to stay after to get extra help. He saw the test’s answer sheet on his teacher’s desk and looked at it. What could happen if he uses that solution?
-He could get caught
-He could get in trouble
-His teacher could give him an F on the test
400
Mia saw heavy smoke coming out of her neighbor’s house and no one is home. What size is the problem?
Red (big) problem: This is a problem that is considered an emergency. It will take a while to solve, requires help of a lot of adults, and can cause damage or hurt feelings.
400
When you walk into school one morning, you remember that you didn't finish the math homework which is due after lunch. What could you do?
-Try to finish your homework during lunch
-Tell your teacher that you forgot and ask to do it at another time
-Remember to do your homework next time
400
A kid on the bus just called you stupid, and you tell him to shut up. Then, he pushes you on the way into school. What size is this problem and what should you do?
Green or Yellow: You can try to solve the problem on your own first and then if it doesn't stop, tell an adult.
Example: Tell him to stop bothering you kindly
-Tell him how you feel
-Ignore him
-Tell an adult
500
Mariah made friendship bracelets and gave them to Steve and Reagan. Heather's feelings were hurt, so she decided to invite Steve and Reagan over to her house and leave out Mariah on purpose. Did Heather pick the best solution for this problem? If not, what should she have done instead?
Heather did not pick the best solution for this problem.
Instead, Heather could have:
-Told Mariah how she felt
-Asked Mariah if they could make friendship bracelets together
-Invite Steve, Reagan, and Mariah over to her house
500
Nina got a message from an unknown number saying mean things about her. What size is the problem?
Green (small) problem or Yellow (medium) problem: You can try to solve the problem on your own first, by asking the person to not contact you again or to block the number. If you keep getting messages, this may turn into a yellow problem, as you will need the help of an adult.
500
Your friend's mom called and said she can't take you and your friend to the mall anymore. You really wanted to go. What could you do?
-Be flexible and understand that changes happen that we cannot control
-Offer another option to hang out with your friend (at your house)
-Reschedule for another day when your friend's mom is available
500
You are feeling sick and really tired, and it’s hard to concentrate at school. What kind of problem is this and what do you do?
Yellow problem: You need to tell an adult how you are feeling because you need a little help solving this problem.
Examples: Tell a teacher
-Go visit the nurse
-Take a break, go to the bathroom