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Can You Spot the Problem?

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hyunju park

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Problem Detection Blitz Plan

Students will be able to identify and articulate problems presented in various scenarios, a critical first step in responsible decision-making.

Identifying problems is the crucial first step in responsible decision-making and effective problem-solving, a life skill essential for navigating everyday challenges in school and life.

Audience

4th Grade Class

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Interactive warm-up and discussion.

Materials

Spot the Snag Challenge (slide-deck), and Picture This Problem (warm-up)

Prep

Review Materials

5 minutes

  • Review the Spot the Snag Challenge slide deck to familiarize yourself with the scenarios.
    - Print or prepare to display the Picture This Problem warm-up.

Step 1

Introduction: What's the Big Deal?

2 minutes

  • Begin by asking students if they've ever had a problem, big or small. Share a very brief, relatable example.
    - Introduce the idea that before we can fix a problem, we need to know what the problem is!
    - Transition to the warm-up activity.

Step 2

Picture This Problem Warm-Up

8 minutes

  • Distribute or display the Picture This Problem warm-up.
    - Explain that students will look at different scenarios and identify the main problem in each.
    - Allow students 5 minutes to complete the warm-up individually or in pairs.
    - After 5 minutes, bring the class back together for a brief discussion. Ask students to share one problem they identified and why it's a problem.

Step 3

Spot the Snag Challenge Discussion

4 minutes

  • Using the Spot the Snag Challenge slide deck, go through a couple of the scenarios.
    - For each scenario, ask students: "What's the snag here? What's the problem?"
    - Encourage different interpretations and lead a brief class discussion on how identifying problems can sometimes be tricky but is always important.

Step 4

Wrap-Up: Problem-Solving Superheroes!

1 minute

  • Reiterate that being able to spot problems is like having a superpower for responsible decision-making.
    - Briefly preview that in future lessons, they'll learn what to do after they spot the problem.
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Slide Deck

Spot the Snag Challenge!

Ready to become a problem-spotting detective?

Welcome students and introduce the concept of 'snags' or problems we encounter daily. Explain that today we'll practice spotting them.

What's a 'Snag'?

A 'snag' is just another word for a problem! It's something that isn't quite right or is causing a challenge. Before we can fix anything, we need to know what the snag is!

Ask students what they think a 'snag' or a problem is. Guide them to understand it's something that isn't working right or causing trouble.

Scenario 1: The Broken Toy

Imagine your favorite toy car, the one with the super-fast wheels, suddenly stops rolling. You push it, but it just drags.

What's the snag?

Present the scenario. Ask students: "What's the snag here? What's the problem?" Encourage them to think about what's going wrong.

Scenario 2: The Forgotten Lunch

It's lunchtime, your tummy is rumbling, and you open your backpack... but your lunchbox isn't there!

What's the snag?

Present the scenario. Ask students: "What's the snag here? What's the problem?" Discuss how this could affect someone's day.

Scenario 3: The Group Project

You and your friends are working on a school project together. One person wants to do everything, and another isn't doing anything at all.

What's the snag?

Present the scenario. Ask students: "What's the snag here? What's the problem?" Focus on the interpersonal aspect.

Scenario 4: The Messy Classroom

After a busy art class, there are paint spills on the tables, brushes are left out, and scraps of paper are all over the floor.

What's the snag?

Present the scenario. Ask students: "What's the snag here? What's the problem?" Discuss why this is a problem and what it might lead to.

You're a Problem-Spotting Pro!

Great job, detectives! You've learned that spotting the problem is the very first step to solving it. Keep those keen eyes open for snags!

Conclude by reminding students of the importance of problem-spotting. Link it back to the lesson's objective.

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Warm Up

Picture This Problem

Every day, we encounter little "snags" or problems. Before we can solve them, we need to be really good at spotting what the problem actually is! Read each short story below and identify the main problem. Write down what you think the problem is in the space provided.

Scenario 1: The Wobbly Chair

When you sit down at your desk to do your homework, your chair feels wobbly. Every time you shift, it rocks back and forth, making it hard to focus on your book.

What's the problem?






Scenario 2: Missing Art Supplies

It's time for art class, and you're excited to start your painting project. You reach into the art bin for the blue paint, but the tube is empty. All the other blue paint tubes are also empty, and there are no new ones on the shelf.

What's the problem?






Scenario 3: The Argument at Recess

During recess, you and your friend both want to play with the same jump rope. You both grab an end and start tugging, neither of you wanting to let go. Now you're both getting a little mad.

What's the problem?






Scenario 4: A Late Homework Assignment

Your teacher reminds the class that the science homework is due today. You suddenly remember you left your completed homework on the kitchen table at home!

What's the problem?






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