Problem Size Activity

This activity allows our young learner to put into practice what they learned about categorizing problems by size. The activity uses picture cards that show different everyday scenarios. The student will place each card into one of the three categories: Small, Medium, or Big.

Materials Needed

• Picture cards showing various problems (e.g., small spill, forgotten toy, big conflict)
• A visual chart with three columns labeled Small, Medium, and Big

Activity Instructions

1. Set Up the Chart:
   
   Place the visual chart on a table or stick it on the wall where the student can easily see it. Make sure the columns are clearly marked.
   
   
   

2. Review the Categories:
   
   Explain to the student what each category means. For example, small problems might be easy fixes like tidying up a little mess, while big problems might need help from a teacher or an adult.
   
   
   

3. Show a Picture Card:
   
   Pick one picture card at a time and ask the student: "Is this a small problem, a medium problem, or a big problem?"
   
   Allow the student time to think and answer.
   
   
   

4. Place the Card on the Chart:
   
   Once the student decides, ask them to place the card in the correct column on the visual chart.
   
   If the student is unsure, encourage discussion by asking, "Why do you think this is a [small/medium/big] problem?"
   
   
   

5. Repeat with All Cards:
   
   Continue the exercise until all picture cards have been placed in their designated categories.
   
   
   

6. Group Discussion:
   
   Once all the cards are categorized, review the chart together. Ask follow-up questions like:

   • "What could we do to solve a small problem?"
   • "Who can help us if we see a big problem?"
   • "How does it feel when a problem seems big compared to when it's small?"
     
     
     

7. Wrap-Up:
   
   Praise the student for their thoughtful participation and recap the lesson with a statement like, "Big or small, every problem has a solution!"

Teacher Tips

• Keep the conversation light and supportive so that students feel comfortable sharing their ideas.
  
• Use encouraging words and affirm the student’s reasoning, reinforcing the idea that every problem can be managed.
  

Enjoy the activity, and remember: practicing problem-solving is a fun way to learn about our feelings and how to handle challenges!

Problem Picture Cards Worksheet

This worksheet is designed to provide visual stimuli for our "How Big a Problem?" lesson. The images below represent different problem scenarios. Print these cards and use them during your activity. For each picture card, discuss with the student whether the problem is small, medium, or big, and then place the card in the corresponding category on the visual chart.

Picture Cards

1. Card 1: Small Problem
   

   • Example: A little spill on the floor.
     
     
     

2. Card 2: Small Problem
   

   • Example: A small mess from scattered toys.
     
     
     

3. Card 3: Medium Problem
   

   • Example: Forgetting a favorite toy at home.
     
     
     

4. Card 4: Medium Problem
   

   • Example: Losing a small item like a pencil or crayon.
     
     
     

5. Card 5: Big Problem
   

   • Example: A disagreement with a friend that makes someone very upset.
     
     
     

6. Card 6: Big Problem
   

   • Example: A major conflict during playtime that needs adult help.
     
     
     

Directions for Use

• Print each card on paper or cardstock and cut them out.
  
• Show one card at a time to the student and ask, "Is this a small, medium, or big problem?"
  
• Allow the student to determine the size and discuss why they think so.
  
• Have the student place the card in the appropriate area on the visual chart provided during the lesson.
  
  
  

Use this worksheet as a visual aid to reinforce the lesson on problem categorization and help boost the student's understanding of different problem sizes.