How Can I Fix It?

Arianna Centore

Tier 3

Lesson Plan

Personal Problem-Solver

To help 1st-grade students identify personal social problems, understand associated feelings and consequences, and develop appropriate solutions.

Learning to solve social problems independently builds resilience, empathy, and crucial life skills. This lesson empowers students to navigate challenges and take control of their reactions.

Audience

1st Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Through guided discussion and a structured worksheet, students will explore a problem and its solutions.

Materials

Whiteboard or Chart Paper, Markers, Steps to Solving, and My Problem, My Plan Worksheet

Prep

Review Materials and Prepare Space

10 minutes

Review the Personal Problem-Solver Lesson Plan and all linked materials to familiarize yourself with the content and flow.
- Ensure you have a whiteboard or chart paper and markers ready.
- Prepare a quiet, comfortable space for individual work with the student.
- Print one copy of the My Problem, My Plan Worksheet for the student.

Step 1

Introduction & Hook

5 minutes

Begin by asking the student, 'Have you ever had a problem that made you feel stuck or confused?' Listen actively to their response.
- Introduce the idea that everyone has problems sometimes, and we can learn how to fix them! Say, 'Today, we're going to become problem-solving detectives and figure out how to make things better.'

Step 2

Understanding the Problem (Slides & Discussion)

10 minutes

Display the Steps to Solving slide deck, starting with 'What's the Problem?'.
- Guide the student to articulate a specific social problem they've been facing. Help them use 'I' statements (e.g., 'I felt sad when...').
- Discuss the feelings associated with the problem. 'How did that make you feel? What did your body feel like?'
- Move to the 'How Do You Feel?' slide and explore different emotions and their physical signs.
- Transition to the 'What Happens Next?' slide to talk about consequences. 'What happened after you felt that way? What did you do? What did others do?'

Step 3

Brainstorming Solutions (Worksheet Activity)

10 minutes

Introduce the My Problem, My Plan Worksheet. 'Now, let's write down your problem and brainstorm some amazing ways to fix it!'
- Help the student fill in the 'My Problem Is:' section.
- Guide them through the 'My Feelings:' section.
- Move to 'Possible Solutions:' and encourage brainstorming. Write down all ideas, even silly ones at first. Discuss if each solution is safe and kind.
- Finally, help them choose their 'Best Plan:' from the brainstormed ideas.

Step 4

Wrap-up & Reinforcement

5 minutes

Review the chosen solution. Ask, 'How do you think this plan will make you feel? What do you think might happen next?'
- Encourage the student to try their plan. 'You are so smart and brave for thinking this through! I know you can do it.'
- Offer ongoing support: 'We can check back in later to see how your plan worked.'
- Praise their effort and problem-solving skills.

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Slide Deck

Steps to Solving

Let's become problem-solving detectives!

Welcome the student and set a positive, empowering tone. Explain that we'll work together to understand and solve problems.

1. What's the Problem?

What happened?
How did it start?

Ask the student to think about a problem they've had. Guide them to describe it clearly using 'I' statements. (e.g., 'I felt upset when...').

2. How Do You Feel?

Happy? Sad? Mad? Confused?
What does it feel like in your body?

Help the student identify the feelings associated with the problem. Discuss different emotions and what they might feel like in their body. Validate their feelings.

3. What Happens Next?

What did you do?
What did others do?
What was the result?

Discuss what happened immediately after the problem occurred. What did the student do? What did others do? How did it all turn out?

4. Brainstorm Solutions!

What could you do?
What could you say?
Think of lots of ideas!

Encourage the student to think of many different ways to solve the problem, big or small, realistic or imaginative at first. Emphasize that all ideas are welcome.

5. Pick Your Best Plan

Which idea is safe?
Which idea is kind?
Which idea will help fix the problem?

For each solution, discuss the potential outcomes. Is it a safe idea? Is it kind? Will it help solve the problem? Guide them to select the most effective and positive solution.

You're a Problem Solver!

You did it! You have a plan!
You are smart and strong!

Reinforce the student's ability to think through problems and make good choices. Encourage them to try their plan and celebrate their effort.

Worksheet

My Problem, My Plan

My Problem Is:

My Feelings:

How does this problem make me feel? (Circle all that apply or draw your own!)

Sad 😢 Mad 😠 Scared 😟 Confused 😕 Happy (No! Wait!) 😂

What does it feel like in my body?

Possible Solutions:

What are some things I could do or say to fix the problem? (Brainstorm all ideas!)

My Best Plan:

Which solution is safe, kind, and will help fix the problem? (Pick one!)

My plan is to:

I think this plan will make me feel:

I am a problem-solver!