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My Problem-Solving Path

Lesson Plan

My Problem-Solving Path

Students will be able to identify simple problems, explore various solutions, and practice choosing kind and effective ways to resolve conflicts in everyday situations. This lesson aims to foster critical thinking, social problem-solving, and resilience.

Learning to solve problems is a crucial life skill that empowers young children to navigate social interactions, build confidence, and manage their emotions when faced with challenges. This lesson helps them develop these foundational skills early on.

Audience

Pre-K Students

Time

30-40 minutes

Approach

Visual path activity, role-playing, and guided discussion to explore problem-solving.

Materials

Prep

Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction: What's the Problem?

5 minutes

  • Begin by displaying the first slide of the Problem-Solving Slides.
    * Ask students: "What does it mean to have a problem? Has anyone ever had a small problem today?"
    * Introduce the idea that problems are things we need to figure out, and we all have them sometimes.

Step 2

The Problem-Solving Path

10 minutes

  • Introduce the concept of a

Step 3

Activity: Solve It!

10 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups or work as a whole class.
    * Present one Problem-Solving Activity Card at a time.
    * Ask students to identify the problem and brainstorm solutions.
    * Use role-playing to act out some of the solutions, discussing the potential outcomes for each. Emphasize kind and fair solutions.

Step 4

Discussion and Reflection

5-10 minutes

  • Gather students for a whole-group discussion using the Problem-Solving Discussion Prompts.
    * Reinforce the idea that it's okay to have problems and that we can always find a way to solve them kindly.
    * Praise students for their participation and thoughtful ideas.
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Slide Deck

My Problem-Solving Path

What is a problem?

Has anyone had a tiny problem today?

We all have problems sometimes, and that's okay!

Welcome students and introduce the idea of problems. Ask engaging questions to get them thinking about everyday challenges.

Our Problem-Solving Path

  1. What is the problem?
    2. What can we do to solve it? (Think of ideas!)
    3. What happens next? (What if we try that?)
    4. Choose the best, kindest solution!

Explain that we can go on a "path" to find solutions. This visual metaphor will help them understand the process.

Let's Find Solutions!

When we have a problem, we can think of many ways to solve it.

What are some ways we can fix things when they go wrong?

(Hint: Think about being kind and fair!)

Introduce the idea of brainstorming solutions. Encourage all ideas, even silly ones at first, then guide them towards kind and effective ones.

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Activity

Problem-Solving Activity Cards

Cut out these cards. Read each scenario aloud and let students discuss or role-play solutions. Encourage them to use the Problem-Solving Path steps: Identify the problem, brainstorm solutions, think about what happens next, and choose a kind solution.

Card 1: Block Tower Trouble

Scenario: You are building a tall block tower, and another student accidentally knocks it over. You feel sad and a little angry.











What is the problem?


What are some ways to solve it kindly?


What happens next with each solution?


Which is the best solution?











Card 2: Sharing Snack Time

Scenario: It's snack time, and you both want the last apple. Your friend reaches for it at the same time as you.











What is the problem?


What are some ways to solve it kindly?


What happens next with each solution?


Which is the best solution?











Card 3: Drawing Disaster

Scenario: You are drawing a picture, and your crayon breaks. You really wanted to finish your drawing with that color!











What is the problem?


What are some ways to solve it kindly?


What happens next with each solution?


Which is the best solution?











Card 4: Loud Playtime

Scenario: You are trying to listen to a story during free play, but some friends are being very loud and making it hard to hear.











What is the problem?


What are some ways to solve it kindly?


What happens next with each solution?


Which is the best solution?

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Discussion

Problem-Solving Discussion Prompts

Use these prompts to guide a whole-group discussion after the activity.

  • What did we learn today about solving problems?


  • Is it okay to have problems? Why or why not?


  • What is the first thing you can do when you have a problem?


  • Why is it important to think about different solutions before choosing one?


  • How does it feel when you solve a problem in a kind way?


  • Can you think of a time when someone helped you solve a problem? How did that feel?


  • What does it mean to be a problem-solver?

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My Problem-Solving Path • Lenny Learning