Lesson Plan
Problem Size Power-Up Lesson Plan
Students will learn to rate everyday problems on a scale from 1 (small) to 5 (big) through real-life scenarios, fostering perspective-taking and emotional regulation.
Distinguishing minor versus major problems builds students’ coping strategies and problem-solving skills, reducing overreactions and encouraging self-regulation.
Audience
4th Grade Students
Time
20 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion and scenario-based rating activity.
Materials
Problem Size Power-Up Slide Deck, Problem Size Scenario Cards, Chart Paper, and Markers
Prep
Prepare Materials
5 minutes
- Review Problem Size Power-Up Slide Deck
- Print and cut out Problem Size Scenario Cards
- Set up chart paper and markers in the group area
Step 1
Warm-Up
3 minutes
- Invite students to share a small challenge they faced today (e.g., forgetting homework)
- Note responses on chart paper
- Briefly discuss why some challenges feel bigger than others
Step 2
Introduce the Size Scale
5 minutes
- Display the 1–5 scale slide from Problem Size Power-Up Slide Deck
- Explain each number with simple examples
- Ask students to suggest their own examples for different scale points
Step 3
Group Activity
8 minutes
- Distribute sets of Problem Size Scenario Cards
- In pairs, students read each scenario and decide its rating (1–5)
- Pairs place cards on chart paper under the drawn scale
- Teacher circulates to guide and prompt discussion
Step 4
Discussion & Closure
4 minutes
- Review card placements; invite pairs to explain their ratings
- Emphasize that different people may rate differently and that’s okay
- Summarize: using the scale can help manage reactions and solve problems
Slide Deck
Problem Size Power-Up
Welcome to our Problem Size Power-Up! Today we’ll learn how to rate problems from 1 (small) to 5 (big) so we can keep things in perspective and react appropriately.
Welcome students and introduce today’s session. Explain that they will learn how to rate problems by size to help manage emotions and solve problems more calmly.
Lesson Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will:
• Understand a 1–5 problem-size scale
• Practice rating real-life scenarios
• Learn how this helps you stay calm and solve problems
Read the objective aloud. Emphasize the “why” behind the lesson: self-regulation and perspective taking.
Why Size Matters
Knowing how big or small a problem really is helps us:
• Stay calm when problems are small
• Ask for help when problems are big
• Solve challenges more effectively
Briefly discuss why it matters to distinguish small vs. big problems. Encourage students to share thumbs-up if they’ve overreacted to something small.
Problem-Size Scale (1–5)
1 – Tiny: A missing pencil
2 – Small: Being late to class
3 – Medium: Losing a library book
4 – Big: A broken wrist
5 – Huge: A family emergency
Show the scale graphic or draw it on chart paper. Explain each number with the examples below. Ask students for their own examples after you finish.
Example Scenarios
• Your pencil lead breaks during a test → Rate it.
• Your pet runs away → Rate it.
• You spill milk on your shirt before school picture day → Rate it.
Walk through each example. Ask: “Would you ever rate losing a library book as a 5? Why or why not?” Prompt students to think about differences in perspective.
Group Activity Instructions
- Form pairs and get a set of Scenario Cards.
- Read each scenario and decide together if it’s a 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5.
- Place cards under the drawn scale on chart paper.
- Be ready to explain your rating.
Give clear directions. Circulate and support pairs, making sure they discuss and justify their ratings.
Discuss & Reflect
• Which scenario was hardest to rate? Why?
• Did anyone rate the same scenario differently?
• How can this scale help you manage feelings when challenges arise?
Invite pairs to share why they rated specific cards. Highlight that different people may choose different ratings—and that’s okay.
Next Steps
• Use the 1–5 scale in your daily life.
• Talk about your problem size with a friend or adult.
• Remember: Knowing the size helps you stay in control!
Wrap up by reminding students to use the scale in real life. Encourage them to practice whenever they feel upset or worried.
Discussion
Problem Size Group Discussion
Purpose
This discussion helps you practice using the 1–5 problem-size scale, reflect on different perspectives, and plan strategies to manage emotions.
Discussion Guidelines
- Listen respectfully when others speak
- Share your thoughts openly and honestly
- There are no wrong answers—different perspectives are valuable
Icebreaker: Quick Rating
- Think of a small challenge you faced today (e.g., a misplaced crayon, a slow bus).
- Rate it on the 1–5 scale.
- Share your scenario and rating with the group.
Core Discussion Questions
- Reflect on a time you felt you overreacted. What happened, and how might you rate it now?
Follow-up: What could you do differently next time to stay calm when a problem feels big but is actually small?
- Pick one scenario from Problem Size Scenario Cards. Do you agree with your group’s rating? Why or why not?
Follow-up: How might someone else’s life experience lead them to rate this scenario differently?
- When might two people rate the same problem differently? What does that tell us about perspective-taking?
Follow-up: How can we use this understanding to support friends who see problems at a different size?
- Imagine you feel really upset tomorrow morning. How will you use the 1–5 scale to decide whether to talk to a friend, a teacher, or just take deep breaths?
Reflection & Application
Write your plan: Next time I’m upset, I will…
Use this discussion to build empathy and practice emotional regulation. Remember: knowing the size of a problem can help you choose the best way to handle it!