Lesson Plan
Problem Size Up!
The student will be able to identify and categorize problems into 'tiny,' 'little,' 'medium,' 'big,' or 'emergency' to understand the scale of different challenges.
Understanding problem size helps students develop self-regulation, empathy, and effective problem-solving skills, empowering them to respond appropriately to situations.
Audience
Kindergarten Girl
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Through visual aids and interactive scenarios, the student will categorize problem sizes.
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Review the Lesson Plan: Problem Size Up! and all linked materials.
- Ensure the Slide Deck: Problem Size Up! is ready for display.
- Print and cut out the problem scenario cards from the Activity: Problem Size Scenarios.
- Prepare a small space for the 'Problem Scale' activity, potentially using five labeled areas on the floor or a table for 'Tiny,' 'Little,' 'Medium,' 'Big,' and 'Emergency.'
Step 1
Warm Up: Problem Parade
5 minutes
- Begin with the Warm Up: Problem Parade to get the student thinking about different kinds of problems she might encounter.
- Ask the student to share one or two 'problems' they've had today or recently, like 'My shoelace came untied' or 'I couldn't find my favorite toy.'
Step 2
Introducing Problem Sizes
10 minutes
- Present the Slide Deck: Problem Size Up!.
- Go through each slide, explaining what each problem size (Tiny, Little, Medium, Big, Emergency) means using the examples provided.
- Emphasize that different problems need different kinds of solutions and reactions.
- Encourage the student to share her own quick examples for each category if she has any.
Step 3
Activity: Problem Size Scenarios
10 minutes
- Introduce the Activity: Problem Size Scenarios.
- Place the five problem size labels (Tiny, Little, Medium, Big, Emergency) on a table or floor, spaced out.
- Read each scenario card one by one.
- Ask the student to identify the size of the problem and place the card under the correct label.
- Facilitate discussion: 'Why do you think that's a little problem?' or 'What makes that an emergency?'
Step 4
Cool Down: My Problem Scale
5 minutes
- Conclude the lesson with the Cool Down: My Problem Scale.
- Ask the student to reflect on what they learned about problem sizes.
- Have her identify one 'tiny' problem and one 'medium' problem she might encounter and briefly discuss how she might react to each.
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Slide Deck
What's the Problem?
We all have problems!
Some are small, some are big.
Let's learn to tell the difference!
Welcome the student and introduce the idea of problems. Ask: 'Have you ever had a problem? What happened?'
Tiny Problem!
🤏 So small, you can fix it super fast!
You don't need much help.
Examples:
* Your pencil rolls off the table.
* You drop a crayon.
* You can't find your favorite sticker.
Explain what a Tiny Problem is. Give simple, relatable examples. Ask: 'Can you think of a tiny problem?'
Little Problem!
👶 A bit bigger, but you can still usually fix it yourself or with a tiny bit of help.
Examples:
* Your shoelace comes untied.
* You want the red block, but someone else has it.
* You accidentally spill a few drops of water.
Explain what a Little Problem is. Compare it to a Tiny Problem. Ask: 'What's different about a little problem?'
Medium Problem!
👧👦 This one needs some help from a grown-up or a friend. It might take a little longer to fix.
Examples:
* You can't open your snack container.
* You lost your library book.
* You feel sad because a friend hurt your feelings.
Explain what a Medium Problem is. Emphasize that you might need some help. Ask: 'Who could help with a medium problem?'
Big Problem!
🧑🦰🧑🦳 This is a serious problem that a grown-up must help you with. It can make you feel worried or scared.
Examples:
* You are lost in a store.
* Someone is being mean to you every day.
* You accidentally broke something important.
Explain what a Big Problem is. Stress the need for adult help. Ask: 'Why is it important to tell a grown-up about a big problem?'
Emergency!
🚨 Oh no! This is a very, very serious problem where someone could get hurt. You need help RIGHT NOW!
Examples:
* There is a fire.
* Someone is hurt badly.
* You see a stranger trying to take a child.
Explain what an Emergency is. Highlight immediate danger and the need for immediate adult intervention. Ask: 'What should you do right away if it's an emergency?'
You've Got This!
Great job learning about problem sizes!
Knowing the size of a problem helps you know what to do!
You are a problem-solving superstar!
Review the categories quickly and reinforce the importance of knowing problem sizes. Ask: 'Why is it helpful to know how big a problem is?'
Activity
Problem Size Scenarios
Instructions: Read each scenario aloud to the student. Ask the student to identify if the problem is Tiny, Little, Medium, Big, or an Emergency. Encourage them to explain their reasoning.
Problem Cards (Cut these out!)
Scenario 1: You drop your cookie on the floor.
Scenario 2: You really want to play with a toy, but your friend has it.
Scenario 3: You can't reach the juice box in the refrigerator.
Scenario 4: Your pet cat ran out the open door and you can't find her.
Scenario 5: You accidentally spill your entire glass of milk.
Scenario 6: You see two friends fighting and one of them is crying and looks really hurt.
Scenario 7: You feel really, really sick and your tummy hurts a lot.
Scenario 8: Your marker ran out of ink while you were drawing.
Scenario 9: You got a small scratch on your knee when you fell.
Scenario 10: You forgot your lunchbox at home.
Scenario 11: There's a strange smell of smoke coming from the kitchen.
Scenario 12: You can't figure out how to put on your jacket all by yourself.
Scenario 13: You accidentally ripped a page in your favorite book.
Scenario 14: The fire alarm goes off at school.
Scenario 16: You talked out of turn during circle time and the teacher reminded you to raise your hand.
Scenario 17: You accidentally bumped into another student and they dropped their crayons, making them roll everywhere.
Scenario 18: You didn't clean up your toys after playtime, and now the teacher is asking you to stay in during a special activity.
Problem Size Labels (Cut these out and lay them out!)
Tiny Problem
Little Problem
Medium Problem
Big Problem
Emergency!
Warm Up
Problem Parade!
Instructions: Let's start by thinking about all sorts of problems! Close your eyes and imagine a parade of problems. What kinds of small things make you say, "Uh oh!"? What kinds of bigger things make you say, "Oh no!"?
Think about:
- Something that was a tiny bit tricky today.
- Something that was a little bit annoying recently.
Let's share! I'll go first, then you can share something. No problem is too silly or too small for our parade!
Cool Down
My Problem Scale
Instructions: Now that we've learned about different problem sizes, let's think about your own problem scale!
- Can you think of a Tiny Problem that you might have today or tomorrow? What would you do about it?
- Can you think of a Medium Problem that someone your age might face? What would be a good way to handle that?
Remember, knowing the size of a problem helps you know if you can fix it yourself, if you need a little help, or if you need to tell a grown-up right away!