Lesson Plan
Problem Size-Up!
Students will be able to identify different sizes of problems and match their reactions to the appropriate problem size.
Understanding problem size helps students manage their emotions, avoid overreacting, and develop effective coping strategies. This skill is crucial for navigating social situations and building resilience.
Audience
3rd Grade Students
Time
15 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion and a sorting activity.
Materials
Small Problems List (written on slips of paper), Medium Problems List (written on slips of paper), Big Problems List (written on slips of paper), Problem Size-Up Slides, Problem Size-Up Activity Mat (one per group), Problem Examples Answer Key, and Markers or Pencils
Prep
Gather Materials & Review
5 minutes
- Review the Problem Size-Up Slides, the Problem Size-Up Activity Mat, and the Problem Examples Answer Key.
- Prepare slips of paper with various small, medium, and big problems using the Problem Examples Answer Key as a guide.
- Ensure each group has an Problem Size-Up Activity Mat and markers/pencils.
Step 1
Introduction: What's the Problem?
3 minutes
- Begin by asking students: "What is a problem?" Discuss their ideas.
- Introduce the idea that problems come in different 'sizes.' Use Problem Size-Up Slides to guide the discussion.
Step 2
Define Problem Sizes
5 minutes
- Using Problem Size-Up Slides, explain the characteristics of 'Small Problems,' 'Medium Problems,' and 'Big Problems,' providing examples for each.
- Ask students for their own examples for each category. Emphasize that reactions should match the problem's size.
Step 3
Problem Sort Activity
5 minutes
- Divide students into small groups (if not already in them for Tier 2 support).
- Distribute the Problem Size-Up Activity Mat and the slips of paper with various problems.
- Instruct groups to read each problem slip and place it in the correct 'Small Problem,' 'Medium Problem,' or 'Big Problem' section on their mat.
- Circulate to provide support and facilitate discussion within groups.
Step 4
Wrap-Up & Reflection
2 minutes
- Bring the groups back together.
- Ask a few groups to share one problem they sorted and why they placed it in that category.
- Briefly reiterate the main objective: matching reactions to the size of the problem. Use Problem Size-Up Slides for a quick summary slide.
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Slide Deck
What's the Problem?
What does it mean to have a problem?
How do problems make us feel?
Welcome students and introduce the topic. Ask them to think about what a 'problem' means to them. Encourage a brief discussion before moving to the next slide.
Problems Come in Sizes!
Just like shoes, problems come in different sizes!
Our reaction should fit the problem.
Explain that problems aren't all the same size. Just like clothes come in different sizes, so do problems! Our reactions should match the size of the problem. This helps us solve them better.
Small Problems
- Easy to solve
- Can be solved quickly
- You can probably solve it yourself!
Examples:
- Lost your pencil
- Spilled a little water
- Didn't get to be first in line
Introduce 'Small Problems.' Give examples like losing a pencil, spilling a drink, or not being first in line. Emphasize that these are everyday issues we can often handle ourselves or with a quick fix.
Medium Problems
- A bit harder to solve
- Might need a grown-up's help
- Takes a little more time
Examples:
- Disagreement with a friend
- Forgot your homework
- Someone hurt your feelings
Introduce 'Medium Problems.' Give examples like a disagreement with a friend, forgetting homework, or a small conflict. Explain that these might need a grown-up's help or a bit more effort to solve.
Big Problems
- Very difficult to solve
- ALWAYS need a grown-up's help
- Makes you feel very strong emotions (sad, scared, angry)
Examples:
- Family emergency
- Someone is hurting you
- A natural disaster (like a big storm)
Introduce 'Big Problems.' Give examples like a family emergency, a natural disaster, or bullying. Stress that these require adult help immediately and often involve strong emotions. It's okay to feel upset with big problems.
Problem Sort Activity
Work in your groups!
Your Task:
- Read each problem slip.
- Decide if it's a Small, Medium, or Big Problem.
- Place it on the correct spot on your mat.
Talk it over with your group members!
Explain the activity: students will sort problem cards onto their mats based on size. Remind them to discuss within their groups. Circulate and support.
Reflect & React
Why is it important to know the size of a problem?
Remember to choose a reaction that fits the problem!
Conclude by bringing groups back. Ask for examples of sorted problems. Reiterate the main takeaway: matching our reactions to problem size is a smart way to handle life's challenges.
Activity
Problem Size-Up Activity Mat
Instructions: Read each problem on the slips of paper. Decide if it is a Small Problem, a Medium Problem, or a Big Problem. Place the slip in the correct section below. Discuss with your group!
Small Problems
These are problems you can usually fix by yourself or with a quick solution.
Medium Problems
These problems might need a grown-up's help or take a little more time to solve.
Big Problems
*These problems always need a grown-up's help and make you feel very strong emotions. They are serious! *
Answer Key
Problem Examples Answer Key
Here are some examples of problems categorized by size, which can be used for the Problem Sort Activity:
Small Problems
These are problems you can usually fix by yourself or with a quick solution.
- Lost a pencil
- Spilled a drink
- A friend took a toy without asking (and you can politely ask for it back)
- Forgot your homework at home (and a parent can bring it in, or it's a minor consequence)
- Didn't get to be first in line
- Can't find your favorite colored marker
- Someone accidentally bumped into you
Medium Problems
These problems might need a grown-up's help or take a little more time to solve.
- Fought with a friend (needs discussion and resolution)
- Got a bad grade on a test (needs a plan to improve)
- Family argument (requires discussion and adult guidance)
- Missed a school event you wanted to go to
- Someone said something unkind that hurt your feelings
- You broke a small rule and need to apologize or make amends
- You're having trouble understanding a new math concept
Big Problems
*These problems always need a grown-up's help and make you feel very strong emotions. They are serious! *
- Family emergency (e.g., someone is very sick)
- A natural disaster (e.g., a big storm, earthquake)
- Serious illness (your own or a close family member's)
- Someone is bullying you or someone you know
- You feel unsafe at school or home
- Witnessing something truly scary or dangerous
- Getting lost in an unfamiliar place