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lenny

Problem Size-Up!

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pryorm

Tier 2
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Problem Size-Up!

Students will be able to identify and categorize problems based on their size (small, medium, large) and determine appropriate reactions.

Understanding the 'size of the problem' helps students respond effectively to challenges, reduce overreactions, and develop better problem-solving and emotional regulation skills in their daily lives.

Audience

8th Grade Students

Time

37 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, problem-solving scenarios, and group activity.

Materials

సమస్య పరిమాణం! స్లయిడ్ డెక్, Warm-Up: Problem Pop Quiz, Activity: Scenario Sort, Reaction Race!, Cool-Down: My Problem Plan, Whiteboard or chart paper, and Markers

Prep

Preparation Checklist

10 minutes

  • Review the Problem Size-Up! Lesson Plan and all generated materials.
    - Ensure the Problem Size-Up! Slide Deck is ready for display.
    - Print copies of the Warm-Up: Problem Pop Quiz for each student.
    - Prepare scenario cards or list for the Activity: Scenario Sort.
    - Print copies of the Cool-Down: My Problem Plan.
    - Prepare materials for Reaction Race! (e.g., 'S', 'M', 'B' signs or whiteboards for teams).

Step 1

Introduction & Warm-Up

5 minutes

  • Greet students and introduce the lesson: 'Today, we're going to talk about problems – but not just any problems, the size of our problems!'
    - Distribute the Warm-Up: Problem Pop Quiz.
    - Instruct students to quickly complete the quiz individually.
    - Briefly discuss a few answers as a group, prompting students to think about how different problems might require different reactions. Use Problem Size-Up! Slide Deck Slide 1.

Step 2

Understanding Problem Sizes

10 minutes

  • Use Problem Size-Up! Slide Deck Slides 2-5 to explain the concept of small, medium, and big problems.
    - Define each category with examples:
    - Small Problem: A problem you can solve quickly, often on your own, with minimal fuss (e.g., losing a pencil, a minor disagreement). Appropriate reaction: self-calm, quick fix.
    - Medium Problem: A problem that might require some thought, help from an adult, or a bit more time to solve (e.g., a challenging homework assignment, a persistent argument with a friend). Appropriate reaction: ask for help, brainstorm solutions, take a break.
    - Big Problem: A problem that is serious, impacts your safety or well-being, or requires immediate adult intervention (e.g., bullying, unsafe situations, a major family crisis). Appropriate reaction: tell a trusted adult immediately, seek professional help.
    - Encourage students to share their own small examples for each category (without revealing personal 'big' problems).

Step 3

Activity: Scenario Sort

10 minutes

  • Introduce the Activity: Scenario Sort.
    - Divide students into pairs or small groups.
    - Provide each group with scenario cards (or read them aloud).
    - Instruct groups to discuss and categorize each scenario as a small, medium, or big problem and then decide on an appropriate reaction.
    - Circulate and provide support and guidance. Use Problem Size-Up! Slide Deck Slide 6.
    - Bring the class back together and have a few groups share one scenario and their categorization/reaction. Facilitate a brief discussion on why some problems might feel different for different people.

Step 4

Game: Reaction Race!

7 minutes

  • Introduce the Reaction Race! game as a fun way to practice identifying problem sizes and reactions.
    - Divide the class into two teams.
    - Explain the rules as outlined in the Reaction Race! material.
    - Present scenarios and facilitate the game, encouraging quick thinking and discussion about appropriate reactions. Use Problem Size-Up! Slide Deck Slide 7.

Step 5

Conclusion & Cool-Down

5 minutes

  • Review the key takeaways: 'We all face problems, but knowing the size helps us react smartly.'
    - Distribute the Cool-Down: My Problem Plan.
    - Ask students to complete the cool-down individually, reflecting on how they will apply what they've learned.
    - Collect cool-downs as an exit ticket. Use Problem Size-Up! Slide Deck Slide 8.
lenny

Slide Deck

Welcome: Problem Size-Up!

How big is your problem?
Why does it matter?

Welcome students and introduce the day's topic: understanding the size of our problems. Explain that this skill helps us react appropriately.

Small Problems: Quick Fixes!

What are small problems?

  • Easy to solve
  • Can solve on your own
  • Little impact

Examples:

  • Lost a pencil
  • Forgot a book
  • Minor disagreement

Introduce the concept of a 'Small Problem.' Provide examples like a lost pencil, a minor spill, or a short internet outage. Emphasize that these are issues we can usually solve quickly and on our own.

Medium Problems: Need a Plan?

What are medium problems?

  • Might need some thought or a plan
  • Might need help from a friend or adult
  • More impact, but not a crisis

Examples:

  • Challenging homework
  • Persistent argument with a friend
  • Feeling overwhelmed

Introduce 'Medium Problems.' Explain that these might require more thought, a bit of time, or help from a friend or trusted adult. Give examples like a challenging homework assignment or a misunderstanding with a friend. Highlight that these aren't emergencies, but do need attention.

Big Problems: Get Help NOW!

What are big problems?

  • Serious and impactful
  • Affect your safety or well-being
  • Require immediate adult help

Examples:

  • Bullying
  • Feeling unsafe
  • Major crisis at home or school

Introduce 'Big Problems.' Stress that these are serious issues that impact safety, well-being, or require immediate adult intervention. Give clear examples such as bullying, feeling unsafe, or a major crisis. Reiterate the importance of telling a trusted adult immediately.

Why Does Size Matter?

Matching your reaction to the problem size:

  • Small problem: Small reaction (breathe, ignore)
  • Medium problem: Medium reaction (ask for help, plan)
  • Big problem: Big reaction (tell a trusted adult immediately)

Avoid overreacting to small problems!

Summarize the different categories and prompt students to think about why distinguishing between them is important for their reactions and emotional well-being.

Activity: Scenario Sort

Work in groups to:

  1. Read each scenario.
  2. Decide if it's a Small, Medium, or Big Problem.
  3. Discuss what an appropriate reaction would be.

Be ready to share your thoughts!

Transition to the activity. Explain that students will work in groups to categorize different scenarios and discuss appropriate responses. Encourage thoughtful discussion.

Game: Reaction Race!

Ready, Set, React!

  • Listen to the scenario!
  • Decide: Small, Medium, or Big?
  • Show your reaction!

Let the Reaction Race begin!

Introduce the 'Reaction Race!' game. Explain that it's a fun, fast-paced way to practice what they've learned about problem sizes and reactions. Go over the rules outlined in the game material.

Reflect & React

Today, we learned:

  • Problems come in different sizes.
  • Our reactions should match the problem size.
  • It's okay to ask for help!

Cool-Down: My Problem Plan

Conclude the lesson by reviewing the main idea. Explain the Cool-Down as an individual reflection and an opportunity for them to plan how they will use this new skill.

lenny

Warm Up

Warm-Up: Problem Pop Quiz!

Instructions: Read each situation and quickly decide if you think it's a small, medium, or big problem. Don't overthink it, just go with your gut reaction! Then, jot down how you might react.

  1. Scenario: You can't find your favorite pen right before a test.
    • Problem Size:


    • Your Reaction:


  2. Scenario: You accidentally spill water on your desk during class.
    • Problem Size:


    • Your Reaction:


  3. Scenario: A friend is consistently making rude comments to you, even after you've asked them to stop.
    • Problem Size:


    • Your Reaction:


  4. Scenario: You have a big project due tomorrow and you realize you've completely forgotten to do a major part of it.
    • Problem Size:


    • Your Reaction:


lenny
lenny

Activity

Activity: Scenario Sort

Instructions: In your groups, read each scenario below. Discuss and decide if it's a Small Problem, a Medium Problem, or a Big Problem. Then, brainstorm and write down what an appropriate reaction or solution would be for that specific problem.

Scenario Cards

Scenario 1: You are walking down the hallway and someone bumps into you, causing your books to fall. They don't apologize.

  • Problem Size:


  • Appropriate Reaction/Solution:


Scenario 2: You realize you left your lunch at home and don't have any money to buy food.

  • Problem Size:


  • Appropriate Reaction/Solution:


Scenario 3: You overhear someone spreading untrue and harmful rumors about another student.

  • Problem Size:


  • Appropriate Reaction/Solution:


Scenario 4: You're working on a group project, and one member isn't doing their share of the work, putting the whole project at risk.

  • Problem Size:


  • Appropriate Reaction/Solution:


Scenario 5: A classmate consistently makes fun of your appearance during lunch, making you dread going to the cafeteria.

  • Problem Size:


  • Appropriate Reaction/Solution:


Scenario 6: You're having trouble understanding a math concept, and the test is next week.

  • Problem Size:


  • Appropriate Reaction/Solution:


lenny
lenny

Game

Reaction Race!

Instructions: Get ready to test your problem-sizing skills in a fast-paced game!

  1. Divide into two teams.
  2. Your teacher will read a scenario aloud.
  3. Each team quickly discusses and decides if it's a Small Problem, Medium Problem, or Big Problem.
  4. Once your team has decided, hold up a sign (or use your hands to signal S, M, or B) to show your answer.
  5. The first team to correctly identify the problem size and briefly explain an appropriate reaction gets a point!

Scenarios for Play:

  • Scenario A: You realize you've accidentally worn two different colored socks to school.
    • Problem Size Hint: Small
    • Reaction Hint: Laugh it off, keep them on, or discreetly try to hide one.
  • Scenario B: You are struggling with a science project, and the deadline is approaching quickly.
    • Problem Size Hint: Medium
    • Reaction Hint: Ask a parent or teacher for help, break the project into smaller steps, look for resources online.
  • Scenario C: You see someone being physically hurt by another student during recess.
    • Problem Size Hint: Big
    • Reaction Hint: Immediately tell a trusted adult (teacher, recess monitor, principal).
  • Scenario D: You forgot to study for a small pop quiz in a subject you usually do well in.
    • Problem Size Hint: Small
    • Reaction Hint: Do your best, learn from the experience, move on.
  • Scenario E: A friend tells you they are feeling really sad and hopeless, and you're worried about them.
    • Problem Size Hint: Big
    • Reaction Hint: Tell a trusted adult (parent, teacher, counselor) immediately so they can get help.
  • Scenario F: You accidentally knocked over a glass of water on your own table in the cafeteria, and it made a small puddle.
    • Problem Size Hint: Small
    • Reaction Hint: Grab a napkin and clean it up quietly.
  • Scenario G: You have a disagreement with your sibling that makes you both angry, and it keeps happening.
    • Problem Size Hint: Medium
    • Reaction Hint: Talk to a parent to mediate, try to understand their perspective, agree to disagree for a bit.
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lenny

Cool Down

Cool-Down: My Problem Plan

Instructions: Think about what we discussed today about problem sizes. Answer the questions below to reflect on how you can use this information.

  1. Describe one small problem you might face tomorrow. What would be an appropriate (small) reaction to it?



  2. Describe one medium problem you might face in the coming week. What steps would you take to address it, and who might you ask for help?






  3. If you ever encounter a big problem, what is the most important thing you learned today about what to do?



  4. How do you think understanding problem sizes will help you in your daily life?






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lenny