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Problem Solved!

Lesson Plan

Problem Solved!

Students will be able to identify a problem, brainstorm solutions, and select the best solution using a step-by-step process.

Learning to solve problems effectively helps students navigate daily challenges, build confidence, and succeed in various academic and social situations.

Audience

6th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, guided practice, and a collaborative activity.

Materials

Problem Solved! Slide Deck, Problem Solving Steps Handout, Scenario Cards, Whiteboard or chart paper, and Markers

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: What's Your Problem?

5 minutes

  • Display Slide 1: "Problem Solved!"
    - Ask students: "What does it mean to have a 'problem'?" (Brief discussion)
    - Introduce the idea that problems are opportunities for solutions. "Today, we're going to learn a super cool way to tackle any problem that comes your way!"

Step 2

Introducing the Problem-Solving Steps

10 minutes

  • Display Slide 2: "Our Problem-Solving Plan".
    - Introduce the 5 steps: Identify, Brainstorm, Evaluate, Choose, Act. (Explain each briefly using the Problem Solved! Slide Deck)
    - Distribute the Problem Solving Steps Handout.
    - Lead a brief discussion about why having steps can be helpful.

Step 3

Practice with Scenarios

10 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups (2-3 students per group).
    - Give each group one Scenario Card.
    - Instruct groups to use the Problem Solving Steps Handout to work through their scenario.
    - Circulate and provide support as needed.

Step 4

Share and Reflect

5 minutes

  • Bring the groups back together.
    - Have one or two groups quickly share their scenario and chosen solution.
    - Display Slide 3: "You're a Problem-Solving Pro!"
    - Ask: "How did using the steps help you?" and "When might you use these steps in your life?"
    - Conclude by reinforcing that problem-solving is a valuable life skill.
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Slide Deck

Problem Solved!

What does it mean to have a problem?

Problems = opportunities for solutions!

Welcome students and get them thinking about what a 'problem' is. Emphasize that problems are solvable.

Our Problem-Solving Plan

Step 1: Identify the Problem
What exactly is going wrong?

Step 2: Brainstorm Solutions
What are ALL the ways you could fix it? (No bad ideas!)

Step 3: Evaluate Solutions
What are the pros and cons of each idea?

Step 4: Choose the Best Solution
Which idea works best?

Step 5: Act!
Put your plan into action!

Introduce the 5 key steps. Go through each one briefly, explaining what it means. Refer to the handout they will receive.

You're a Problem-Solving Pro!

How did using the steps help you?

When can you use these steps in your life?

Facilitate a short discussion. Reinforce that these steps can be used in many situations.

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Worksheet

Problem Solving Steps Handout

Use these steps to help you solve any problem, big or small!

Step 1: Identify the Problem

What exactly is the problem? Try to state it clearly and simply.







Step 2: Brainstorm Solutions

List all the possible ways you could solve the problem. Don't worry about if they are good ideas yet – just list them!






Step 3: Evaluate Solutions

Look at each solution you brainstormed. What are the good things (pros) and bad things (cons) about each one?

SolutionPros (Good Things)Cons (Bad Things)

Step 4: Choose the Best Solution

Based on your evaluation, which solution seems like the best choice? Why?







Step 5: Act!

What will you do to put your chosen solution into action? Who do you need to talk to? What materials do you need?







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Activity

Scenario Cards

Cut these cards out and give one to each small group. Students will use the Problem Solving Steps Handout to work through their scenario.

Scenario 1: The Missing Homework

You wake up on the morning of a big test, and you can't find your completed homework assignment for that class. You clearly remember putting it in your backpack last night, but it's not there now. The test is in one hour.

What is the problem? How will you solve it?

Scenario 2: Group Project Trouble

You are working on a group project, and one of your teammates isn't doing their share of the work. The deadline is approaching, and you're worried about getting a bad grade because of it. You've tried gently reminding them, but nothing has changed.

What is the problem? How will you solve it?

Scenario 3: Lunchtime Dilemma

You brought your favorite lunch to school, but when you open your lunchbox, you realize your sandwich is squished and ruined. You don't have any money to buy lunch, and you're really hungry.

What is the problem? How will you solve it?

Scenario 4: Friendship Mix-Up

You overheard two of your friends talking about a party, and they didn't invite you. You feel left out and hurt, especially since you thought you were close to them. You don't know if you should say something or ignore it.

What is the problem? How will you solve it?

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Problem Solved! • Lenny Learning