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Problem Solvers

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Kelsey McQueen - Bettell

Tier 2
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Social Problem Solving Plan

Students will learn and apply a simple 4-step process to solve common social problems with peers independently and peacefully.

Developing strong problem-solving skills helps students navigate conflicts, build positive relationships, and feel more confident in social situations. This lesson provides a clear framework for handling disagreements and finding fair solutions.

Audience

1st Grade Small Group

Time

40 minutes

Approach

Direct instruction, guided practice, and independent application of a 4-step problem-solving model.

Materials

Whiteboard or chart paper, Markers, Solution Seekers Slides, Problem-Solving Path, My Problem, My Solution, and Problem Solver Check

Prep

Gather Materials & Review

10 minutes

  • Gather a whiteboard or chart paper and markers.
  • Review the Solution Seekers Slides to familiarize yourself with the content and flow.
  • Print or prepare to display the Problem-Solving Path activity. You may want to cut out the cards if using them as a physical activity.
  • Print copies of the My Problem, My Solution worksheet for each student.
  • Review the Problem Solver Check quiz.
  • Ensure the classroom is set up for small group instruction, allowing for discussion and individual work.

Step 1

Warm-Up: What's the Problem?

5 minutes

  • Teacher:

Step 2

Introduce Problem Solvers

5 minutes

  • Teacher:

Step 3

Explore the 4-Step Plan (Slides & Discussion)

15 minutes

  • Teacher:

Step 4

Practice with "Problem-Solving Path" Activity

10 minutes

  • Teacher:

Step 5

Individual Practice: "My Problem, My Solution" Worksheet

5 minutes

  • Teacher:

Step 6

Wrap-Up & Assessment: "Problem Solver Check" Quiz

5 minutes

  • Teacher:
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Slide Deck

Problem Solvers: Finding Fair Ways!

How can we be great friends and solve tricky situations?

Welcome students and introduce the topic of becoming 'Problem Solvers'. Ask them what they think a problem is and if they've ever had one with a friend.

What's a Problem?

Sometimes, things don't go as we planned, or we disagree with a friend. That's a problem!

Ask students to share examples of small problems they might have at school or with friends. Emphasize that problems are normal and can be solved.

Why Solve Problems?

Solving problems helps us:

  • Be kind to our friends
  • Feel happy
  • Make school a fun place!

Discuss why solving problems is important for being happy and having good friends. Connect it to classroom harmony.

Our Secret Plan: 4 Steps to Solve Any Problem!

We have a special plan to help us solve problems step-by-step!

Introduce the idea of a 'secret plan' to solve problems. Explain there are 4 easy steps.

Step 1: Stop and Think!

When a problem happens, don't just react!

  • Take a deep breath.
  • Count to three.
  • Think: "What just happened?"

Explain that when a problem happens, the first thing is to not react right away, but to take a moment to calm down and think.

Step 2: Name the Problem!

What is really going on?
*

Guide students to clearly state what the problem is. Who is involved? What happened?

Step 3: Brainstorm Solutions!

Think of ALL the ways to fix the problem!

  • Share your toys
  • Take turns
  • Say "Please stop"
  • Ask for help
  • Walk away

Encourage students to think of many different ways to solve the problem, even silly ones at first. Emphasize that all ideas are welcome at this stage.

Step 4: Pick the Best Solution!

Which solution is the best one?

  • Is it fair?
  • Is it safe?
  • Will it help everyone feel better?

Discuss how to choose the best solution. What is fair? What will make everyone happy? What is safe?

Let's Practice! (Scenario)

Scenario: Two friends both want to play with the same red ball at recess.

Present a simple scenario (e.g., two friends want the same toy). Guide the students through the 4 steps using the example.

Our 4 Problem-Solving Steps

  1. Stop and Think!
  2. Name the Problem!
  3. Brainstorm Solutions!
  4. Pick the Best Solution!

Quickly review the four steps to reinforce learning. Ask students to repeat the steps with you.

You are a Problem Solver!

Now you have a superpower! You can solve problems!

Conclude by empowering students to use these skills. Remind them they are now 'Problem Solvers'!

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Activity

Problem-Solving Path Activity

Objective: Students will apply the 4-step problem-solving process to various social scenarios with peer interaction.

Materials:

  • Printed scenario cards (cut out)
  • Printed solution idea cards (cut out)
  • Social Problem Solving Plan reminder poster (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Introduce the "Problem-Solving Path": Explain to students that they will be acting out or discussing different social problems and using their new 4-step plan to find solutions.
  2. Review the 4 Steps: Briefly review the steps: Stop and Think, Name the Problem, Brainstorm Solutions, Pick the Best Solution.
  3. Scenario Play: The teacher presents a scenario card.
    • Scenario Card Examples:
      • "You and your friend both reach for the last swing at the playground at the same time."



      • "Someone accidentally bumps into your block tower and it falls down."



      • "Your friend keeps interrupting you when you are trying to tell a story."



      • "You want to play tag, but your friend only wants to play with dolls."



  4. Guided Practice: For each scenario, guide students through the steps:
    • Step 1: Stop and Think! (Pause, take a deep breath). Ask: "What just happened? How do you feel?"
    • Step 2: Name the Problem! Ask: "What is the problem we need to solve?"
    • Step 3: Brainstorm Solutions! Encourage students to come up with as many ideas as possible. You can use the solution idea cards if needed, or have students generate their own.
      • Solution Idea Cards (Examples to print and cut out):
        • "Share!"
        • "Take turns!"
        • "Say 'Please stop!'"
        • "Ask for help!"
        • "Walk away!"
        • "Ask 'Can we play X first, then Y?'"
        • "Apologize!"
        • "Say 'I feel [sad/mad] when..."
    • Step 4: Pick the Best Solution! Ask: "Which idea is fair? Is it safe? Will it make everyone feel better? Let's try it!"
  5. Role-Play (Optional): If time allows and students are comfortable, have them role-play the scenario and act out the chosen solution.

Differentiation:

  • Support: Provide more explicit guidance and fewer choices for solutions. Offer visual aids for the 4 steps.
  • Challenge: Encourage students to generate more complex solutions or consider long-term impacts of solutions.
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Worksheet

My Problem, My Solution

Name: ____________________________

Sometimes problems happen. Use our 4-step plan to help you solve them!

My Problem Story

Think about a small problem you had or might have with a friend. Write or draw about it here.












Step 1: Stop and Think!

What happened? How do you feel?




Step 2: Name the Problem!

What is the problem we need to solve?




Step 3: Brainstorm Solutions!

Think of 2 or 3 ways you could solve this problem. (Circle your favorite idea!)










Step 4: Pick the Best Solution!

Which solution will you try? Why is it the best? (Remember: Fair, Safe, Makes people feel better!)







I am a Problem Solver! 💪

Write or draw how you will feel after solving your problem.






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Quiz

Problem Solver Check

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