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Problem Solvers Unite!

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Lesson Plan

Problem Solvers Unite!

Students will be able to identify a social problem, brainstorm at least two possible solutions, and describe one potential outcome for each solution.

Developing problem-solving skills helps students navigate social challenges, reduce conflicts, build stronger friendships, and gain confidence in their ability to handle difficult situations.

Audience

3rd Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Through discussion, scenario analysis, and group activity, students will practice social problem-solving.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Markers or pens, and Problem Solving Scenarios Activity

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction: What is a Problem?

5 minutes

  • Begin by asking: "What does it mean to have a problem?" and "What does 'social problem-solving' mean?" (2 minutes)
  • Discuss a few student responses, focusing on challenges with friends or in groups. (3 minutes)

Step 2

Steps to Solving Problems

10 minutes

  • Introduce simple problem-solving steps:
    1. Identify the Problem: What exactly is wrong?
    2. Brainstorm Solutions: Think of many different ways to fix it (even silly ones!).
    3. Choose the Best Solution: Which one is fair and safe for everyone?
    4. Try it Out! Put your plan into action.
    5. Reflect: Did it work? What did you learn? (5 minutes)
  • Discuss one or two simple examples as a class. (5 minutes)

Step 3

Activity: Problem Solving Scenarios

10 minutes

  • Distribute or display the Problem Solving Scenarios Activity. (1 minute)
  • Explain the instructions: Students will read social scenarios and apply the problem-solving steps. (2 minutes)
  • Allow students to work individually or in pairs. (7 minutes)

Step 4

Wrap-up: Share & Reflect

5 minutes

  • Bring the class back together. Ask a few students to share their scenarios and solutions from the activity. (3 minutes)
  • Conclude by emphasizing that everyone can be a great problem solver and that practicing helps build strong friendships and a happy classroom. (2 minutes)
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Activity

Problem Solving Scenarios Activity

Instructions: Read each scenario below. For each one, think like a super problem solver! Follow these steps:

  1. What's the Problem? (Identify the problem)
  2. What can you do? (Brainstorm solutions - think of at least two!)
  3. What might happen? (Describe the outcome for each solution)

Scenario 1: The Missing Ball

During recess, you and your friend, Sam, are playing catch with your favorite bouncy ball. Suddenly, the ball bounces over the fence into Mrs. Smith's garden. You know Mrs. Smith doesn't like anyone going into her garden.

  1. What's the Problem?






  2. What can you do? (Solution 1)






    What might happen?






    What can you do? (Solution 2)






    What might happen?






Scenario 2: Group Project Troubles

Your teacher put you in a group with Maya and Ben for a science project. You want to start working right away, but Maya keeps talking and distracting Ben, and they aren't helping to plan the project.

  1. What's the Problem?






  2. What can you do? (Solution 1)






    What might happen?






    What can you do? (Solution 2)






    What might happen?






Scenario 3: The Lunchroom Line

You're really hungry and excited for lunch. As you're walking to your spot in line, another classmate, Chloe, pushes past you and cuts in front.

  1. What's the Problem?






  2. What can you do? (Solution 1)






    What might happen?






    What can you do? (Solution 2)






    What might happen?






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Slide Deck

Problem Solvers Unite!

Are you ready to solve some puzzles?

Welcome students and introduce the exciting topic of problem-solving. Ask students to quickly share what comes to mind when they hear the word 'problem'.

Everyday Puzzles!

What does it mean to have a problem?

  • What kinds of problems do we have at school or with friends?

Facilitate a brief discussion. Ask students what different kinds of problems they might encounter at school or with friends.

Your Problem-Solving Superpowers!

  • Identify the Problem: What exactly is wrong?
  • Brainstorm Solutions: Think of many different ways to fix it!
  • Choose the Best Solution: Which one is fair and safe?
  • Try it Out! Put your plan into action.
  • Reflect: Did it work? What did you learn?

Go through each step, explaining it simply and clearly. Give a quick, relatable example for each step to ensure understanding.

Time to Practice!

Let's use our new superpower steps on some real-life puzzles!

Introduce the activity. Explain that they will read scenarios and apply the problem-solving steps. Remind them to think about fairness and safety.

Scenario Time!

Work on the Problem Solving Scenarios Activity individually or with a partner. We'll discuss them together soon!

This slide sets up the independent or pair work. The teacher should transition to distributing or displaying the Problem Solving Scenarios Activity here.

Share Your Solutions!

What did you learn from the scenarios?

  • How can being a problem solver help you?
  • Why is it important to think about different solutions?

Facilitate a class discussion, asking students to share their scenarios and solutions from the activity. Emphasize that there can be many good solutions and the importance of reflecting.

You Are a Problem Solver!

You have the power to solve problems and make a positive difference in your friendships and in our classroom!

Keep using your problem-solving superpowers!

Conclude the lesson by reinforcing the main message about their ability to solve problems and the positive impact it has on their relationships and classroom.

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Lesson Plan

Friendship: The Ultimate Adventure!

Students will be able to identify and describe at least three characteristics of a good friend and understand why these qualities are important for building and maintaining positive friendships.

Understanding what makes a good friend is crucial for students' social-emotional development. It helps them navigate relationships, resolve conflicts, and build a supportive community in and out of the classroom, fostering empathy and strong social bonds.

Audience

3rd and 5th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Through discussion, examples, and an interactive activity, students will explore friendship traits.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Markers or pens, and Friendship Traits Activity

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction: What is Friendship?

5 minutes

  • Begin by asking students: "What does 'friendship' mean to you?" (2 minutes)
  • Discuss a few student responses, highlighting the idea of connection and support. (3 minutes)

Step 2

Exploring Good Friend Traits

10 minutes

  • Lead a brief brainstorming session: "What are some qualities or actions of a good friend?" Write ideas on the board. (5 minutes)
  • Guide students to key traits like kindness, honesty, listening, support, respect, and sharing. (5 minutes)

Step 3

Activity: Friendship Traits in Action

10 minutes

  • Distribute or display the Friendship Traits Activity. (1 minute)
  • Explain the instructions: Students will read scenarios and decide if the actions show good friendship traits, explaining why. (2 minutes)
  • Allow students to work individually or in pairs. (7 minutes)

Step 4

Wrap-up: Reflecting on Friendship

5 minutes

  • Bring the class back together. Ask a few students to share their answers from the Friendship Traits Activity. (3 minutes)
  • Conclude by emphasizing that being a good friend makes everyone feel valued and helps build a positive classroom community. "Remember, being a good friend is like being a superhero – you make the world a better place!" (2 minutes)
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Activity

Friendship Traits Activity

Instructions: Read each scenario below. Decide if the action shows a good friendship trait or not. Explain your answer and suggest a better action if needed.

Scenario 1:

Your friend, Maya, is really excited because she got the lead role in the school play. You wanted that role too, and you feel a little jealous. When she tells you, you just shrug and say, "Okay."

Does this show a good friendship trait? Yes / No

Explain your answer:







What could be a better action?







Scenario 2:

Your friend, Liam, forgot his lunch at home. He looks sad and worried. You have an extra snack in your backpack, and you offer to share it with him.

Does this show a good friendship trait? Yes / No

Explain your answer:







Scenario 3:

During recess, you and your friends are playing a game. Your new classmate, Sarah, is standing alone watching. You invite her to join your game.

Does this show a good friendship trait? Yes / No

Explain your answer:







Scenario 4:

Your friend, Noah, tells you a secret and asks you not to tell anyone. The next day, you tell another friend because you think it's a funny story.

Does this show a good friendship trait? Yes / No

Explain your answer:







What could be a better action?







Scenario 5:

Your friend, Chloe, is struggling with a math problem that you understand easily. Instead of just giving her the answer, you offer to help her understand how to solve it.

Does this show a good friendship trait? Yes / No

Explain your answer:







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Slide Deck

Friendship: The Ultimate Adventure!

What does friendship mean to YOU?

Welcome students and introduce the exciting topic of friendship. Ask students to quickly share what comes to mind when they hear the word 'friendship'.

Qualities of a Stellar Friend!

  • Kindness: Being nice and thoughtful.
  • Honesty: Telling the truth.
  • Listening: Really hearing what your friend says.
  • Support: Being there for your friend.
  • Respect: Valuing your friend's feelings and ideas.
  • Sharing: Sharing toys, ideas, or even feelings.

Guide students in a brainstorming session. Ask them to think about what good friends do and say. Write their ideas on the board. Help steer them towards key traits.

Friendship Scenarios!

Let's put our friendship knowledge to the test!

  • Read each situation.
  • Decide if it shows good friendship.
  • Explain your choice!
  • Think about what you would do.

Introduce the activity. Explain that they will read scenarios and think about how a good friend would act. Remind them to explain their reasoning.

Your Turn!

Work on the Friendship Traits Activity individually or with a partner. We'll discuss them together soon!

This slide sets up the independent or pair work. The teacher should transition to distributing or displaying the Friendship Traits Activity here.

Reflecting on Friendship

What did we learn from the scenarios?

  • Why are these traits important?
  • How does being a good friend make you feel?

Remember: Being a good friend helps everyone!

Facilitate a class discussion, asking students to share their responses to the activity scenarios. Emphasize the positive aspects of good friendship.

You've Got This!

You have the power to be an amazing friend and make a big difference in someone's day!

Keep exploring the adventure of friendship!

Conclude the lesson by reinforcing the main message about the power of friendship.

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Problem Solvers Unite! • Lenny Learning