Lesson Plan
Problem-Solving Pathfinders
Students will be able to identify conflicts, brainstorm multiple solutions, and select an appropriate resolution strategy for common social problems.
Learning to solve problems peacefully helps students build stronger friendships, feel more confident, and create a positive classroom environment. This skill is crucial for navigating everyday challenges in and out of school.
Audience
3rd-4th Grade Students
Time
45-60 minutes
Approach
Through direct instruction, guided practice, and role-playing.
Materials
Problem-Solving Pathfinders Slide Deck, Conflict Scenario Cards (for activity), and Problem-Solving Worksheet
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Problem-Solving Pathfinders Slide Deck to familiarize yourself with the content.
* Print and cut out the Conflict Scenario Cards for the group activity. (These will be provided as part of the Conflict Scenario Cards Activity).
* Make copies of the Problem-Solving Worksheet for each student.
* Prepare the classroom for small group work if using the activity as described.
Step 1
Introduction: What's the Problem?
10 minutes
- Begin by engaging students with a question about everyday problems. (Use Problem-Solving Pathfinders Slide Deck - Slide 1)
* Define conflict in simple terms: a disagreement or a problem.
* Introduce the idea of being a 'Problem-Solving Pathfinder' – someone who finds a good way through a problem. (Use Problem-Solving Pathfinders Slide Deck - Slide 2)
Step 2
The Problem-Solving Trail: Steps to Success
15 minutes
- Present the 4 steps to problem-solving: (Use Problem-Solving Pathfinders Slide Deck - Slides 3-6)
1. Identify the Problem: What is really going on?
2. Brainstorm Solutions: Think of many different ways to solve it.
3. Explore Consequences: What might happen with each solution?
4. Choose the Best Path: Pick the solution that is fair and helps everyone.
* Discuss each step with examples relevant to 3rd-4th graders (e.g., sharing toys, taking turns, accidental bumps).
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Slide Deck
Welcome, Problem-Solving Pathfinders!
Have you ever had a disagreement with a friend?
Felt stuck when trying to solve a problem?
Today, we become Problem-Solving Pathfinders! We will learn how to find our way through tricky situations!
Welcome students and ask them to think about times they've had a problem with a friend or a classmate. Keep it light and relatable. Encourage a few shares, if appropriate, without dwelling on specific incidents. Transition to the idea that we all face problems and we can learn to solve them.
What is a Conflict?
Conflict: A disagreement or a problem.
It happens to everyone!
A Problem-Solving Pathfinder is someone who learns to navigate disagreements and find fair solutions.
Introduce the term 'conflict' simply. Emphasize that conflicts aren't always bad; they are chances to learn and grow. Explain what a 'Problem-Solving Pathfinder' is: someone who figures out how to make things right.
Step 1: Identify The Problem
What is really going on?
* What happened?
* Who is involved?
* How do people feel?
Example: Instead of "She's annoying," try "She keeps interrupting me when I'm talking."
Introduce the first step: Identify the Problem. Guide students to think beyond surface issues to what is really bothering them or causing the trouble. Give a simple example like, 'Instead of 'He's being mean,' try 'He took my crayon without asking.''
Step 2: Brainstorm Solutions
Think of many different ways to solve it!
* Don't stop at just one idea!
* Be creative!
* Even silly ideas can lead to good ones.
Example: If someone took your crayon, you could: ask for it back, get another crayon, tell the teacher, or offer to share.
Explain the second step: Brainstorm Solutions. Encourage students to think broadly, even silly ideas at first, to get their brains working. Stress that no idea is 'bad' during brainstorming.
Step 3: Explore Consequences
What might happen with each solution?
* Will it make things better or worse?
* How will others feel?
* How will I feel?
Example: If I grab the crayon back, my friend might get upset. If I ask politely, they might share.
Discuss the third step: Explore Consequences. Help students understand that every choice has a result, good or bad. Use relatable examples like, 'If I yell, what might happen?' versus 'If I ask nicely, what might happen?'
Step 4: Choose the Best Path
Pick the solution that is:
* Fair for everyone involved.
* Respectful to others.
* Safe for everyone.
* Helps to solve the problem.
This is your problem-solving path!
Conclude with the fourth step: Choose the Best Path. Emphasize finding a solution that is fair for everyone and helps resolve the problem effectively. Reiterate that the 'best' path isn't always the easiest.
Time to Practice!
Now that you know the steps, it's time to become expert Problem-Solving Pathfinders!
We will use Conflict Scenario Cards to practice these steps in small groups or pairs.
Explain that students will now get to practice these steps through an activity. Introduce the Conflict Scenario Cards and explain how the activity will work. Prepare them to work in groups or pairs.
Your Problem-Solving Map
You will use your Problem-Solving Worksheet to write down your ideas as you work through the scenarios. This is your map to a solution!
Introduce the worksheet as a way to record their problem-solving journey. Explain that they will use it for the activity.
Pathfinders Lead the Way!
Remember your 4 steps:
1. Identify the Problem
2. Brainstorm Solutions
3. Explore Consequences
4. Choose the Best Path
You are now ready to be Problem-Solving Pathfinders in your own lives!
Conclude the lesson by reviewing the 4 steps and encouraging students to use them in their daily lives. Ask for any final questions.
Activity
Conflict Scenario Cards Activity
Objective: Students will apply the 4 steps of problem-solving to various social scenarios through role-playing and discussion.
Materials:
- Conflict Scenario Cards (See section below: "Conflict Scenario Cards")
- Problem-Solving Worksheet for each student
Instructions:
-
Group Formation (5 minutes): Divide students into small groups of 3-4. Distribute one Problem-Solving Worksheet to each student and a set of Conflict Scenario Cards to each group.
-
Scenario Selection (2 minutes): Each group will choose one scenario card to start with.
-
Step 1: Identify the Problem (5-7 minutes):
- As a group, read the scenario card.
- Discuss: "What is the main problem here? Who is involved? How might everyone be feeling?"
- Each student writes down the identified problem on their Problem-Solving Worksheet.
-
Step 2: Brainstorm Solutions (5-7 minutes):
- As a group, brainstorm as many solutions as possible for the identified problem. Encourage creative and varied ideas.
- Each student records at least three solutions on their Problem-Solving Worksheet.
-
Step 3: Explore Consequences (5-7 minutes):
- For each solution brainstormed, discuss the potential consequences. "What would happen if we tried this solution? How would it make others feel? How would it make me feel? Is it fair?"
- Students record the consequences for their top solutions on their Problem-Solving Worksheet.
-
Step 4: Choose the Best Path & Role-Play (10-15 minutes):
- As a group, decide on the "best path" or solution, considering fairness, respect, and safety.
- Role-play the scenario with the chosen solution. Encourage students to act out how the problem is solved and how everyone feels afterward.
- Students write down their chosen solution and a brief reflection on their Problem-Solving Worksheet.
-
Share Out (5-10 minutes): Invite groups to share one of their scenarios, the problem they identified, the solutions they considered, and the best path they chose. Discuss as a class.
Conflict Scenario Cards
(Print and cut these cards for the activity)
Scenario 1: The Ball Hog
You are playing soccer during recess, and one student keeps kicking the ball away from everyone else and refuses to pass. Other students are getting frustrated.
Scenario 2: The Block Tower Disaster
You and a friend are building a tall block tower together. Another student accidentally bumps into it, and it all crashes down. Your friend is very upset.
Scenario 3: The Missing Pencil
You lent your favorite pencil to a classmate yesterday, and today you can't find it. The classmate says they gave it back, but you don't remember getting it.
Scenario 4: The Loud Game
You are trying to read quietly during free time, but a group of students near you are playing a very loud game and making it hard for you to concentrate.
Scenario 5: Line Cutting
During lunch, a student cuts in front of you and your friends in line, even though you've been waiting for a long time.
Scenario 6: Unfair Game Rules
Your group is playing a board game, and one student keeps changing the rules to make it harder for others to win. They say it's more "fun" this way, but everyone else is getting annoyed.
Scenario 7: The Interrupter
Every time you try to share an idea in class, another student always interrupts you and talks over you. You feel like your ideas aren't being heard.
Scenario 8: Not Taking Turns
Your class has a favorite computer game that everyone wants to play. One student has been on the computer for a very long time, and it's almost time to stop using the computers for the day. Others haven't had a turn.
Scenario 9: The Secret Keeper
You told a secret to a friend, and you asked them not to tell anyone. Later, you hear other classmates talking about your secret.
Scenario 10: The Messy Table
You and your classmates are working on an art project. One student is making a huge mess with glue and glitter, and it's spreading to your workspace and getting on your project.
Worksheet
My Problem-Solving Pathfinder Map
Name: _________________________ Date: _________________________
Scenario:
(Write down the scenario you are working on from your group's card)
Step 1: Identify the Problem
What is the main problem in this scenario? Who is involved, and how might everyone be feeling?
Step 2: Brainstorm Solutions
Think of at least three different ways to solve the problem. Don't worry if they sound silly at first!
- ______________________________________________________
- ______________________________________________________
- ______________________________________________________
Step 3: Explore Consequences
For each solution you brainstormed, what might happen? (Think about good and bad outcomes, and how others might feel.)
Solution 1: Consequences
Solution 2: Consequences
Solution 3: Consequences
Step 4: Choose the Best Path
Which solution is the best path forward? Why? (Remember: fair, respectful, safe, and solves the problem.)
My chosen solution is:
Why I think this is the best path:
My Reflection
How do I feel about choosing this solution? How might others feel?
Activity
Conflict Scenario Cards Activity
Objective: Students will apply the 4 steps of problem-solving to various social scenarios through role-playing and discussion.
Materials:
- Conflict Scenario Cards (See section below: "Conflict Scenario Cards")
- Problem-Solving Worksheet for each student
Instructions:
-
Group Formation (5 minutes): Divide students into small groups of 3-4. Distribute one Problem-Solving Worksheet to each student and a set of Conflict Scenario Cards to each group.
-
Scenario Selection (2 minutes): Each group will choose one scenario card to start with.
-
Step 1: Identify the Problem (5-7 minutes):
- As a group, read the scenario card.
- Discuss: "What is the main problem here? Who is involved? How might everyone be feeling?"
- Each student writes down the identified problem on their Problem-Solving Worksheet.
-
Step 2: Brainstorm Solutions (5-7 minutes):
- As a group, brainstorm as many solutions as possible for the identified problem. Encourage creative and varied ideas.
- Each student records at least three solutions on their Problem-Solving Worksheet.
-
Step 3: Explore Consequences (5-7 minutes):
- For each solution brainstormed, discuss the potential consequences. "What would happen if we tried this solution? How would it make others feel? How would it make me feel? Is it fair?"
- Students record the consequences for their top solutions on their Problem-Solving Worksheet.
-
Step 4: Choose the Best Path & Role-Play (10-15 minutes):
- As a group, decide on the "best path" or solution, considering fairness, respect, and safety.
- Role-play the scenario with the chosen solution. Encourage students to act out how the problem is solved and how everyone feels afterward.
- Students write down their chosen solution and a brief reflection on their Problem-Solving Worksheet.
-
Share Out (5-10 minutes): Invite groups to share one of their scenarios, the problem they identified, the solutions they considered, and the best path they chose. Discuss as a class.
Conflict Scenario Cards
(Print and cut these cards for the activity)
Scenario 1: The Ball Hog
You are playing soccer during recess, and one student keeps kicking the ball away from everyone else and refuses to pass. Other students are getting frustrated.
Scenario 2: The Block Tower Disaster
You and a friend are building a tall block tower together. Another student accidentally bumps into it, and it all crashes down. Your friend is very upset.
Scenario 3: The Missing Pencil
You lent your favorite pencil to a classmate yesterday, and today you can't find it. The classmate says they gave it back, but you don't remember getting it.
Scenario 4: The Loud Game
You are trying to read quietly during free time, but a group of students near you are playing a very loud game and making it hard for you to concentrate.
Scenario 5: Line Cutting
During lunch, a student cuts in front of you and your friends in line, even though you've been waiting for a long time.
Scenario 6: Unfair Game Rules
Your group is playing a board game, and one student keeps changing the rules to make it harder for others to win. They say it's more "fun" this way, but everyone else is getting annoyed.
Activity
Conflict Scenario Cards Activity
Objective: Students will apply the 4 steps of problem-solving to various social scenarios through role-playing and discussion.
Materials:
- Conflict Scenario Cards (See section below: "Conflict Scenario Cards")
- Problem-Solving Worksheet for each student
Instructions:
-
Group Formation (5 minutes): Divide students into small groups of 3-4. Distribute one Problem-Solving Worksheet to each student and a set of Conflict Scenario Cards to each group.
-
Scenario Selection (2 minutes): Each group will choose one scenario card to start with.
-
Step 1: Identify the Problem (5-7 minutes):
- As a group, read the scenario card.
- Discuss: "What is the main problem here? Who is involved? How might everyone be feeling?"
- Each student writes down the identified problem on their Problem-Solving Worksheet.
-
Step 2: Brainstorm Solutions (5-7 minutes):
- As a group, brainstorm as many solutions as possible for the identified problem. Encourage creative and varied ideas.
- Each student records at least three solutions on their Problem-Solving Worksheet.
-
Step 3: Explore Consequences (5-7 minutes):
- For each solution brainstormed, discuss the potential consequences. "What would happen if we tried this solution? How would it make others feel? How would it make me feel? Is it fair?"
- Students record the consequences for their top solutions on their Problem-Solving Worksheet.
-
Step 4: Choose the Best Path & Role-Play (10-15 minutes):
- As a group, decide on the "best path" or solution, considering fairness, respect, and safety.
- Role-play the scenario with the chosen solution. Encourage students to act out how the problem is solved and how everyone feels afterward.
- Students write down their chosen solution and a brief reflection on their Problem-Solving Worksheet.
-
Share Out (5-10 minutes): Invite groups to share one of their scenarios, the problem they identified, the solutions they considered, and the best path they chose. Discuss as a class.
Conflict Scenario Cards
(Print and cut these cards for the activity)
Scenario 1: The Ball Hog
You are playing soccer during recess, and one student keeps kicking the ball away from everyone else and refuses to pass. Other students are getting frustrated.
Scenario 2: The Block Tower Disaster
You and a friend are building a tall block tower together. Another student accidentally bumps into it, and it all crashes down. Your friend is very upset.
Scenario 3: The Missing Pencil
You lent your favorite pencil to a classmate yesterday, and today you can't find it. The classmate says they gave it back, but you don't remember getting it.
Scenario 4: The Loud Game
You are trying to read quietly during free time, but a group of students near you are playing a very loud game and making it hard for you to concentrate.
Scenario 5: Line Cutting
During lunch, a student cuts in front of you and your friends in line, even though you've been waiting for a long time.
Scenario 6: Unfair Game Rules
Your group is playing a board game, and one student keeps changing the rules to make it harder for others to win. They say it's more
Activity
Conflict Scenario Cards Activity
Objective: Students will apply the 4 steps of problem-solving to various social scenarios through role-playing and discussion.
Materials:
- Conflict Scenario Cards (See below)
- Problem-Solving Worksheet for each student
Instructions:
-
Group Formation (5 minutes): Divide students into small groups of 3-4. Distribute one Problem-Solving Worksheet to each student and a set of Conflict Scenario Cards to each group.
-
Scenario Selection (2 minutes): Each group will choose one scenario card to start with.
-
Step 1: Identify the Problem (5-7 minutes):
- As a group, read the scenario card.
- Discuss: "What is the main problem here? Who is involved? How might everyone be feeling?"
- Each student writes down the identified problem on their Problem-Solving Worksheet.
-
Step 2: Brainstorm Solutions (5-7 minutes):
*
Activity
Conflict Scenario Cards Activity
Objective: Students will apply the 4 steps of problem-solving to various social scenarios through role-playing and discussion.
Materials:
Instructions:
-
Group Formation (5 minutes): Divide students into small groups of 3-4. Distribute one Problem-Solving Worksheet to each student and a set of Conflict Scenario Cards to each group.
-
Scenario Selection (2 minutes): Each group will choose one scenario card to start with.
-
Step 1: Identify the Problem (5-7 minutes):
- As a group, read the scenario card.
- Discuss: "What is the main problem here? Who is involved? How might everyone be feeling?"
- Each student writes down the identified problem on their Problem-Solving Worksheet.
-
Step 2: Brainstorm Solutions (5-7 minutes):
*