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Problem-Solving Pathways

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Trisha Lee

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Problem-Solving Pathways

Students will learn and practice a step-by-step problem-solving process to address everyday social and academic challenges.

This lesson helps students build resilience and confidence in tackling challenges, fostering independent thought and collaborative solutions.

Audience

2nd and 3rd Grade Students

Time

45-60 minutes

Approach

Interactive scenarios, role-playing, and guided discussion.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Problem-Solving Pathways Slide Deck, Scenario Cards Activity, My Problem-Solving Plan Worksheet, and Markers or pens

Prep

Prepare Materials

15 minutes

  • Review the Problem-Solving Pathways Slide Deck to familiarize yourself with the content.
    - Print and cut out the scenario cards from the Scenario Cards Activity.
    - Make copies of the My Problem-Solving Plan Worksheet for each student.
    - Ensure whiteboard or projector is ready.

Step 1

Introduction: What's a Problem?

10 minutes

  • Display Slide 2: What's a Problem?.
    - Ask students: "What is a problem? Can you give an example of a small problem you might have at school or home?"
    - Facilitate a brief discussion, guiding students to understand that problems are challenges we face that need solutions.

Step 2

Introduce the Problem-Solving Steps

15 minutes

  • Display Slide 3: Our Problem-Solving Steps.
    - Introduce the four steps: Identify, Brainstorm, Choose, and Act/Reflect. Explain each step clearly, using simple language.
    - Display Slide 4-7 to elaborate on each step individually, providing quick examples for each.

Step 3

Scenario Cards Activity

20 minutes

  • Introduce the Scenario Cards Activity. Explain that students will work in small groups to solve problems.
    - Divide students into small groups (3-4 students per group).
    - Distribute one scenario card to each group.
    - Instruct groups to follow the problem-solving steps discussed to come up with a solution for their scenario. Encourage them to use the My Problem-Solving Plan Worksheet to guide their thinking and record their ideas.

Step 4

Share and Discuss Solutions

10 minutes

  • Bring the class back together.
    - Have each group share their scenario and the solution they developed. Display Slide 8: Share Your Solutions! to prompt sharing.
    - Facilitate a brief discussion after each group, asking questions like: "Why did you choose that solution? What was challenging about this problem?"

Step 5

Wrap-Up and Reflection

5 minutes

  • Display Slide 9: You Are Problem Solvers!.
    - Reiterate that everyone can be a great problem-solver with practice.
    - Ask students to reflect on one new thing they learned about problem-solving today.
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Slide Deck

Welcome! Let's Solve Some Problems!

Today, we're going to become amazing problem-solvers!

Welcome students and introduce the day's topic: problem-solving. Ask them to think about what a 'problem' means to them.

What's a Problem?

🤔 What do you think a 'problem' is?

It's a challenge, a puzzle, or something that needs a solution!

Ask students to define 'problem' and provide examples. Guide them towards understanding that problems are challenges needing solutions.

Our Problem-Solving Steps

We have a secret recipe for solving problems!

  1. Identify the Problem
  2. Brainstorm Solutions
  3. Choose the Best Solution
  4. Act & Reflect

Introduce the four main steps. Emphasize that these steps help us think clearly.

Step 1: Identify the Problem

🔍 What exactly is going wrong?

  • What happened?
  • Who is involved?
  • How does it make you feel?

(Example: "I can't reach the book on the top shelf.")

Explain 'Identify.' Provide a simple example like: 'My pencil broke.'

Step 2: Brainstorm Solutions

💡 Think of ALL the ways to fix it!

  • No idea is silly!
  • Think alone, or with friends.

(Example: "Get a step stool, ask an adult, try jumping.")

Explain 'Brainstorm.' Encourage wild ideas, no idea is silly at this stage.

Step 3: Choose the Best Solution

👍 Which idea works best?

  • Is it safe?
  • Is it fair?
  • Will it really solve the problem?

(Example: "Ask an adult is the safest way to get the book.")

Explain 'Choose.' Discuss criteria like safety, fairness, and effectiveness.

Step 4: Act & Reflect

🚀 Try it out!

  • Put your plan into action.
  • Did it work? If not, what can you try next?

(Example: "I asked Ms. Lily and she got the book for me!")

Explain 'Act & Reflect.' Emphasize trying the solution and thinking about if it worked.

Share Your Solutions!

What problem did your group solve?

How did you use our steps to find a solution?

Transition to the group activity. Remind students to share their scenarios and solutions.

You Are Problem Solvers!

Every day is a chance to practice your amazing problem-solving skills! You've got this!

Conclude the lesson by reinforcing that practice makes perfect in problem-solving. Ask for one takeaway.

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Activity

Scenario Cards Activity

Instructions: Work with your group to read the scenario card. Use the problem-solving steps we learned to come up with a solution. Be ready to share your ideas with the class!

Scenario Card 1: Missing Crayons

You are about to start a drawing project, but you realize your favorite box of crayons is missing from your desk! You looked everywhere, and you can't find them.

  • What is the problem?


  • Brainstorm 3-4 possible solutions:




  • Choose the best solution and explain why:



Scenario Card 2: Lunchtime Mix-Up

It's lunchtime, and you open your lunchbox to find that someone else's sandwich and snacks are inside! Yours are nowhere to be seen.

  • What is the problem?


  • Brainstorm 3-4 possible solutions:




  • Choose the best solution and explain why:



Scenario Card 3: Playground Push

You are playing on the swings, and another student comes up and tries to push you off so they can have your swing. You feel upset and a little scared.

  • What is the problem?


  • Brainstorm 3-4 possible solutions:




  • Choose the best solution and explain why:



Scenario Card 4: Group Project Trouble

You are working on a group project, and one of your teammates isn't doing their share of the work. You are worried your group won't finish on time.

  • What is the problem?


  • Brainstorm 3-4 possible solutions:




  • Choose the best solution and explain why:



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Worksheet

My Problem-Solving Plan

Name: _________________________ Date: _________________________

My Problem Scenario:

Write down the problem your group is trying to solve.






Step 1: Identify the Problem

What exactly is going wrong? What happened? Who is involved? How does it make you feel?












Step 2: Brainstorm Solutions

Think of at least 3 different ways you could try to solve this problem. No idea is silly!













Step 3: Choose the Best Solution

Which solution from your list do you think is the best one? Why? Is it safe, fair, and will it work?












Step 4: Act & Reflect

What would you do to try this solution? What might happen? If it doesn't work, what would you try next?












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