Lesson Plan
Super Solver Squad Lesson Plan
Students will practice real-life problem solving by identifying issues, brainstorming at least two solutions, and evaluating outcomes to choose the best option in a cooperative small-group setting.
This lesson builds critical thinking, collaboration, and self-confidence as students apply structured strategies to everyday challenges, supporting Tier 2 needs in a focused small group.
Audience
1st Grade Small Group (Tier 2)
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Guided group scenarios with scaffolded brainstorming and reflection.
Materials
- Problem Scenario Cards, - Printed Solution Evaluation Rubric Sheets, - Pencils And Paper, - Timer, - Whiteboard And Markers, and - Group Reflection Sheet
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Print and cut Problem Scenario Cards so each group has 3–4 scenarios
- Print Solution Evaluation Rubric Sheets for each student
- Preview the scenarios and sample solutions to ensure familiarity
- Gather pencils, paper, timer, and set up a small group area with a whiteboard and markers
- Review Group Reflection Sheet headings to guide closing discussion
Step 1
Warm-Up Discussion
5 minutes
- Bring students together in a circle and introduce the term “problem solver”
- Ask: “What is a problem? Can you name something you solved today?”
- Chart student examples on the whiteboard to model identifying real-life issues
- Explain that today’s group will become the Super Solver Squad to tackle problems together
Step 2
Scenario Exploration
5 minutes
- Divide the group into pairs or trios and distribute Problem Scenario Cards
- Each subgroup reads one scenario aloud (teacher supports decoding as needed)
- As a group, identify the main issue in each scenario and underline key details on paper
- Teacher prompts with scaffolded questions for students needing extra support
Step 3
Group Brainstorming
12 minutes
- Students stay in their subgroups and brainstorm at least two possible solutions per scenario
- Use the Solution Evaluation Rubric Sheets to rate each idea on feasibility and friendliness
- Teacher circulates, guiding students with sentence starters (e.g., “One idea could be…,” “I think this will work because…”)
- Challenge advanced students to consider potential outcomes or trade-offs for each solution
Step 4
Reflection and Share
8 minutes
- Reconvene the whole group and invite each subgroup to share their favorite solution and why they chose it
- Complete the Group Reflection Sheet together:
- What problem did we solve?
- What was our best solution?
- How did we work as a team?
- Praise cooperation and encourage pairs who need more practice to use these steps tomorrow
Slide Deck
Super Solver Squad
Objective:
• Identify real-life problems
• Brainstorm at least two solutions
• Evaluate and choose the best solution
Welcome students! Today we become the Super Solver Squad. Our goal is to learn how to spot problems, come up with ideas to fix them, and pick the best one. Use enthusiastic tone to build excitement.
Script:
“Good morning, Super Solver Squad! We’re going to practice being detectives and helpers today. First, let’s see what problem solving means!”
Warm-Up Discussion
- What is a problem?
- Share something you solved today.
- List examples on the board.
Today, we’re the Super Solver Squad!
Guide students through sharing examples. Chart responses on the board. Prompt lower-level students with simple questions.
Script:
“Who can tell me what a problem is? Maybe you lost a toy or spilled milk. Let’s share examples!”
Scenario Exploration
• In small groups, get 3–4 Problem Scenario Cards
• Read a scenario aloud
• Underline the main problem and key details
Display or pass out one scenario card per group. Read the sample aloud and highlight key words. Support decoding as needed.
Script:
“Here’s our first scenario. Let’s find the main issue together. Underline the problem details.”
Group Brainstorming
• Brainstorm ≥2 solutions per scenario
• Use Solution Evaluation Rubric Sheets:
– Feasibility (Will this really work?)
– Friendliness (Is it kind?)
• Use sentence starters:
– “One idea could be…”
– “I think this will work because…”
Show the rubric sheet on the board or project it. Explain each criterion: “Feasible” means can really happen; “Friendly” means kind to everyone.
Script:
“Now we brainstorm solutions! Use your rubric to score each idea. Remember our sentence starters.”
Reflection & Share
• Each group shares:
– The problem they solved
– Their best solution and why
• Complete Group Reflection Sheet:
- What problem did we solve?
- What was our best solution?
- How did we work as a team?
Invite each group to share one solution and their scores. Fill out the Group Reflection Sheet together. Praise teamwork and creative thinking.
Script:
“Great work, Solvers! Let’s share. What problem did you solve, and why did you pick your favorite idea?”
Keep Solving!
• Use problem-solving steps daily
• Help friends and family
• Be a Super Solver in all you do!
Encourage students to use these steps every day. Remind them to look for problems and become Super Solvers around the classroom and at home.
Script:
“Remember, Super Solvers solve problems wherever they go. Practice these steps at home and school!”
Worksheet
Problem Scenario Cards
Print and cut along the lines so each group gets one card.
Scenario 1
You arrive at art time and see that Sam’s paint set is broken and paint is spilled on the table. How could you help fix this problem?
Scenario 2
At snack time, Emma realizes she forgot her snack at home. Her tummy is rumbling, and she feels sad. What could she or you do?
Scenario 3
During recess, Jay sees a classmate trip and scrape their knee. The classmate is crying. What could you do to solve this problem?
Scenario 4
You finish your reading assignment early but the reading buddy you planned to work with is still busy. What can you do until they’re ready?
Worksheet
Solution Evaluation Rubric
Use this sheet to rate each solution you brainstorm.
Scenario: _______________________________
Solution Idea 1: _______________________________
- Feasible? [ ] Yes 🙂 [ ] Maybe 😐 [ ] No 🙁
- Friendly? [ ] Yes 🙂 [ ] Maybe 😐 [ ] No 🙁
Solution Idea 2: _______________________________
- Feasible? [ ] Yes 🙂 [ ] Maybe 😐 [ ] No 🙁
- Friendly? [ ] Yes 🙂 [ ] Maybe 😐 [ ] No 🙁
Solution Idea 3 (Optional): _______________________________
- Feasible? [ ] Yes 🙂 [ ] Maybe 😐 [ ] No 🙁
- Friendly? [ ] Yes 🙂 [ ] Maybe 😐 [ ] No 🙁
Worksheet
Group Reflection Sheet
Work together to answer the questions below and write your answers in the space provided.
1. What problem did we solve?
2. What was our best solution? Why did we choose it?
3. How did we work as a team?
4. What could we do next time to be even better problem solvers?