Lesson Plan
Your Problem-Solving Superpowers
Students will be able to identify problems, brainstorm multiple solutions, and evaluate the potential outcomes of each solution to make informed decisions.
Effective problem-solving is a critical life skill that empowers students to overcome challenges, make sound decisions, and build confidence in various aspects of their lives, from academics to personal interactions.
Audience
6th Grade Students
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Through discussion, group activity, and individual reflection, students will actively practice problem-solving.
Materials
Whiteboard or Projector, Problem-Solving Superpowers Slide Deck, Problem-Solving Scenario Cards, My Problem-Solving Plan Worksheet, and Reflection Journal
Prep
Prepare Materials
15 minutes
- Review the Problem-Solving Superpowers Slide Deck and familiarize yourself with the content.
- Print and cut out the Problem-Solving Scenario Cards.
- Make copies of the My Problem-Solving Plan Worksheet for each student.
- Prepare copies of the Reflection Journal for each student.
- Ensure whiteboard or projector is ready for display.
Step 1
Introduction: What's the Problem?
5 minutes
- Display Problem-Solving Superpowers Slide Deck slide 1 and 2.
- Greet students and introduce the lesson topic: problem-solving. Use the prompt from the slide to engage them: "What's a problem you've faced recently? How did it make you feel?"
- Briefly explain that problems are a normal part of life and that today, they'll learn how to tackle them with
Step 2
The Problem-Solving Process
10 minutes
- Display Problem-Solving Superpowers Slide Deck slides 3-5.
- Introduce the 3-step problem-solving process: Identify the Problem, Brainstorm Solutions, and Evaluate & Choose.
- Explain each step clearly, using examples relevant to 6th graders. Refer to the Problem-Solving Superpowers Slide Deck for visual aids and key points.
Step 3
Scenario Challenge Activity
15 minutes
- Display Problem-Solving Superpowers Slide Deck slide 6.
- Divide students into small groups (3-4 students per group).
- Give each group a few Problem-Solving Scenario Cards.
- Instruct each group to choose one scenario and apply the 3-step problem-solving process. They should record their steps on the My Problem-Solving Plan Worksheet.
- Circulate among groups, providing guidance and facilitating discussion.
Step 4
Share and Reflect
10 minutes
- Display Problem-Solving Superpowers Slide Deck slide 7.
- Ask each group to share their chosen scenario, their brainstormed solutions, and the solution they chose (and why).
- Facilitate a brief class discussion on the different approaches and outcomes. Emphasize that there isn't always one
Step 5
Wrap-up & Journaling
5 minutes
- Display Problem-Solving Superpowers Slide Deck slide 8.
- Distribute the Reflection Journal to each student.
- Ask students to complete the journal prompt individually: "Think about a problem you are currently facing or might face soon. How can you use your new problem-solving superpowers to tackle it?"
- Collect journals or allow students to keep them for future reflection.
Slide Deck
Unlocking Your Problem-Solving Superpowers!
Ever felt stuck? Like a superhero without their cape? Problems are like villains, but you've got superpowers to defeat them!
Welcome students and set an engaging tone. The goal is to make problem-solving relatable and less daunting.
What's Your Problem Story?
What's a problem you've faced recently?
How did it make you feel?
(Think about big or small problems – like a tough homework question or a disagreement with a friend.)
Use this slide to encourage initial sharing and personal connection to the topic. Emphasize that everyone faces problems.
Step 1: Identify the Problem 🔍
What exactly is the problem?
Is it clear? Specific?
(Example: "My homework is hard" vs. "I don't understand how to multiply fractions in my math homework.")
Introduce the first step of the problem-solving process. Emphasize clarity and specificity when identifying a problem.
Step 2: Brainstorm Solutions 💡
What are ALL the possible ways to solve it?
Think outside the box! No idea is too silly at first.
(Example: Ask a friend, look it up online, ask the teacher, try a different strategy, take a break.)
Introduce the second step. Encourage creative and diverse ideas, no matter how silly they might seem at first.
Step 3: Evaluate & Choose ✅
What are the pros and cons of each solution?
Which solution is the best for this problem?
(Consider: Will it work? Is it fair? What might happen next?)
Introduce the third step. Guide students to think about the consequences and feasibility of each solution.
Scenario Challenge! 🦸♀️🦸♂️
Work in your groups.
Choose a Problem-Solving Scenario Card.
Use your My Problem-Solving Plan Worksheet to follow the 3 steps.
Be ready to share your superpower plan!
Explain the group activity. Ensure students understand they will be applying the steps to real-life scenarios.
Sharing Our Solutions 🗣️
What scenario did your group choose?
What solutions did you brainstorm?
What was your chosen solution and why?
Facilitate sharing and discussion. Highlight different approaches and reinforce that multiple solutions can be effective.
Activate Your Superpowers! ✨
How can you use your new problem-solving superpowers in your own life?
(Complete your Reflection Journal)
Guide students to reflect individually. Encourage them to see themselves as capable problem-solvers.
Activity
Problem-Solving Scenario Cards
Cut out these cards and distribute them to groups for the "Scenario Challenge Activity." Each group should choose one card to work on.
Scenario 1: The Group Project Mix-Up
You are working on a group project for science, and one of your group members isn't doing their share of the work. The deadline is approaching, and you're worried about your grade. What do you do?
Scenario 2: Lost and Found Lunch Money
You brought your lunch money to school, but when it's time for lunch, you realize it's gone. You can't remember where you put it, and you're really hungry. What do you do?
Scenario 3: Friendship Fender-Bender
Your best friend is suddenly ignoring you, and you don't know why. You've tried talking to them, but they just walk away. It's making you feel sad and confused. What do you do?
Scenario 4: The Tricky Homework Problem
You're stuck on a math problem for homework, and you've tried everything you can think of. You're starting to get frustrated, and you don't want to just give up. What do you do?
Scenario 5: Too Many After-School Activities
You've signed up for too many after-school clubs and now you feel overwhelmed. You don't have enough time for homework, and you're always tired. What do you do?
Scenario 6: Disagreement with a Sibling
You and your sibling both want to use the family computer at the same time for different things. You both feel like your need is more important. What do you do?
Worksheet
My Problem-Solving Plan
Name: _________________________
Group Members (if applicable): _________________________
Use this worksheet to guide your group through the problem-solving steps for your chosen scenario.
Step 1: Identify the Problem 🔍
What is the specific problem you are trying to solve? Describe it clearly and in detail.
Step 2: Brainstorm Solutions 💡
List at least three different solutions to the problem. Don't worry about whether they're perfect yet – just get your ideas down!
Step 3: Evaluate & Choose ✅
Consider each solution you brainstormed. What are the good things (pros) and bad things (cons) about each one? Then, choose the best solution and explain why.
Solution 1:
- Pros:
- Cons:
Solution 2:
- Pros:
- Cons:
Solution 3:
- Pros:
- Cons:
Our Chosen Solution: _________________________________________________________________
Why did you choose this solution? (Explain your reasoning and what you hope will happen.)
Journal
Problem-Solving Superpowers: My Reflection Journal
Name: _________________________
Activating Your Superpowers!
Think about a problem you are currently facing, or a challenge you anticipate might come up soon (at school, with friends, at home, or with an activity). It could be big or small!
Describe the problem:
Now, use your problem-solving superpowers to think through it! Follow the steps we discussed in class:
Step 1: Identify the Problem (Clearly!)
What is the exact problem you need to solve? Try to be as specific as possible.
Step 2: Brainstorm Solutions (Get Creative!)
List at least 2-3 different ways you could try to solve this problem.
Step 3: Evaluate & Choose (Think it Through!)
Look at your solutions. What are the good and bad things about each one? Which solution do you think is the best to try first, and why?
Looking Ahead
How do you feel now that you have a plan to tackle this problem?
What's one thing you learned today about problem-solving that you'll try to remember?
Lesson Plan
Emotion Detectives: Understanding Feelings
Students will be able to identify and name at least five different emotions, recognize emotional cues in themselves and others, and describe healthy ways to respond to various feelings.
Understanding and managing emotions is a fundamental life skill that improves communication, fosters empathy, builds stronger relationships, and equips students to navigate challenging situations effectively.
Audience
Grades 3-5
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, scenario-based game, and reflective journaling.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Emotion Detectives Slide Deck, Markers or chart paper, Emotion Scenario Cards Game, My Emotion Journal, and Pencils/Crayons
Prep
Preparation Steps
15 minutes
- Review the Emotion Detectives Slide Deck and familiarize yourself with the content.
- Print and cut out the Emotion Scenario Cards Game cards.
- Print copies of My Emotion Journal for each student.
- Ensure whiteboard/projector and markers/chart paper are ready.
Step 1
Introduction: What Are Emotions?
10 minutes
- Begin with a warm-up discussion asking students about different feelings they know. (e.g., "What does 'happy' feel like?")
- Use the Emotion Detectives Slide Deck (Slides 1-3) to introduce the concept of emotions as 'signals' and the idea of being an 'emotion detective.'
- Facilitate a brief discussion on why understanding emotions is important.
Step 2
Exploring Emotions (Slide Deck & Discussion)
15 minutes
- Continue with the Emotion Detectives Slide Deck (Slides 4-8), exploring various emotions like joy, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, and disgust.
- For each emotion, discuss: What does it look like? What does it feel like in our bodies? What might make us feel this way?
- Encourage students to share examples (without personal details) or observations of these emotions.
Step 3
Emotion Scenario Cards Game
20 minutes
- Introduce the Emotion Scenario Cards Game. Explain that students will work in small groups to read scenarios and identify the emotions involved, as well as discuss healthy responses.
- Divide students into small groups (3-4 students per group) and distribute the Emotion Scenario Cards Game and pencils/crayons.
- Circulate among groups, facilitating discussions and providing support as needed. Encourage students to think about facial expressions, body language, and context clues.
Step 4
Sharing and Reflecting
10 minutes
- Bring the class back together.
- Have each group share one scenario and their discussion about the emotions identified and healthy responses.
- Lead a brief discussion on common themes and different perspectives.
Step 5
My Emotion Journal & Cool Down
5 minutes
- Distribute My Emotion Journal to each student.
- Explain that this journal is for them to reflect on their own emotions.
- Instruct students to complete the first prompt in their journal as a cool-down activity for today's lesson.
- Collect journals or have students keep them for ongoing reflection.
Slide Deck
Emotion Detectives: Understanding Feelings
Ready to explore the amazing world of feelings?
Welcome students and introduce the exciting theme of becoming 'Emotion Detectives.' Ask them what they think an emotion is.
What Are Emotions?
Emotions are signals!
They are messages from our bodies and minds.
They tell us how we are reacting to things around us.
Explain that emotions are like messages our bodies send us. Give examples like: 'When you're happy, your body feels light!' or 'When you're scared, your heart might beat fast!'
Being an Emotion Detective
Just like detectives look for clues, we can look for clues to understand feelings!
Clues can be:
- Facial expressions
- Body language
- Words people say
- What's happening around us
Introduce the idea of being a detective. How do detectives find clues? We will use our senses to find clues about emotions.
Exploring Joy!
Joy is a wonderful feeling!
What does joy look like?
- Smiling faces
- Laughing
- Bright eyes
What does joy feel like?
- Light and happy inside
- Full of energy
- Like you want to jump!
Start with a positive emotion. Ask students what makes them feel joyful and what joy looks like.
Exploring Sadness!
Sadness is a quiet feeling.
What does sadness look like?
- Frowning or tears
- Slumped shoulders
- Quiet voice
What does sadness feel like?
- Heavy or tired
- Like you want to be alone
- A bit empty
Discuss sadness. Validate that it's okay to feel sad. Ask what might make someone feel sad and what sadness might look like.
Exploring Anger!
Anger is a strong feeling!
What does anger look like?
- Red face, tight jaw
- Fists clenched
- Loud voice or stomping feet
What does anger feel like?
- Hot or tense
- Like you want to shout or hit
- Frustrated
Talk about anger. Emphasize that anger is a normal feeling, but how we show it matters. Ask what anger might look like and feel like.
Exploring Fear!
Fear is a worried feeling.
What does fear look like?
- Wide eyes, raised eyebrows
- Trembling or hiding
- Quiet or shaky voice
What does fear feel like?
- Butterflies in your stomach
- Heart beating fast
- Like you want to run away
Discuss fear. Talk about how fear helps keep us safe sometimes, but can also be overwhelming. Ask what fear looks like and feels like.
More Feelings to Explore!
There are so many emotions!
Can you think of others?
- Surprise!
- Disgust!
- Excitement!
How do these feelings look and feel?
Briefly introduce other emotions like surprise, disgust, and excitement. Encourage students to think about how these look and feel. Transition to the game.
Time for Emotion Detectives Game!
Now it's your turn to be Emotion Detectives!
- Work in small groups.
- Read the scenario cards.
- Discuss: What emotion do you think the person is feeling?
- Discuss: What are some healthy ways to respond?
- Be ready to share your findings!
Explain the instructions for the game. Emphasize working together and discussing healthy responses.
My Emotion Journal
Your My Emotion Journal is a special place to think about your own feelings.
It's a tool to help you understand yourself better.
Complete the first journal prompt as our cool-down activity for today!
Explain the purpose of the journal for personal reflection. Encourage honest self-expression.
Game
Emotion Detectives: Scenario Cards Game
Instructions:
- Work in your small group.
- Take turns reading each scenario card aloud.
- As a group, discuss the following questions for each card:
- What emotion do you think the person in the scenario might be feeling?
- What clues in the scenario helped you figure out the emotion (words, actions, situation)?
- What are some healthy ways the person in the scenario could respond to their feelings?
- What are some healthy ways others could respond to the person's feelings?
- Be prepared to share one of your scenarios and discussions with the class!
Scenario Card 1: The Broken Tower
Liam spent a long time building a tall block tower. Just as he put the last block on top, his little sister zoomed by and accidentally knocked it all down. Liam's face turned red, and he felt a big lump in his throat.
- What emotion might Liam be feeling?
- What are some healthy ways Liam could respond to his feelings?
- What are some healthy ways someone else could respond to Liam's feelings?
Scenario Card 2: A New Friend
Maya was new to school and felt a bit nervous at recess. Then, a girl from her class, Chloe, walked over with a big smile and asked, "Do you want to play tag with us?" Maya's stomach fluttered, and she couldn't stop smiling.
- What emotion might Maya be feeling?
- What are some healthy ways Maya could respond to her feelings?
- What are some healthy ways someone else could respond to Maya's feelings?
Scenario Card 3: The Dark Storm
It was a dark and stormy night. Thunder boomed loudly, and the lights flickered off. Sam huddled under his blankets, his heart pounding. He wished his parents would come check on him.
- What emotion might Sam be feeling?
- What are some healthy ways Sam could respond to his feelings?
- What are some healthy ways someone else could respond to Sam's feelings?
Scenario Card 4: Lost and Found
During library time, Alex realized he couldn't find his favorite book that he brought from home. He looked everywhere, his eyes darting around, but it was nowhere to be seen. He felt a tear prickling in his eye as the bell for class rang.
- What emotion might Alex be feeling?
- What are some healthy ways Alex could respond to his feelings?
- What are some healthy ways someone else could respond to Alex's feelings?
Scenario Card 5: Winning the Game
The soccer team had been practicing all season. In the final game, with only seconds left, Maria scored the winning goal! Her teammates rushed to hug her, and a huge cheer erupted from the crowd. Maria threw her hands in the air and beamed.
- What emotion might Maria be feeling?
- What are some healthy ways Maria could respond to her feelings?
- What are some healthy ways someone else could respond to Maria's feelings?
Journal
My Emotion Journal
This journal is a special place for you to explore your own feelings. Sometimes it helps to write or draw about what's going on inside you. There are no right or wrong answers in your emotion journal!
Journal Prompt: Today's Feelings
Think about a feeling you experienced today, or sometime recently. It could be any feeling – happy, sad, excited, frustrated, calm, or something else!
-
What was the feeling? (You can draw a picture of your face showing this feeling too!)
-
What happened that made you feel that way? (Describe the situation briefly.)
-
How did your body feel when you had this emotion? (e.g.,