3.9 Specifically teach the steps to solving problems in a variety of ways including engaging children to generate solutions to common classroom challenges.
Use the solution kit cue cards to provide a visual picture and the words to help children identify possible solutions to problems. Each time a cue card is used with a child, he/she is being introduced to vocabulary and print awareness. Big cards can be used in an activity with a group of children to introduce solutions and small cards can be used to prompt children when struggling with problem solving.
Use: Solution kit cards - small
Use: Solution kit cards - big
Use the list of books provided in the Book Nook list to discuss emotions and how to problem solve difficult situations. Reading, discussing the book and problem solving situations support a child’s oral language and listening comprehension skills. Look at the Book Nook Lesson Plan ideas for ways to expand on some favorite books in all of your classroom activities.
Use: "Book Nook List"- Use role play as a strategy to help children engage in learning how to generate solutions to common problems they encounter in the classroom. See these Problem Solving Role Play Cards for examples.
Use: "'I have a problem' role play cards"
- Specifically teach steps to finding a solution. Consider using the “Problem Solving Boy” to explain the problem solving process. See this link for materials. See this link to see a teacher using the strategy in the classroom.
Use: "Problem solving boy"
Watch: "Using the problem solving boy"
- Support children through the process of finding an appropriate solution to identified problems. Watch as this teacher helps a child select several solutions before finding one that works.
Watch: "Using the solution kit"
