Size of the Problem
Everyone has problems sometimes, and that is okay. This resource focuses on the responses we have to problems. How we respond to problems is important, and when we understand how big the problem is we can match our reaction to the problem.
Smaller Problems
I can solve on my own
I don't need help from and adult for
I might even be able to ignore
Medium Problems
I can probably solve this on my own, but I might need help from a friends or adult after I have tried
Someones feelings have been hurt
Bigger Problems
I need help from an adult to solve this problem
Someone may be injured
There might be an emergency
Someone feels unsafe
Talk to your student about things that happen sometimes during our days and discuss what size problem they think they are, and how they would react.
- Not getting your favorite breakfast
- Missing the bus
- Forgetting a pencil
- Seeing a bug
- Someone is spreading rumors
- Your trip was cancelled
- You lost a game
- Your friend wants to play a different game or wants to play with someone else
- Someone is hurting you
- Forgot your coat for recess
- Someone else did your class job
- Someone threatens you or someone else
- There is a fire
How Can I Respond?
Smaller Problems
I can ignore it
I can move somewhere else
I can do a different activity
I can say, "That bothers me, please stop."
I can say, "Please leave me alone, I need some space right now."
I can say, "No thank you."
Medium Problems
I can tell someone how I feel
I can ask help for what I need
I can ask someone to "Stop"
I can walk away
I can get help from an adult or a peer
I can say, "Please give me my space."
Larger Problems
I can get an adult
I can use a loud voice
I can say, "Help!"
I can say, "Adult, I need you!"
I can say, "Adult, there's an emergency!"
I can say, "Adult, this person is hurt!"
I can say, "Stop!" I or someone else feels unsafe.