Lesson 17: Solving Problems, Part 2

Why This Lesson Matters

Once they’ve managed to calm down and state the problem without blame, students are ready for the next three Problem-Solving Steps. The second step, T: Think of solutions, helps students avoid jumping at the first idea that comes to them, thus preventing hasty and possibly more aggressive responses to problems. The third step, E: Explore consequences, helps students weigh their options carefully. This type of deliberate, cause-and-effect thinking is an important skill for students to develop at this age. By exploring consequences of solutions, students can improve their ability to work out problems successfully. Considering whether an option is respectful helps build students’ capacity for empathy by enlisting perspective-taking skills in the problem-solving process. As elementary-age students mature, they are better able to think beyond their own immediate needs and desires. This lesson encourages students to consider what might happen as a consequence of a given solution.

Objectives

Students will be able to:

• Generate safe and respectful solutions to a problem

• Identify consequences of potential solutions

• Select an appropriate solution to a problem

Lesson Concepts

Solving problems helps you be successful at school.