---
title: Problem-Solving
description: Students will create a comic to show three-five steps to solve a problem.
image: https://ideas.pixton.com/hubfs/problem_solving-001-4.png
---

**Subject: SEL (Social-Emotional Learning)**

**Lesson Length: 1 - 2 hours**

**Topic: Growth Mindset, Responsibility, Critical Thinking**

**Grade Level: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8**

**Standards / Framework: **

- [CASEL: RESPONSIBLE DECISION-MAKING](https://casel.org/fundamentals-of-sel/what-is-the-casel-framework/#interactive-casel-wheel)

**Brief Description:**  Students will show three to five steps to solve a problem.

**Know Before You Start:** Students should be reminded about the importance of respecting diverse opinions and be reassured that they are able to discuss sensitive topics in your classroom because it is a safe space.

**Hook:**

- Ask students: 
    - “Have you ever made a decision you wish you could change?”
    - “How can I make better decisions?”
    - “Why is responsible decision-making important?”

**Activity:**

- Discuss some strategies students can use to problem-solve, such as: 
    - identifying the problem/conflict that needs to be solved
    - gathering relevant information about the topic
    - brainstorming a list of possible solutions
    - creating a pros/cons list
    - identifying potential consequences
    - considering alternatives.
- Form small groups and ask students to create a scenario or situation that involves a difficult decision and write it on an index card. 
- Collect the scenario cards from each group and redistribute the cards so that each group receives a different one. 
- Have each group collaborate and carry out three to five of the strategies discussed earlier to make a responsible decision. The group should ultimately make an action plan for how they will solve the problem.
- Have each group collaborate to create a comic that represents their problem, their decision-making process, and their solution to the problem.

**Closure:**

- Have each group present their comics to the class, going over the problem and explaining how they came to their solution.
- Encourage students to reflect on the activity in a journal or through discussion and on how they can apply these strategies to their own lives. 
- Encourage the class to continue practicing these skills in their everyday decision-making. 
    - Emphasize how learning and practicing these strategies for decision-making helps you become more independent, responsible, and resilient.

**Differentiation:**

- Allow students to use the speech-to-text feature.
- Allow students to work in pairs or groups as needed.
- Allow students to use the voiceover to read their comics aloud.
- Provide student groups with a list of general topics such as friendship, academic choices, and peer pressure to help with generating a scenario.
- Provide groups with a Concept Map graphic organizer to use as a “decision tree”.

**Resources:**

- Comic to print or display: [Comic](https://share.pixton.com/q133ibb).
- [Concept Map](https://ideas.pixton.com/hubfs/Printables/Graphic%20Organizers_04.pdf)
- Videos: 
    - [Making Tough Choices](https://youtu.be/gdsCUExLE-Y?si=w1Jh4oT6D5RNci8I) by Kid President<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlmEfeC1DO4>
    - [Innoventure Jr: Making Decisions](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlmEfeC1DO4) by Innoventure
    - [How to Improve Your Decision-Making](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hip8GXDoo_Q) by The Art of Improvement
- Books: 
    - [Collection of Books on Responsible Decision Making for Grades PrK-12](https://wccls.bibliocommons.com/list/share/2184223459/2207755529?page=1) by Washington County Cooperative Library Services
    - What Should Danny Do? by Adir Levy
    - What Should Darla Do? by Adir Levy
    - Enemy Pie by Derek Munson

**Suggested Content:**

- [![](https://img.pixton.com/content-pack/2078530841190330368/thumbnail.png) Elementary School ](https://content.pixton.com/elementary-school)
- [![](https://img.pixton.com/content-pack/2078531110531739648/thumbnail.png) Middle School ](https://content.pixton.com/middle-school)
- [![](https://img.pixton.com/content-pack/1886061245539446784/thumbnail.png) Mars ](https://content.pixton.com/mars)
- [![](https://img.pixton.com/content-pack/1665077182017544192/thumbnail.png) Shopping ](https://content.pixton.com/shopping)

**Suggested Story Starters:**

- [ Why I Missed School ](https://story-starters.pixton.com/missed-day-of-school)

Assign Activity

## Related Ideas

[![](https://ideas.pixton.com/hubfs/making_smart_choices-001.png)](https://ideas.pixton.com/making-smart-choices)

### [Making Smart Choices](https://ideas.pixton.com/making-smart-choices)

Students will use reflection questions to learn how to make good decisions at home and in school.

[![](https://ideas.pixton.com/hubfs/personal_and_collective_goals-001-2.png)](https://ideas.pixton.com/personal-and-collective-goals)

### [Personal and Collective Goals](https://ideas.pixton.com/personal-and-collective-goals)

Students will showcase their personal and collective goals.

[![](https://ideas.pixton.com/hubfs/what_are_their_superpowers_-001-2.png)](https://ideas.pixton.com/what-are-their-superpowers)

### [What Are Their Superpowers?](https://ideas.pixton.com/what-are-their-superpowers)

Students will recognize the strengths in another person.