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    Problem-Solving

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    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:

    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:

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    Related Ideas

    Making Smart Choices

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

    Responsibility: What Would You Do?

    Students will explore responsibility and reflect on how they would handle authentic moral dilemmas they may face in school or in life.