Solving the Problem

Overview

The detailed activities that follow help students identify an effective solution to assist someone facing a challenge or difficulty. (This lesson focuses on helping a newcomer to the school or community, but may be adapted to address other situations.) The emphasis is on helping students tailor their proposed solutions to the particular needs of the individual. Students learn about the concepts of problem and solution by matching cards that describe familiar problem situations with cards that describe relevant solutions. Students then compare their experiences on the first day of school with those of the child in a story. Students list the child's difficulties and identify possible solutions for each problem. After developing criteria, students generate three possible solutions and choose the best response to a fictional or actual challenge faced by a new student or neighbour. Finally, students role-play their welcoming action.