Practicing Problem Solving
Grade Levels: 1 - 8
Objectives
- Students will be introduced to a problem-solving procedure.
- Students will participate in a structured practice of resolving conflict.
Materials
- Chalkboard and chalk, white board and markers
Procedures
- Explain that when there is a conflict, there is a problem.
- When trying to resolve conflicts, it helps to have a way to think about the problem and to attempt to solve it.
- Place the following steps on the board:
- Define the problem.
- Brainstorm solutions.
- Choose a solution and act on it.
- Go over each step with the class.
- Point out that before the problem solving begins, the people in the conflict have to agree to work it out. In order for problem solving to work, they have to agree to really try to work it out, and to not yell or call names. They want to DE-escalate the conflict, not escalate it.
- Emphasize that in step two they want to come up with as many possible solutions as they can.
- In step three they want to choose a solution(s) that is win-win.
- Encourage students to define problems in a way that does not affix blame.
Excerpted from Elementary Perspectives: Teaching Concepts of Peace and Conflict by William J. Kreidler.
Provided by Educators for Social Responsibility
2008 Presidential Election Resources
Get your students involved in the presidential-election process by focusing on the 2008 race. We have plenty of resources about voting, elections, and the current candidates to help you structure your classroom discussion and lesson plans.
2009 Educators' Calendar
There's something worth celebrating every day! Find fun and educationally relevant holidays, events, and celebrations for each day of the year.
Daily Printables
Add a TeacherVision widget to your blog, personalized homepage (such as iGoogle or Pageflakes), or social networking sites (such as Facebook). Our widgets feature a different fifth-grade language arts printable or fourth-grade math printable for each day of the year.
September & October Events
Find educational resources for every day in September. Fill your October lessons with activities for Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15), World Space Week (Oct. 4–10), Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 5–11), Columbus Day (Oct. 13), National Chemistry Week (Oct. 19–25), School Bus Safety Week (Oct. 20–24), and Halloween (Oct. 31).
Online Courses for Busy Teachers
Earn graduate credit with no commute. Finish in as few as 4 weeks. Facilitated online courses from Drake University and Pearson.
Green Classroom Practices
Go green in your classroom with environmentally friendly tips that will save you and your school district money! Plus, educate students about ways they can go green with these activities focused on saving the environment.
Money Saving Advice & Tips for Teachers
Read our money-saving tips to save money on classroom supplies, field trips, and professional development.
