As educators, one of our primary goals is to help high school students develop essential life skills, such as problem-solving, communication, and collaboration. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of teaching students to seek help when they need it and how to engage in collaborative problem-solving with their teachers and peers. These skills are crucial for personal and academic success, and they align with the principles of Social-Emotional Learning.

No-Prep Activity: The “Helping Hand” Game

This no-prep activity is designed to encourage students to seek help when needed and to practice effective communication and collaboration. Here’s how it works:

1. Divide the class into pairs. Each pair will consist of a “Helper” and a “Learner.”
2. Provide the Learners with a set of problems or tasks that they must complete within a certain timeframe. Make sure the problems are challenging but achievable with assistance.
3. The Helpers must remain silent and can only provide assistance if the Learner asks for help. The Helper can use non-verbal cues, such as pointing or nodding, to guide the Learner toward the solution.
4. After completing the activity, switch roles and repeat the process.

Throughout the activity, remind students to practice patience, active listening, and clear communication. After the activity, discuss the importance of asking for help and working together to solve problems.

Discussion Questions

• Why is it important to seek help when you are struggling with a problem or task?
• How can effective communication and collaboration help you overcome challenges in school and in life?
• What are some strategies you can use to improve your communication and collaboration skills?
• Why is it important to develop a strong relationship with your teachers and peers?
• How can we create a supportive classroom environment where everyone feels comfortable asking for help and working together?

Related Skills

Beyond seeking help and engaging in collaborative problem-solving, there are other related skills that high school students should develop to succeed in their academic and personal lives. These include:

• Active listening: Paying full attention to the speaker, understanding their message, and responding thoughtfully.
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, which can help build strong relationships and promote collaboration.
• Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and continue working toward goals, even in the face of challenges.
• Self-awareness: Recognizing one’s own strengths, weaknesses, and emotions, and understanding how they impact our thoughts and actions.

Next Steps

Teaching students to seek help and collaborate on problem-solving is a vital aspect of their personal and academic growth. By incorporating Social-Emotional Learning principles into your teaching, you can help students develop these essential skills and foster a supportive and collaborative classroom environment.

For more resources and activities to help your students develop these skills, sign up for free samples of our materials at Everyday Speech. Our resources are designed to help educators teach important life skills to their students and create a positive, supportive learning environment.