As educators, we understand the importance of teaching our students not only academic skills but also essential life skills. One such life skill is problem-solving. This blog post will introduce you to the Solve It game, a step-by-step approach to help middle school students develop their problem-solving abilities using Social-Emotional Learning principles. We will also provide a no-prep activity, discussion questions, and related skills to further enhance students’ learning experiences.

Introduction: The Solve It Game

The Solve It game guides students through the process of solving problems by breaking it down into manageable steps. These steps include:

1. Identify the problem
2. Figure out how big the problem is
3. Think of possible solutions to the problem
4. Pick a solution
5. Try the chosen solution and reassess it
6. Reflect on the outcome and try again if necessary

Throughout the game, students are encouraged to discuss their feelings and thoughts, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.

No-Prep Activity: Problem-Solving Scenarios

This no-prep activity is designed to engage students in applying the Solve It steps to real-life situations. Begin by dividing students into small groups. Provide each group with a scenario that presents a problem commonly faced by middle school students, such as dealing with a disagreement between friends or managing a challenging group project. Instruct the groups to work through the problem using the Solve It steps and discuss their feelings throughout the process. Afterward, facilitate a class discussion where groups share their problem-solving strategies and outcomes.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it important to identify the problem before trying to solve it? How can misidentifying a problem make it more difficult to find a solution?
2. How does understanding the size of a problem help you in the problem-solving process? Can you provide an example?
3. Why is it important to consider multiple solutions before settling on one? How does this approach benefit the problem-solving process?
4. What challenges did you face during the no-prep activity? How did you overcome those challenges?
5. How can effective problem-solving skills help you in your personal, academic, and future professional life?

Related Skills

Beyond problem-solving, there are other important skills that can enhance students’ Social-Emotional Learning experiences. Some related skills include:

• Communication: Clearly expressing thoughts and feelings, as well as actively listening to others.
• Conflict resolution: Resolving disagreements and finding solutions that benefit all parties involved.
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, promoting a supportive and inclusive environment.
• Resilience: Adapting to challenges and setbacks, and maintaining a positive attitude.
• Decision-making: Evaluating options and making informed choices, considering the consequences and potential outcomes.

Next Steps

Now that you have learned about the Solve It game and its benefits in teaching problem-solving skills, we encourage you to further explore this skill and others. To access free samples of materials related to problem-solving and other Social-Emotional Learning skills, sign up at Everyday Speech. Enhance your students’ learning experiences and help them develop essential life skills with these valuable resources.