Introduction

As educators, we understand that students may not always know how to approach a problem or ask for help. By incorporating principles of Social-Emotional Learning, we can teach them to recognize when they need assistance and develop the confidence to seek it. This blog post will explore an easy-to-implement, no-prep activity for educators to help students learn to ask for help and enhance their problem-solving skills.

No-Prep Activity

For this no-prep activity, you will need only your students and a classroom setting. The activity is called “Help Me Out,” and it encourages students to practice asking for help in various situations. Here’s how it works:

1. Divide the students into pairs.
2. Explain that one student in each pair will act as the “helper,” while the other will be the one seeking help.
3. Give each pair a scenario in which the student seeking help faces a problem. For example, they might be struggling with a math problem, need assistance with a computer issue, or have difficulty understanding a concept in class.
4. Ask the student seeking help to explain their problem to the helper and request assistance. The helper should then offer guidance, encouragement, or advice to help resolve the issue.
5. After each pair has completed the activity, ask them to switch roles and repeat the process with a new scenario.

This activity allows students to practice asking for help in a safe and supportive environment, while also developing empathy and understanding for their peers.

Discussion Questions

After completing the “Help Me Out” activity, consider discussing the following questions with your students:

1. How did it feel to ask for help? Were you nervous or hesitant? Why or why not?
2. How did it feel to be the helper? Were you able to offer assistance and support to your partner?
3. Why is it important to ask for help when we need it? How can it improve our problem-solving skills?
4. What are some strategies you can use to ask for help in different situations, such as at school, at home, or with friends?
5. How can we create a supportive classroom environment where everyone feels comfortable asking for help?

Related Skills

Asking for help is just one aspect of developing strong problem-solving skills. Other related skills that can benefit students include:

• Active listening: This involves truly hearing and understanding what others are saying, which can help students better comprehend instructions and guidance when seeking help.
• Self-awareness: Recognizing when they need help and being honest about their struggles is an important aspect of self-awareness.
• Adaptability: Being able to adapt to new situations and challenges is essential for problem-solving. When students encounter obstacles, they should be able to adjust their approach and seek help when necessary.
• Collaboration: Working together with peers and educators can greatly enhance problem-solving abilities. Students should learn to collaborate effectively and ask for help from others when needed.

Next Steps

Now that you have learned about the “Help Me Out” activity and its benefits for teaching students to ask for help and develop problem-solving skills, consider incorporating it into your classroom routine. You can also explore other resources and activities to further support your students’ Social-Emotional Learning. To get started, sign up for free sample materials at Everyday Speech and discover a wealth of resources for educators.