Introduction
We all face problems in our day-to-day lives at home and at school. Some of our problems are from mistakes we
made, like oversleeping and missing the bus. Other problems are out of our control and are bad luck, like our
game getting rained out. While we may not be able to avoid facing these kinds of problems, we can control how
we react to them. Part of being a successful problem-solver is controlling our feelings in the moment. When our
reaction matches the size of our problems, we become better problem-solvers. Becoming more aware of how we are
feeling when faced with a problem and how to handle those feelings can be tricky. In this blog, we will explore
a no-prep activity for educators to help middle school students develop problem-solving skills and manage their
emotions.
No-Prep Activity: The Stop and Think Game
This activity requires no preparation or materials from the educator. To play the Stop and Think Game, have
students sit in a circle. The educator will present a hypothetical problem to the group, and students will take
turns sharing their initial reactions. After each reaction, the group will discuss if the reaction matches the
size of the problem and how they might adjust their response to better fit the situation. For example, the
educator may present a scenario where a student forgot their homework at home. The group can discuss various
reactions, such as getting upset, calmly talking to the teacher, or finding a solution like emailing the
homework later. This activity helps students practice stopping and thinking before reacting to problems and
encourages them to consider the context and potential solutions.
Discussion Questions
- Why is it important to stop and think before reacting to a problem?
- How can considering the time and place help us manage our emotions when faced with a problem?
- What are some examples of problems that require different reactions based on the context?
- How can we practice matching our reactions to the size of our problems?
- Why is it important to consider other people’s feelings when reacting to a problem?
Related Skills
In addition to problem-solving and emotion management, students can benefit from developing other related
skills, such as:
- Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others can help students be more considerate when
reacting to problems. - Communication: Effective communication is key to expressing our feelings and finding solutions to problems.
- Resilience: Building resilience helps students bounce back from setbacks and learn from their mistakes.
- Decision-making: Developing good decision-making skills can help students avoid or minimize potential
problems.
Next Steps
To further support your students in developing problem-solving skills and managing their emotions, consider
signing up for free samples of related skill
activities and resources at Everyday Speech. These materials can help you create engaging lessons and foster a
supportive learning environment for your middle school students.
