Introduction
In today’s fast-paced world, problem-solving skills are essential for students to navigate through life’s challenges. Solve It is a game designed to teach these skills through a step-by-step process that involves identifying the problem, determining its size, brainstorming solutions, selecting and trying a solution, and reassessing the outcome. By incorporating principles of Social-Emotional Learning, Solve It helps students develop essential life skills for effective communication and decision-making.
No-Prep Activity
Here’s an activity that requires no preparation or materials from the educator. Have your students form a circle and present them with a hypothetical problem. Ask students to take turns sharing their ideas on solving the problem, using the Solve It step-by-step process. Encourage students to listen actively and be open to different perspectives. This activity promotes teamwork, critical thinking, and effective communication among students.
Discussion Questions
- How did the step-by-step process help you in identifying and solving the problem?
- What challenges did you face while trying to find a solution, and how did you overcome them?
- How did the group’s dynamics affect the problem-solving process?
- What did you learn from the activity that you can apply to real-life situations?
- How can you improve your problem-solving skills in the future?
Related Skills
Problem-solving is just one aspect of Social-Emotional Learning. Other relevant skills for students include:
- Self-awareness: understanding one’s emotions, strengths, and weaknesses.
- Self-management: regulating emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively in different situations.
- Social awareness: empathizing with others and understanding their perspectives.
- Relationship skills: building and maintaining healthy relationships with diverse individuals and groups.
- Responsible decision-making: making ethical and constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions.
Next Steps
Now that you’ve learned about Solve It, it’s time to take the next step in incorporating Social-Emotional Learning into your teaching. We encourage you to sign up for free samples of the discussed skill and other related materials at Every Day Speech. These resources will help you create an engaging and effective learning environment for your students, equipping them with the skills they need to thrive in today’s world.
