Introduction
Problem-solving is a crucial skill for high school students to develop, as it helps them tackle challenges in their day-to-day lives effectively. Incorporating principles of social-emotional learning, this blog introduces a game called “Solve It” which guides students through a step-by-step process to address problems they may encounter. By participating in this activity, students will learn to identify and address issues, consider potential solutions, and reassess their chosen strategies.
No-Prep Activity
Here is a no-prep activity that requires no additional materials from the educator. This activity can be conducted in a classroom or online setting, making it suitable for various learning environments.
- Introduce the game “Solve It” and explain the steps involved: Identify the problem, assess its magnitude, brainstorm potential solutions, choose a solution, implement it, and reassess the outcome.
- Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Assign each group a common problem that high school students might face, such as time management, stress, or conflicts with peers.
- Ask each group to discuss their assigned problem and follow the “Solve It” steps to find a solution. Encourage groups to think critically and consider multiple perspectives.
- Once the groups have completed the activity, invite them to share their problem and proposed solution with the class. Facilitate a class discussion on the effectiveness of each solution and any alternative strategies that could be considered.
Discussion Questions
After completing the no-prep activity, use these discussion questions to stimulate further conversation among students:
- How did following the “Solve It” steps help you in addressing the assigned problem?
- Were there any challenges or obstacles you encountered while trying to find a solution? How did you overcome them?
- How important is effective communication within your group while working through the “Solve It” steps, and why?
- How can the skills learned in this activity be applied to real-life situations?
- Can you think of any other situations where the “Solve It” steps would be helpful? Share your thoughts with the class.
Related Skills
Besides problem-solving, engaging in the “Solve It” game also helps students develop other important skills, such as:
- Critical thinking
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Decision-making
- Adaptability
Next Steps
By participating in the “Solve It” game, your students will have made significant progress in developing their problem-solving abilities and other related skills. To continue fostering their social-emotional learning, we encourage you to explore additional resources and sample materials available at Everyday Speech. Sign up for free samples and discover more engaging activities to support your students’ growth.
