Introduction

In our daily lives, we face different sized problems. Some problems are big, while others are small. The size of the problem affects how we should react, what solutions we should try, and who to ask for help. The Problem Scale is a valuable tool that helps students decide what size problem they have and how to approach it. In this blog post, we will discuss a no-prep activity that educates high school students on the Problem Scale, followed by discussion questions, related skills, and next steps.

No-Prep Activity

The “Problem Sort” activity is a simple, engaging way for students to learn about the Problem Scale without any preparation or materials required from the educator. Follow these steps to conduct the activity:

1. Divide students into small groups.
2. Ask each group to brainstorm and list 10-15 problems they might face in their daily lives.
3. Once the groups have listed their problems, instruct them to categorize each problem into one of the five sizes: very small, small, medium, big, or very big.
4. After categorizing the problems, have each group share their lists and discuss the reasons behind their categorizations.
5. As a class, discuss any discrepancies or disagreements in the categorizations and work together to reach a consensus.

This activity encourages students to think critically about the problems they face and helps them understand the different sizes of problems and corresponding reactions.

Discussion Questions

• Why is it important to understand the size of a problem before reacting to it?
• How can the Problem Scale help you in your daily life?
• What are some strategies you can use to remain calm and focused when faced with a medium or big problem?
• How can you determine when to ask for help from a friend or an adult?
• How can understanding the Problem Scale help improve your relationships with others?

Related Skills

In addition to understanding the Problem Scale, there are several other related skills that students can benefit from. These skills include:

• Effective communication: Being able to express your thoughts, feelings, and concerns clearly and respectfully.
• Active listening: Giving your full attention to the speaker and demonstrating understanding through verbal and non-verbal cues.
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the emotions of others.
• Conflict resolution: Applying problem-solving techniques to resolve disagreements in a constructive manner.
• Stress management: Identifying and implementing healthy coping strategies to manage stress and maintain emotional well-being.

Next Steps

Now that you have learned about the Problem Scale and its importance in helping students navigate their daily challenges, consider incorporating this activity into your curriculum. To access free samples of this skill and others, sign up at Everyday Speech’s sample materials page. Equip your students with the tools they need to develop healthy problem-solving habits and foster positive relationships throughout their lives.