Introduction

Welcome to Solve It, a unique and engaging game designed to teach students problem-solving skills by guiding them through a step-by-step process. This game helps students develop essential skills required for day-to-day life, such as identifying problems, evaluating their magnitude, and finding effective solutions. In this blog post, we will introduce the game, discuss a no-prep activity that educators can easily implement, and provide discussion questions to further enhance learning. We will also mention related skills and encourage you to explore sample materials at Everyday Speech.

No-Prep Activity

To get started with Solve It, educators can introduce a no-prep activity that requires no additional materials. Begin by presenting a common problem scenario to the students, such as forgetting to complete a homework assignment. Then, guide the students through the following steps:

1. Identify the problem: What is the issue at hand?
2. Figure out the size of the problem: How significant is the problem?
3. Think of possible solutions: Brainstorm different ways to address the problem.
4. Pick a solution: Choose the best solution based on the situation.
5. Try the solution and reassess: Implement the chosen solution and evaluate its effectiveness.

Encourage students to discuss their thoughts and feelings at each step, fostering open communication and a supportive learning environment.

Discussion Questions

To stimulate further discussions and deepen understanding, consider posing the following questions to your students:

1. Why is it important to identify the problem before jumping to solutions?
2. How can we determine the size of a problem, and why is this an essential step in problem-solving?
3. What are some strategies for brainstorming solutions to a problem?
4. How can we decide which solution is the best one to try?
5. What should we do if our chosen solution doesn’t work as expected?

Related Skills

In addition to problem-solving skills, Solve It helps students develop other valuable abilities, such as critical thinking, decision-making, communication, and empathy. By practicing these skills, students become more adept at navigating various challenges in their daily lives, both academically and socially.

Next Steps

If you are interested in implementing Solve It in your classroom, we encourage you to sign up for free samples of this skill and others at Everyday Speech. By incorporating this game and other Social-Emotional Learning resources, you can help your students develop essential life skills and foster a positive, supportive learning environment.