Introduction
Solve It is a game designed to help Middle School students develop essential problem-solving skills through engaging and relatable scenarios. By guiding students through a step-by-step process, Solve It promotes self-awareness, empathy, and effective communication. This blog post will introduce you to the game, provide a no-prep activity, offer discussion questions, and suggest related skills for further exploration.
No-Prep Activity
To play Solve It, follow these simple steps:
- Divide the students into small groups of 3-4.
- Present the students with a relatable, everyday problem (e.g., Alessandra accidentally spends real money on a game).
- Guide the students through the following steps to solve the problem:
- Identify the problem.
- Figure out how big the problem is.
- Think of possible solutions.
- Pick a solution.
- Try the solution and reassess it.
- Encourage students to discuss their feelings and thoughts at each step, using an “emotions check-in” icon to prompt reflection.
As students progress through the activity, they will develop a better understanding of their own emotions and those of their peers, fostering empathy and effective communication.
Discussion Questions
- How did you feel when you first identified the problem? How did your feelings change as you worked through the steps?
- What challenges did you face when trying to come up with possible solutions? How did you overcome them?
- How did working in a group help you find a solution? Were there any difficulties in collaborating with others?
- What did you learn about yourself and your peers during this activity? How can this understanding help you in future problem-solving situations?
- Can you think of a situation in your own life where you could apply these problem-solving steps? How do you think it would help?
Related Skills
In addition to problem-solving, Solve It also helps students develop other important social-emotional learning skills, such as:
- Self-awareness: Understanding one’s own emotions, strengths, and weaknesses.
- Empathy: Recognizing and understanding the feelings of others.
- Effective communication: Expressing thoughts and feelings clearly and listening to others.
- Conflict resolution: Resolving disagreements in a constructive and respectful manner.
- Collaboration: Working together to achieve a common goal.
Next Steps
Are you interested in trying Solve It with your students? Sign up for free sample materials and discover how this engaging activity can help your students develop essential social-emotional learning skills. You’ll also gain access to a variety of other resources designed to support the growth and development of your students.
