Teaching Problem-Solving Skills to Middle School Students: A Social-Emotional Learning Approach
Introduction
As educators, we understand the importance of teaching our students not just academic skills, but also valuable life skills that can help them navigate the world with confidence. One such skill is problem-solving, which enables students to assess situations, identify potential solutions, and determine the best course of action. In this blog post, we will discuss a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) approach to teaching middle school students how to differentiate between big and small problems and how to solve them effectively.
No-Prep Activity
This activity, called “Big or Small?”, requires no preparation or materials from the educator. It is designed to help students practice problem-solving skills by identifying whether a problem is big or small and deciding on the appropriate course of action.
Begin by dividing the class into small groups. Ask each group to brainstorm a list of everyday problems that students might face, such as forgetting their lunch, losing their homework, or having a disagreement with a friend. Once each group has compiled a list, have them categorize each problem as either big or small. Encourage them to consider factors such as the severity of the problem, the potential consequences, and the resources required to solve it.
Next, ask the groups to discuss potential solutions for each problem on their list. For small problems, encourage students to think about how they can solve the issue independently and quickly. For big problems, have them consider when it would be appropriate to seek help from an adult or other resources.
Finally, bring the class back together and invite each group to share their findings. Use this opportunity to reinforce the importance of problem-solving skills and the benefits of knowing when to seek help for more significant issues.
Discussion Questions
- Why is it essential to know the difference between big and small problems?
- How can problem-solving skills help you in your everyday life?
- What are some strategies you can use to solve small problems independently?
- When might it be necessary to seek help from an adult for a big problem?
- How can we support each other in developing effective problem-solving skills?
Related Skills
Teaching problem-solving skills goes hand in hand with other essential SEL skills for middle school students, such as:
- Decision-making: Evaluating options and making informed choices.
- Conflict resolution: Managing disagreements and finding mutually satisfying solutions.
- Emotional regulation: Recognizing and managing emotions in a healthy way.
- Communication: Expressing thoughts and feelings clearly and respectfully.
- Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
Next Steps
If you’re interested in exploring more activities and resources to help teach problem-solving skills and other SEL competencies to middle school students, we encourage you to sign up for free sample materials at Everyday Speech. You’ll find a wealth of resources designed to support educators in fostering well-rounded, confident, and capable students.
