Introduction

Problem-solving is a crucial skill for middle school students as they navigate their daily lives and face various challenges. The Solve It game is an engaging and effective way to teach these skills, with a step-by-step approach that helps students understand problems and find solutions. In this blog post, we will discuss the game and provide an easy no-prep activity, discussion questions, related skills, and next steps for educators.

No-Prep Activity

For this activity, you don’t need any preparation or materials. Simply present a common problem that middle school students might face, such as forgetting their homework, having a disagreement with a friend, or losing a personal item. Have the students work in pairs or small groups to go through the Solve It game’s steps:

1. Identify the problem.
2. Figure out how big the problem is.
3. Think of possible solutions.
4. Pick a solution.
5. Try the solution and reassess it.

Encourage students to discuss their thought process and feelings at each step, and to consider alternative solutions if their first choice doesn’t work.

Discussion Questions

1. How did it feel to go through the problem-solving process step by step? Did it help you understand the problem and find a solution more easily?
2. Why is it important to identify the size of a problem? How might this affect the solutions you choose?
3. Can you think of a time when you had to solve a problem in your daily life? How did you approach it, and what could you have done differently?
4. How might problem-solving skills help you in your relationships with friends, family, and classmates?
5. Why is it important to reassess a solution after trying it? What can you learn from this process?

Related Skills

In addition to problem-solving, there are several other relevant skills that middle school students should develop:

• Communication: Students need to express their thoughts and feelings effectively, listen to others, and understand different perspectives.
• Empathy: By putting themselves in others’ shoes, students can better understand and respond to their needs and emotions.
• Decision-making: Students should learn how to make informed choices by considering the consequences and weighing the pros and cons of each option.
• Self-awareness: Recognizing their own feelings and emotions helps students understand their reactions and make better decisions.
• Resilience: Developing the ability to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to change is essential for personal growth and success.

Next Steps

Now that you’re familiar with the Solve It game and its benefits, it’s time to incorporate it into your teaching practice. To get started, sign up for free sample materials that cover problem-solving and other essential skills. These resources can help you create engaging lessons and activities that support your students’ social-emotional learning journey.