Teaching Problem-Solving Skills with the Solve It Game for Special Education Students
Introduction
Helping students learn problem-solving skills can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Problem-solving is a crucial life skill, and for students in Special Education, it can be particularly beneficial in navigating their day-to-day lives. In this blog post, we introduce the Solve It game, a step-by-step approach to problem-solving that incorporates principles of Social-Emotional Learning. We will also provide a no-prep activity, discussion questions, and additional resources to support educators in teaching these essential skills.
No-Prep Activity: The Solve It Game
The Solve It game is a fun and engaging activity that requires no preparation or materials from the educator. The game is designed to help students practice solving problems by going through them step by step. The steps involved in the game are:
- Identify the problem – what’s wrong?
- Figure out how big the problem is.
- Think of possible solutions to the problem.
- Pick a solution.
- Try that solution and then reassess it. How did it work?
If the solution works, the problem is solved! If not, students can try again. The Solve It game emphasizes that problem-solving is a process, and it’s okay not to find the perfect solution right away.
To play the game, present students with a real-life scenario they might encounter, such as the one provided in the introduction. Pause at each step and give students time to discuss their thoughts and feelings. Encourage them to work together to come up with potential solutions and evaluate their effectiveness.
Discussion Questions
Use these questions to stimulate further discussions and help students reflect on their problem-solving skills:
- What are some challenges you face in your daily life that require problem-solving skills?
- How do you feel when you encounter a problem? What emotions do you experience?
- How can working together with others help you find better solutions to problems?
- Have you ever tried a solution that didn’t work? How did you handle that situation?
- What strategies can you use to stay calm and focused while solving a problem?
Related Skills
Teaching problem-solving skills is just one aspect of Social-Emotional Learning. Other relevant skills that can be beneficial for students in Special Education include:
- Communication and active listening
- Empathy and understanding others’ perspectives
- Self-awareness and self-regulation
- Cooperation and teamwork
- Resilience and adaptability
Next Steps
If you’re interested in learning more about teaching problem-solving skills and other Social-Emotional Learning concepts, we invite you to sign up for free samples of our skill-building materials at Everyday Speech. Explore our resources and discover how you can support your students in developing essential life skills for success.
