Teaching problem-solving skills to middle school students, especially those in special education, is essential for their academic and personal growth. One innovative way to engage students in learning these skills is through a digital SEL game to teach problem-solving – Escaping Cyber City, from Everyday Speech. This immersive game requires students to demonstrate their understanding and application of problem-solving steps to escape a futuristic city filled with challenges. In this blog post, we will explore how middle school special education teachers can effectively use this game to teach problem-solving skills.
Why Problem-Solving Skills Are Important
Problem-solving skills are vital for students because they:
- Enhance Critical Thinking: Develop the ability to analyze situations and make informed decisions.
- Improve Academic Performance: Foster a logical approach to tackling academic challenges.
- Build Confidence: Empower students to face and overcome obstacles independently.
- Promote Social-Emotional Learning: Help students manage conflicts and interactions with peers more effectively.
Introducing Escaping Cyber City
Escaping Cyber City is an engaging digital SEL game where students navigate through a series of challenges by applying problem-solving steps. The game combines interactive elements like engaging lasers and answering questions with the practical application of problem-solving strategies. This format makes learning both fun and educational.
Lesson Plan: Using Escaping Cyber City to Teach Problem-Solving
Objective
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to identify and apply the steps of problem-solving to navigate through the game and escape Cyber City.
Materials Needed
- Computers or tablets with access to Escaping Cyber City from Everyday Speech
- Whiteboard and markers
- Printable problem-solving steps handout
Duration
30-45 minutes
Activity Steps
1. Introduction to Problem-Solving (10 minutes)
Begin the lesson by discussing what problem-solving is and why it is important. Explain the basic steps of problem-solving:
- Identify the problem.
- Think of possible solutions.
- Evaluate the options.
- Choose and implement a solution.
- Review the outcome.
Write these steps on the whiteboard and provide examples relevant to the students’ daily lives.
2. Introducing Escaping Cyber City (5 minutes)
Introduce the Escaping Cyber City game. Explain that the game will require them to use the problem-solving steps to overcome challenges. Provide a brief overview of the game’s objectives and how it works.
3. Playing the Game (20 minutes)
Have students join the game on a computer or tablet. As they play, remind them to apply the problem-solving steps written on the whiteboard.
4. Group Discussion and Reflection (10 minutes)
After playing the game, gather the students for a group discussion. Ask them to share their experiences:
- What problems did they encounter in the game?
- How did they solve these problems?
- Which problem-solving steps did they find most helpful?
Distribute the printable problem-solving steps handout and ask students to reflect on their experiences in their reflection journals.
5. Review and Reinforce (5 minutes)
Review the problem-solving steps again, reinforcing their importance and application. Encourage students to think about how they can use these steps in real-life situations beyond the game.
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Conclusion
Teaching problem-solving skills to middle school special education students is crucial for their development. By using an engaging and interactive digital SEL game to teach problem-solving, teachers can effectively reinforce these skills in a fun and memorable way. By following the lesson plan and incorporating the no-prep activity ideas, educators can provide a comprehensive learning experience that empowers students to become confident problem-solvers. For more resources and tips on teaching social-emotional learning, stay tuned to our blog.
Sample Video
Try out this sample animated video lesson.
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Related Blog Posts:
Navigating Middle School: Enhancing Social Skills Through Videos
Teaching Middle School Students to Stay Calm and Solve Problems
Promoting Mental Well-being: SEL Lessons for Middle School Students
