In the realm of early childhood education, teaching problem-solving skills to preschoolers is crucial for their social and emotional development. As special educators, we play a vital role in helping children navigate their emotions and communicate effectively, which is why we’ve curated this free preschool problem-solving lesson. One powerful way to achieve this is by teaching them how to express their feelings and seek support from others when faced with challenges.

In this blog post, we will explore the importance of teaching preschoolers how to problem-solve by letting others know how they are feeling. We will provide you with a comprehensive lesson plan and a range of simple, no-prep activities to implement in your classroom, including a free preschool problem-solving PDF worksheet. These activities will empower young learners to communicate their emotions, promote empathy among peers, and develop problem-solving skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Preschool Problem-Solving Lesson Plan

Now let’s dive into a detailed lesson plan designed to teach preschoolers how to problem-solve by letting others know how they are feeling.

1. Everyday Speech’s “What if I Have a Problem?” Video

• Have your students watch the short preview clip from Everyday Speech’s “What if I Have a Problem?” Video.
• Discuss the video clip with your students.

2. “What if I Have a Problem?” Video Companion Worksheet

• Gather children in a circle and discuss common problems they might encounter.
• Invite each child to share a problem they have faced or imagine a hypothetical problem.
• Ask the group to brainstorm possible solutions and encourage them to think of who they might ask for help when faced with different problems.
• Pass out and have students complete the included “What if I Have a Problem?” PDF worksheet.
• Review everyone’s answers as a class.

Sample Video

Students learn best from watching real students their own age model skills. Try out this sample video-modeling lesson below. We offer our entire Social-Emotional Learning platform free for 30 days here!

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Teaching Problem-Solving Skills through Social-Emotional Learning