Problem Solving with Kelso's Choices

Students in the first and second grades are finishing up the guidance unit in problem solving! Kindergarten students will be starting it soon! When we discuss problems we look at them as either being a small problem or a big problem.

A BIG problem is defined as either dangerous or scary.  If a student has a big problem he/she can tell an adult right away.  We don't want students trying to solve big problems on their own.

If it is not a big problem then we consider it to be a small  problem.  Students are smart enough and strong enough to solve small problems on their own using one or more of Kelso's Choices.  Students are expected to try two different solutions before getting help from an adult.

Kelso's Choices are:

• Go to Another Game
• Talk It Out
• Share and Take Turns
• Ignore
• Walk Away
• Tell Them to Stop
• Apologize
• Make a Deal
• Wait and Cool Off

Ask your child to show you the gestures we practice that go along with Kelso's Choices.  It is a fun way to help our brains learn the 9 ways to solve small problems.

As always, feel free to call me any time for more information about what is being taught in guidance or how you can reinforce lessons at home -- 264-5951.