How to Solve Problems Big and Small

In the first and second grade classrooms we have finished up our problem solving unit.  Students learned how to tell the difference between a small problem and a big problem.  Small problems are ones that students are smart enough and strong enough to solve on their own.  Most problems that happen at school fall into this category.  

We use KELSO's Choices to solve small problems.  The choices are:  go to another game, share and take turns, talk it out, ignore, walk away, tell them to stop, apologize, make a deal, wait and cool off.  Students are expected to try two different solutions before asking an adult for help.

A big problem is one that is scary or dangerous.  Students learn that if they have a big problem they can tell a trusted adult to get help.