In this lesson, students will learn the steps in solving a problem, discuss solutions from the story "Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present," and use these same problem-solving skills when they build shapes with pattern blocks.
Students will be able to identify a problem and engage in problem-solving steps to come up with a solution to strengthen their responsible decision-making competency.
Introduction
(10 minutes)
Bring students together in a circle, either seated or standing.
Bring blocks with you to the circle.
Show the student the blocks and ask them to watch you build a tall castle.
After you build it, bring out two figurines that you would like to play with in the castle.
Say out loud, "Hmm....there seems to be a problem. This castle is too small for my toys. How can I make this bigger?"
Take a few big breaths into your belly and ask the class to breathe with you.
Explain that deep breathing can help you stay calm and focused when solving a problem.
Ask the class, "How can I make this castle bigger?"
Ask, "Would someone like to come up and think of a new way to solve this problem?"
Invite one student to come up to solve the problem (i.e., make a larger castle).
Ask your student volunteer, "What would you do here? How would you test a solution?"
Give the student time to come up with a solution to make a larger castle.
Explain that we can use these same problem-solving steps any time we come across a problem:
Identify the problem.
Look at what solutions have already been tried.
Think of new ways to solve the problem.
Try it out!
Thank your student volunteer for showing you how to solve the problem and send them back to their seats.
Say, "All of us sometimes come across problems we have to solve, and sometimes friends can help us, too!"