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Lesson Plan
Problem-Solving Steps
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.
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Learning Objectives
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!"