4th grade social problem solving

71+ Free Social Problem-Solving Scenarios

Do you have kiddos who struggle with their social problem-solving skills? Teach your students the simple process of how to solve a problem along with having them review how well their solution worked or didn’t work.

Learning to problem solve is an essential skill that is used not only throughout childhood but also into adulthood. Social problem solving is the ability to change or adapt to undesirable situations that arise throughout our day. On a daily basis, a child will encounter social problems that they will need to solve. Anything from arguing with another student, to hurting a friend’s feelings, to having a difficult conversation, or working with others.

Start with Small Problems

Many of the “problems” children encounter are often small problems which the child may be over-reacting to, such as wanting a different coloring crayon or wanting to be first in line, however, these small problems are still very real to the child. Practicing problem-solving with these small problems can be a great learning opportunity. Children can practice problem-solving with a small problem which can help them learn how to handle bigger problems in the future.

Problem Solving Importance

Social problem-solving skills are critical to a child’s social interactions, personal and professional relationships. A child’s ability to handle change, cope with stress, and handle challenges improves with a child’s ability to successfully solve social problems.

The ultimate goal is that the child will be able to solve social problems all on their own, but until they can independently solve a problem they will need to learn how to communicate and self-advocate to positively solve their problems.  

Students with Autism Problem Solving

Students with autism and other social challenges need to learn to problem solve as well. These social problem-solving skills will help them throughout their childhood and into their adulthood. Children can be taught how to problem solve through a guided process of breaking down the problem and using simple steps to solve the problem. Learning specific steps to problem-solving can allow children to remember how to solve a problem when they become overwhelmed or stressed. Although learning to solve a problem independently can take some time and practice it is well worth the investment to have a child who can eventually solve most social situations in a positive manner on their own.

Make Problem Solving Easier with this Freebie!

Download yours today to get started.

Problem Solving Form

Teach your students the 4 steps to becoming a social problem-solver.

• Identify the problem. For instance, start by having your student identify the social problem.
• Create three solutions. Also, have your student come up with three different solutions that they could use to solve the problem that they identified.
• Identify the consequences. Then, identify the consequence for each individual solution.
• Pick the best solution.  Lastly, have your student identify which of their three solutions is the best choice Then have your student put into words why they think that solution is the best solution.

What we learnt about solving problems is don't freak out, if one thing doesn't work , try something else out. And work together as a team. #melthammathsweek #MELTHAMPUPILVOICE @problemsolveit pic.twitter.com/iVm1Im4Aue — yr6melthamce (@yr6melthamce) February 4, 2019

Problem Solving Review Form

After your students go through the social problem-solver have them use the social problem-solving review form.

• What happened.  For instance, after your student tried their solution have them explain what happened next.
• Review the results. Also, have your student identify whether or not their solution got them the results they wanted.
• Use this solution again. Furthermore, have your student identify whether or not they would use this solution again in the future to solve the same or similar problem.
• What would you do differently? Finally, have your student explain what they would do differently if they didn’t get the results they wanted or if they wouldn’t use that solution again in the future.

71+ Social Problem Scenarios + 6 Blank Scenarios

Use the 71 social problem-solving scenarios to have your students get great experience practicing how to solve a social problem. Also, included are 6 blank scenarios. Then laminate them so you can use them over and over again. Therefore, create social problems that the student experiences and needs help solving.

Wordless Video teaching Problem Solving

Watch this super cute wordless animation with your students and have them discuss the problem they see and how to best solve the problem.

Use this as a fun practice example to get your students started towards learning how to problem-solve.

Demonstrate Through Modeling

• Model and discuss empathy. First and foremost, children need to understand how another person might be feeling in a given situation in order to become a good social problem solver. The student needs to learn how to “stand in someone else’s shoes” for a little bit. One way you can work on this skill is during the reading time you can focus on how a particular character in the story might be feeling. Ask questions, such as, “How do they feel right now? How would you feel in that same situation? Why do you think they feel that way?”, etc.
• Model problem-solving skills as the teacher. When you are faced with a problem you can solve the problem by thinking aloud for the students to hear how you solve a problem. You can state the problem, then come up with possible solutions, then identify the possible consequences to each solution, then pick and explain why a solution is the best option. For example, you could say, “I was hoping to take the class outside for a stress walk around the track before the reading test, but the problem is that it is raining outside. I could still take you outside, but then you will get wet, or we could walk the halls, but then we’d have to be really quiet because there are other classes learning, or we could just skip the walk and take the reading test, but then you might not do as well on the test. I think based on all of those solutions the best solution will be to walk the hallway, but you guys will have to promise to be quiet so that we don’t disrupt other classes. Modeling the problem-solving process can be very helpful for the students to watch, observe, and later implement themselves.

Teach Communication

• Have students communicate how they are feeling . Teaching your students to share their emotions in a respectful way can improve their ability to problem-solve. Have students use an “I” sentence frame, such as, “I feel _____ (insert feeling word) when _____ (identify what made you feel that way).” For example, “I felt sad when Jackson broke my favorite pencil” or “I was mad when I wasn’t picked to be first in line. “This way students can communicate how they are feeling using honest and open communication. Teaching students to appropriately communicate their emotions can help solve some social problems from the beginning.

Encourage Independency

• Encourage your student to problem solve. If your student is struggling to problem solve independently encourage them to do so using open-ended questions, such as “How could you fix this problem?” “What would be a fair solution?” “What would happen if you used that solution?”, etc.
• Let the student try to problem solve independently. Give your students the space to try and solve their own problems using the guided strategies. Try not to come running to their rescue for every little problem. Some problems are small and a great opportunity for the student to learn and practice. If an adult does all of the problem solving for a student then what are they really learning. Give your students the time and space they need to practice solving small problems on their own. Of course, if it is a bigger or more serious problem then have an adult help guide the problem-solving process.
• Tell an adult. Remind your students that there are still some problems that are too big for them to solve on their own and that it is okay to get help from an adult to solve big problems. For example, if the student doesn’t feel safe, someone is being hurt physically or emotionally, or if they tried to solve a problem independently but it didn’t work and they need help. Let them know that it’s okay to tell an adult.

Teach How to Disagree and How to Make Up

• Discuss how to disagree respectfully. Remind your student that they won’t always agree with their teacher, friends, classmate, or parents and that’s okay. Even the people we like might have different opinions, interests, and likes than we do. However, even if we disagree with someone we should still treat them with respect. Treating someone with respect means to not call them names, ignore them, yell or hit them. It means that you do try to create solutions that both parties can agree with and to apologize when we hurt others’ feelings.
• Role-play how to make up. Practice in everyday life how to make up after a social problem .

Get your free social problem solver today!

I hope you and your students love this freebie!

Students are really having to stretch their brains today. It's @NSPCC #NumberDay and @problemsolveit are challenging Y9 and 10 to solve the escape room boxes. It's not as easy as it looks! The promise of a few sweet treats for the winners seems to be helping though! pic.twitter.com/AxRRJnJIv2 — CongletonHS (@CongletonHS) February 2, 2018

Have your students use task card scenarios to help them identify how they and others might feel in different social scenarios. Be sure to discuss the problem, identify possible solutions, identify the consequences of those possible solutions, and then based on those consequences pick the best solution. Make social problem-solving a game by telling the students that they are social detectives and that it is their job to use what they know about social rules to help them identify the possible and best solutions. Start practicing today with 71+ free social problem social task cards! Do your students need more practice? Be sure to check out my other freebie for 31 wordless animated videos to teach problem-solving and so much more.

Get More Problem Solving Time Saving Materials

Next, be sure to check out the following time-saving materials to continue to teach your students how to solve their social problems in addition to this freebie.

Weekly Social Pragmatics Homework

• Weekly problem-solving.   Send home a  weekly homework page  that includes a problem-solving scenario plus an idiom and a conversational practice scenario.

Restorative Justice Problem Solving Flip Book

• Restorative justice graphic visual.  Use this graphic visual to help your student  restore a social relationship  after a social problem.

Self-Advocating Role-Play Scenarios

• Self-advocating in high school.  Teach your high schoolers the process to  self-advocate  for what they need.

5th-12th Grade Life Skills Problem Solving

• Life skills problem-solving.  In addition, this  life skills differentiated bundle  includes a problem-solving lesson plan.

I recommend you read Problem Solving Wheel: Help Kids Solve Their Own Problems , 61+ Free Fillable SLP Planner Pages 2020-2021 , 430+ Free Multisyllabic Words List Activity Bundle , or 432+ Free IEP Goal Bank to Save You Time posts because they include freebies as well and who doesn’t want more freebies!

Got questions? Leave a comment. Let’s chat!

Monday 30th of January 2023

Hello! I have entered my name and email twice (yesterday & today) to receive to 71+ Free Social Problem-Solving Senarios, but I have not received anything yet. Not even an email back to mine in order to subcribe. Thanks for your help! Tracy

Melissa Berg

Tuesday 31st of January 2023

Hi Tracy, Thanks so much for reaching out! Sorry about that. We went ahead and sent you an email with the PDF attached. Wishing you all my best, Melissa

Problem Solving Skills

Tuesday 30th of August 2022

I truly love your site. Excellent colors, theme and writing. Thanks for sharing.

Laura Ricca

Monday 11th of April 2022

Tuesday 12th of April 2022

Hi Laura, I'm glad you found this resource helpful. Melissa

Modified Mental Health and Suicide Prevention - Speech Therapy Store

Monday 11th of May 2020

[…] 71+ FREE SOCIAL PROBLEM-SOLVING SCENARIOS […]

Problem Solving Wheel: Help Kids Solve Their Own Problems - Speech Therapy Store

Monday 4th of May 2020

[…] 71+ Free Social Problem Solving Task Cards Scenarios […]

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Important Fourth Grade Social Skills

Jonathan Kim / Getty Images

• Friendship Levels
• Friendship Characteristics

Complex Social Issues

• Peer Pressure and Bullying

Initiating Conflict Resolution

For many kids, the  fourth grade is a pivotal year in terms of friendships and social relationships. The social skills that are important for fourth graders to have are those that help them discover who they are, who their friends are, and what they think about the world around them.

Recognizing Friendship Levels

Skill: Begins to recognize that friendship has different levels and that at this age these levels are frequently in flux.

Why It's Important: Fourth graders embark on simultaneous but opposite learning paths this year: working more independently and working in small groups. Knowing that not all kids will be friends, let alone best friends or even more than just an acquaintance, can make it easier for students to learn to work with new people. It can also ease some of the jealousy that arises when a best friend chooses to work with someone else.

Recognizing Friendship Characteristics

Skill:  Is able to identify the characteristics of a good friend.

Why It's Important: Everybody needs a good friend and your child is no exception. Being able to find one who supports them can boost their confidence which, in turn, will help them be a stronger student. Students who have to worry about whether their friendships are good aren’t able to fully concentrate on schoolwork.

Skill: Applies to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to understand complex social issues like war and poverty.

Why It's Important: As history and social studies classes begin to look more in-depth at specific time periods, it’s important for students to be able to grasp that the issues that society faces shapes what happens to a nation or civilization. Many fourth grade classes study the history of their own state or city as well as the nation as a whole. Being able to grasp the concepts of religious freedom or the ramifications of land ownership can give your child a deeper understanding of how they ended up where they are.

Consequences of Peer Pressure and Bullying

Skill: Knows that peer pressure and bullying can have an effect on social and emotional well-being.

Why It's Important: Though it may seem as though your fourth grader is still quite young, this is the time not only when some kids begin showing signs of puberty, but also when strong personalities take the lead in the classroom. It’s a tough time for kids whose bodies and emotions are not always maturing at the same rate. Cliques , bullying, and peer pressure are big issues in fourth grade and understanding that how other people treat them can be helpful or harmful can help your child not to internalize their concerns and ask for help when they need it.

Skill: Is learning to initiate conflict resolution without external prompting.

Why It's Important: Conflict resolution is a skill that takes constant practice and refinement. Up until this stage, your child may not have been able to approach a problem and propose a solution without the help of an adult. Being able to start a conversation with a peer or a teacher about an issue with the goal of resolving it in a mutually satisfactory way shows that your child is maturing and beginning to think more globally.

The Pathway 2 Success

Solutions for Social Emotional Learning & Executive Functioning

Teaching Social Problem-Solving with a Free Activity

February 3, 2018 by pathway2success 5 Comments

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Kids and young adults need to be able to problem-solve on their own. Every day, kids are faced with a huge number of social situations and challenges. Whether they are just having a conversation with a peer, working with a group on a project, or dealing with an ethical dilemma, kids must use their social skills and knowledge to help them navigate tough situations. Ideally, we want kids to make positive choices entirely on their own. Of course, we know that kids don’t start off that way. They need to learn how to collaborate, communicate, cooperate, negotiate, and self-advocate.

Social problem solving skills are critical skills to learn for kids with autism, ADHD, and other social challenges. Of course, all kids and young adults benefit from these skills. They fit perfectly into a morning meeting discussion or advisory periods for older kids. Not only are these skills that kids will use in your classroom, but throughout their entire lives. They are well worth the time to teach!

Here are 5 steps to help kids learn social problem solving skills:

1. Teach kids to communicate their feelings. Being able to openly and respectfully share emotions is a foundational element to social problem solving. Teaching I statements can be a simple and effective way to kids to share their feelings. With an I statement, kids will state, “I feel ______ when _____.” The whole idea is that this type of statement allows someone to share how their feeling without targeting or blaming anyone else. Helping kids to communicate their emotions can solve many social problems from the start and encourages positive self-expression.

2. Discuss and model empathy. In order for kids to really grasp problem-solving, they need to learn how to think about the feelings of others. Literature is a great way teach and practice empathy! Talk about the feelings of characters within texts you are reading, really highlighting how they might feel in situations and why. Ask questions like, “How might they feel? Why do you think they felt that way? Would you feel the same in that situation? Why or why not?” to help teach emerging empathy skills. You can also make up your own situations and have kids share responses, too.

3. Model problem-solving skills. When a problem arises, discuss it and share some solutions how you might go forward to fix it. For example, you might say, “I was really expecting to give the class this math assignment today but I just found out we have an assembly. This wasn’t in my plans. I could try to give part of it now or I could hold off and give the assignment tomorrow instead. It’s not perfect, but I think I’ll wait that way we can go at the pace we need to.” This type of think-aloud models the type of thinking that kids should be using when a problem comes up.

4. Use social scenarios to practice. Give a scenario and have kids consider how that person might feel in that situation. Discuss options for what that person might do to solve the problem, possible consequences for their choices, and what the best decision might be. Kids can consider themselves social detectives by using the clues and what they know about social rules to help them figure out the solution. These are especially fun in small groups to have kids discuss collaboratively. Use these free social problem solving cards to start your kids off practicing!

5. Allow kids to figure it out. Don’t come to the rescue when a child or young adult has a problem. As long as it’s not a serious issue, give them time to think about it and use their problem-solving skills on their own. Of course, it’s much easier to have an adult solve all the problems but that doesn’t teach the necessary skills. When a child comes to you asking for your help with a social problem, encourage them to think about it for five minutes before coming back to you. By that point, they might have already figured out possible solutions and ideas and might not even need you anymore.

If you are interested in helping your kids learn social problem solving skills right away, consider trying out these Social Problem Solving Task Cards . They highlight real social scenarios and situations that kids can discuss. The scenarios include a variety of locations, such as in classrooms, with family, with friends, at recess, and at lunch. This set is targeted for elementary-age learners.

Of course, older kids need social problem solving skills, too! If you work with older kids, you will love these Social Problem Solving Task Cards for Middle and High School Kids. These situations target age-appropriate issues that come up in classes, with friends, with family, in the hallway, in the cafeteria, and with online and texting.

Remember that teaching social problem skills does take a little bit of planning and effort, but it will be well worth the time! Kids will use these skills to help them make social decisions in their everyday lives now and in the future!

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February 22, 2018 at 12:03 am

Thank you for sharing>

March 3, 2018 at 8:59 am

Good thought ful

March 20, 2018 at 9:24 pm

They are not free

March 21, 2018 at 8:58 am

They are! Here is the link (it’s listed under number 4): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Free-Social-Problem-Solving-Task-Cards-2026178 I also have a paid version with a bunch more cards (for both elementary and older kids), but that will give you the freebie. Enjoy!

July 15, 2018 at 3:41 am

Awesome way to teach the skill of social problem solving.

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Home » Blog » General » Developing Essential Social Skills: Grade 4 Games for Effective Communication and Problem Solving

Developing Essential Social Skills: Grade 4 Games for Effective Communication and Problem Solving

As children progress through grade 4, it becomes increasingly important to focus on their social skills development. Effective communication and problem-solving abilities are essential for success in school and beyond. In this blog post, we will explore free social skills games specifically designed for grade 4 students. These games provide an engaging and interactive way for children to enhance their communication and problem-solving skills.

Understanding Effective Communication

Effective communication is the foundation of strong relationships and successful interactions. It involves the ability to express oneself clearly and listen actively. In grade 4, children are developing their language skills and expanding their vocabulary, making it an ideal time to focus on effective communication.

Key components of effective communication include:

• Active listening: Paying attention to the speaker, maintaining eye contact, and responding appropriately.
• Clear expression: Using appropriate language, tone, and body language to convey thoughts and feelings.
• Empathy: Understanding and considering the perspectives and feelings of others.
• Non-verbal communication: Interpreting and using body language, facial expressions, and gestures to enhance communication.

Developing effective communication skills in grade 4 offers numerous benefits. It helps children build strong relationships, resolve conflicts, and express themselves confidently. These skills also lay the foundation for academic success, as effective communication is crucial in classroom discussions, presentations, and group projects.

Free Social Skills Games for Grade 4

Now, let’s explore three free social skills games that are specifically designed for grade 4 students:

Game 1: “Conversation Starters”

This game is designed to help children initiate and maintain conversations. It encourages them to ask open-ended questions, actively listen, and respond appropriately. Here’s how to play:

• Divide the students into pairs or small groups.
• Provide each group with a set of conversation starter cards.
• Each student takes turns drawing a card and asking a question to their partner/group.
• The partner/group responds, and the conversation continues.
• Encourage students to use active listening skills and ask follow-up questions to keep the conversation going.

This game promotes effective communication by giving students the opportunity to practice initiating conversations and actively listening to others. It also helps them develop their questioning skills and expand their vocabulary.

Game 2: “Problem Solving Scenarios”

This game focuses on developing problem-solving skills and collaboration. It presents students with various scenarios and challenges them to come up with creative solutions as a team. Here’s how to play:

• Divide the students into small groups.
• Provide each group with a set of problem-solving scenario cards.
• Read out a scenario, and the groups discuss and brainstorm possible solutions.
• Each group presents their solution and explains their reasoning.
• Encourage students to consider different perspectives and work together to find the best solution.

This game promotes problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and teamwork. It encourages students to think outside the box and consider multiple perspectives when faced with challenges.

Game 3: “Role-Play Challenge”

This game combines communication and problem-solving skills through role-playing. It allows students to step into different roles and practice effective communication in various scenarios. Here’s how to play:

• Assign different roles or characters to each student.
• Provide a scenario or problem for the students to act out.
• Encourage students to use effective communication skills to express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas.
• After the role-play, facilitate a discussion where students reflect on their communication strategies and problem-solving approaches.

This game enhances communication and problem-solving abilities by providing a safe and supportive environment for students to practice and receive feedback. It also helps them develop empathy and understand different perspectives.

Benefits of Using Games for Social Skills Development

Using games for social skills development offers several advantages:

Engaging and interactive learning experience

Games provide a fun and interactive way for students to learn and practice social skills. They actively participate in the learning process, which increases their engagement and retention of the skills being taught.

Encourages teamwork and collaboration

Social skills games often involve teamwork and collaboration, fostering a sense of community and cooperation among students. They learn to work together, listen to each other’s ideas, and respect different perspectives.

Provides a safe and supportive environment for practice

Games create a safe space for students to practice their social skills without fear of judgment or failure. They can experiment with different strategies, receive feedback, and learn from their experiences in a supportive environment.

Enhances motivation and enjoyment in learning

Games tap into students’ natural inclination for play and fun. By incorporating social skills development into games, students are more motivated to learn and enjoy the process. This positive experience contributes to their overall growth and development.

Developing essential social skills in grade 4 is crucial for children’s overall growth and success. Effective communication and problem-solving abilities lay the foundation for strong relationships, academic achievement, and future success. By utilizing free social skills games specifically designed for grade 4 students, educators and parents can provide an engaging and interactive learning experience that enhances these skills.

Start your EverydaySpeech free trial today and explore a wide range of social skills games and resources that can support your child’s social-emotional learning journey.

Remember, effective communication and problem-solving skills are not only essential for grade 4, but they also pave the way for a lifetime of success!

For more resources and tips on social-emotional learning, visit our blog.

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SEL Problem Solving: How to Teach Students to be Problem Solvers in 2024

If you are an elementary teacher looking to learn how to help your students solve problems independently, then you found the right place! Problem solving skills prepare kids to face dilemmas and obstacles with confidence. Students who have problem solving skills are more independent than students who do not. In this post, we’ll go into detail about what problem solving skills are and why they are important. In addition, we’ll share tips and ideas for how to teach problem solving skills in an elementary classroom setting. Read all about helping students solve problems in and out of the classroom below!

What Does Solving Problems Mean?

Solving problems means brainstorming solutions to the problem after identifying and analyzing the problem and why it occurred. It is important to brainstorm different solutions by looking at all angles of the problem and creating a list of possible solutions. Then you can pick the solution that fits the best.

Why is it Important for Kids to Solve Problems?

It is important for kids to solve problems by brainstorming different solutions so that they can pick the best solution. This teaches them that there can be many different solutions to a problem and they vary in effectiveness. Teaching kids to solve problems helps them be independent in making choices. 

How Do I Know If I Need to Teach Problem Solving in My Classroom?

The students in your 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th grade classroom would benefit from problem solving lessons and activities if any of these statements are true:

• Student confidence is lacking.
• Students are getting into conflicts with each other.
• They come to you to solve problems they could have solved on their own.
• Students are becoming easily frustrated.
• Recess is a hard time for your class.

5 Reasons To Promote Problem Solving In Your Elementary Classroom

Below are 5 reasons to promote problem solving in your elementary classroom.

1. Problem solving builds confidence 

Students’ confidence will grow as they learn problem solving skills because they will believe in their own abilities to solve problems. The more experience they have using their problem solving skills, the more confident they will become. Instead of going to others to solve problems for them, they will look inside themselves at their own abilities. 

2. Problem solving creates stronger friendships

Students who can problem solve create stronger friendships because they won’t let arguments or running into issues stop them from being friends with a person. Instead they work with their friend to get through their problem together and get through the bump in the road, instead of giving up on the friendship. 

3. Problem solving skills increase emotional intelligence 

Having emotional intelligence is incredibly helpful when solving problems. As students learn problem solving skills, they will use emotional intelligence to think about the feelings of others involved in the conflict. They will also think about how the problem is affecting others. 

4. Problem solving skills create more independent kids

Students who can problem solve become more independent than kids who cannot because they will try to solve their problems first instead of going to an adult. They won’t look at adults as being the only people who can solve their problems. They will be equipped with the skill set to tackle the problems they are experiencing by themselves or with peers. However, it is important to make the distinction with kids between problems they can solve on their own and problems they need an adult for. 

5. Teaching problem solving skills causes students to be more reflective 

Reflecting is part of the problem solving process. Students need to reflect on the problem and what caused it when deciding how to solve the problem. Once students choose the best solution to their problem, they need to reflect on whether or not the solution was effective. 

5 Tips and Ideas for Teaching Problem Solving Skills 

Below are tips and ideas for teaching problem solving.

1. Read Aloud Picture Books about Problem Solving Skills 

Picture books are a great way to introduce and teach an SEL topic. It gets students thinking about the topic and activating their background knowledge. Check out this list of picture books for teaching problem solving skills !

2. Watch Videos about Problem Solving Skills 

There are tons of free online videos out there that promote social emotional learning. It’s a fun and engaging way to teach SEL skills that your students will enjoy. Check out these videos for teaching problem solving skills !

3. Explicitly Teach Vocabulary Related to Problem Solving Skills 

Vocabulary words can help students develop understanding of problem solving and create connections through related words. Our problem solving SEL unit includes ten vocabulary cards with words related to the SEL topic. It is important for students to be able to see, hear, and use relevant vocabulary while learning. One idea for how to use them is to create an SEL word wall as students learn the words.

4. Provide Practice Opportunities

When learning any skill, students need time to practice. Social emotional learning skills are no different! Our problem solving SEL unit includes scenario cards, discussion cards, choice boards, games, and much more. These provide students with opportunities to practice the skills independently, with partners or small groups, or as a whole class.

5. Integrate Other Content Areas

Integrating other content areas with this topic is a great way to approach this SEL topic. Our problem solving SEL unit includes reading, writing, and art activities.

Skills Related to Problem Solving

Problem-solving, in the context of social emotional learning (SEL) or character education, refers to the process of identifying, analyzing, and resolving challenges or obstacles in a thoughtful and effective manner. While “problem-solving” is the commonly used term, there are other words and phrases that can convey a similar meaning. These alternative words highlight different aspects of finding solutions, critical thinking, and decision-making. Here are some other words used in the context of problem-solving:

• Troubleshooting: Identifying and resolving problems or difficulties by analyzing their root causes.
• Critical thinking: Applying logical and analytical reasoning to evaluate and solve problems.
• Decision-making: Considering options and making choices to address and solve problems effectively.
• Analytical problem-solving: Using data, evidence, and systematic thinking to address challenges and find solutions.
• Creative problem-solving: Generating innovative ideas and approaches to overcome obstacles and find solutions.
• Resourcefulness: Finding effective solutions using available resources and thinking outside the box.
• Solution-oriented: Focusing on identifying and implementing solutions rather than dwelling on problems.
• Adaptability: Adjusting strategies and approaches to fit changing circumstances and overcome challenges.
• Strategic thinking: Planning and organizing actions to achieve desired outcomes and resolve problems.
• Systems thinking: Considering the interconnectedness and relationships between different elements when solving problems.

These terms encompass the concept of problem-solving and reflect the qualities of critical thinking, decision-making, and finding effective solutions within the context of social emotional learning (SEL) or character education.

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In closing, we hope you found this information about teaching problem solving skills helpful! If you did, then you may also be interested in these posts.

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4th grade social awareness skills: Find out what you need to know

Social awareness is the ability to understand and respect the perspective of others, and to apply this knowledge to social interactions with people from diverse backgrounds. During the late elementary years, your child is learning how to better manage and control his feelings when interacting with others. Although he may not yet apply empathy to all of his social interactions, his ability to monitor other people’s perspectives is improving, and he should be better able to see how his behavior affects others. For example, you should notice that he is becoming a better teammate through this development period. That’s a contrast to the “me first” attitude of early childhood. The changes brought on by puberty—especially in girls, who tend to enter this phase before boys—may affect how your child approaches relationships and interactions. This is a time of great physical and emotional development, and you can contribute to your child’s social success by supporting him through this very important and influential phase in his life.

The late elementary years are a time of great personal and social growth. As children grow older, they become better at making decisions, solving problems, and working in groups. Early adolescence begins around the age of 11, and this brings along its own challenges. As children’s bodies begin to change their emotions can seem to change at a moment’s notice. Developing your child’s social and emotional skills can help him manage his emotions and behavior and make responsible choices. The concepts highlighted in this section are based on the five sets of competencies developed by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning ( CASEL ).

At this age, your child is becoming more independent, and their interest in friends and social activities is growing. By this time, your child should know how to communicate their needs and feelings verbally, and understand that emotions play a major role in the nature of relationships.

As your child makes friends and forges new relationships, they are developing their ability to respect and identify other people’s perspectives and behaviors. As your child learns how to identify what others are feeling based on their facial expressions and body language, they are becoming better at understanding and evaluating social situations.

According to New York City-based teacher Anne Harlam, the way your child discusses friend dynamics and whose fault it was during a conflict usually sheds light on how socially aware your child is. Is your fourth-grader able to accurately relate what happened or are they still looking at the situation through their own feelings?

Keep in mind every child develops at his own pace, both physically and emotionally. If you have concerns about your adolescent’s development, please contact your health care provider or your child’s teacher or school counselor.

Learn more about how to support your child with our fourth-grade social awareness tips page .

Parent Toolkit resources were developed by NBC News Learn with the help of subject-matter experts, including Maurice Elias, Director, Rutgers Social-Emotional and Character Development Lab; Jennifer Miller, Author, Confident Parents, Confident Kids; and Anne Morrison, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, Lycée Français de New York.

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March 13 - April 14

Click here to download a PDF of an overview of this unit. This handout includes what your child is learning and ways you can practice at home.

Lesson 16: A Good Problem-Solver

In this lesson, students will learn two ways to become a better problem-solver: speaking up for what they need and feeling calm before trying to solve the problem.

You Can Try This at Home

Talk with your child about times when they might have an interpersonal problem (a disagreement between two or more people) with a friend. Encourage them to use these moments as opportunities to practice feeling calm and speaking up for what they want or need.

Lesson 17: Saying it Respectfully

In this lesson, students will begin to learn a process for solving interpersonal problems. They’ll learn how to say the problem respectfully and without blame.

Talk with your child about an interpersonal problem they’ve had at home. Help your child think about each person’s point of view, and then work together to say the problem respectfully.

Lesson 18: Exploring Outcomes

In this lesson, students will learn how to weigh the pros and cons of possible solutions to an interpersonal problem by thinking about the points of view of everyone involved.

Talk with your child about a time when they successfully solved an interpersonal problem. What solutions did they consider, and what were the pros and cons of each solution? Describe a time when you found it helpful to think of each person’s point of view when predicting whether a solution to an interpersonal problem might work.

Lesson 19: A Good Solution

In this lesson, students will learn how to successfully solve an interpersonal problem by picking a solution that’s safe, respectful, and can work for everyone involved.

Talk with your child about a time when they were able to solve a problem with a safe and respectful solution that worked for everyone involved. Describe a time when you did the same. Point out that solving problems may not always be easy, but it’s worth the effort.

Lesson 20: STEP into Problem-Solving

In this lesson, students will practice the STEP process they learned in this unit to solve problems. STEP stands for S: Say the problem, T: Think of solutions, E: Explore the outcomes, and P: Pick a solution.

Talk with your child about a time when they experienced interpersonal problems. Ask how they will use the STEP process to try solving these problems.

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