Developed by:  Melissa Ratledge

Level:  3-5

What's My Problem?

Standards

Learning 
Expectations

 This activity will help students acquire competencies which relate to the following standards:
8:  Self-Knowledge Applications
The student will:
 
8.1:  Use a decision making and problem solving model

8.4:  Develop and implement a plan for an individual goal

General
Approach		 The general approach is that students will be given various situations for which they will be asked to identify the problem and create an action plan in response to it.  This will lead to a counselor-led discussion about the students' ideas.
Activity Steps *  Give the students one of the situations in the included list (see below).  This can be done in small groups, individually, or with the class as a whole depending on class size, time available, and preference.
*  Ask the students to identify the problem in the situation.
*  Have the class brainstorm for a short time to come up with possible solutions for the problem. 
*  Write some possible solutions up on the board.
*  Encourage class to ask the following questions while deciding on a solution (give these on handout attached below):
1)  Is it fair?
2)  How will others feel/be affected?
3)  Is it safe?
4)  Will it work?
*  Have the kids write down which solution they prefer and a short reason why, along with what their goal outcome would be.
*  Lead a discussion in which the students get to share their responses and explain how they would implement their solutions to achieve the desired outcome.
*  Repeat process with other situations if time permits, or at a later date to provide extra practice

Time Required		 This activity will require roughly one hour.

Resources Needed		 *  Situation list
*  paper
*  pencils
*  marker or chalk board

Performance 
Indicators		 After completing the activity, students should be able to actively and effectively demonstrate the ability to identify problems, decide on a desired outcome, come up with possible solutions, choose the most effective one, and develop a plan to implement it that will help them reach the desired outcome. 

 
Situations



 1)  You really want a new C.D., but you see that you can't afford it.

 2)  You told your friend's secret now he/she won't talk to you.

 3)  Sarah is new in town and wants someone to play with.

 4)  Your brother is gone and his new Playstation game looks really fun.  It is sitting on his bed in his room.

 5)  You know Mom wouldn't want you to go outside after dark, but your friend is outside your window and wants you to come out.

 6)  You found a five dollar bill on the floor in the classroom.

 7)  A kid in class seems sad today.

 8)  Your friends are all playing a game.

 9)  It's chore time, but there's a cool new movie on T.V.

10)  You're on the phone and someone calls on the other line for your little brother/sister.
 
 

Four BIGQuestions

 1)  Is it safe?

 2)  Is it fair?

 3)  How will others feel/be affected by it?

 4)  Will it work?