problem solving

 Materials:

 Introduction:

Some children are simply lacking the social skills necessary to assist them in socializing appropriately with others. These skills can be taught. Teaching how to problem solve particular situations you know the child will be in, can help the child prepare to do the right thing before actually being caught in the problem. This is especially important for children who have processing difficulties.

  Objective/Purpose

The child will practice problem solving skills for common situations.

 Procedure:

1. Talk about common problems that occur in the classroom (e.g., everyone trying to get to the drinking fountain first, fighting over toys, tattle-tailing, etc.).

2. Have the children discuss these incidents and relate stories about how they felt sad, mad, or frustrated because of the actions of other students (without naming names).

3. Talk to the children about 'personal responsibility' and what that term means.

4. Let children problem solve in small groups or in a large group various situations and how they might be handled to eliminate the problem.

5. Put the children's suggestions down on paper and ask others for their input and critique about how effective they think the problem solving solutions are.

6. Add to the chart as necessary.

7. Review the chart often as a group.

  Practice & Extended Activities:

Children can practice these new skills by play acting them in front of the group. One child can be the teacher, another the offending child, etc. Encourage this type of play acting in the housekeeping corner. Children can also choose one of the new skills that they think they would like to work on and make their own personal drawing of the situation.