Problem-Solving Steps

Kindergarten, First Grade

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.

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.

Materials and preparation Key terms

Class set of the Pattern Blocks Problem Solving problem-solving steps

worksheet
Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present by Charlotte
Zolotow
Pattern blocks (eight per student)
Blocks
Two toy figurines

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:
1. Identify the problem.
2. Look at what solutions have already been tried.
3. Think of new ways to solve the problem.
4. 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!"

Explicit Instruction/Teacher modeling (15 minutes)

Show the class the book Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present by Charlotte Zolotow.
Explain that in this book a little girl has a problem and she has a special friend who helps her.
Show the cover of the book and read the title and author to the class.
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 Ask, "What do you think the problem may be? How do you think they may solve the problem?"
Read the book and pause periodically to ask comprehension questions.
After reading, discuss with questions such as, "What was the little girl’s problem? What did she do to
solve it? How did Mr. Rabbit help? How did they solve the problem?"
Share an example from your life where you had a problem and used the problem-solving steps to reach a
solution.
Have students share in pairs a problem they may face and the steps they can take to solve it. Invite 2–3
partners to share what they discussed. Build on student answers and emphasize the importance of using
problem-solving steps and review the steps.

Guided Practice (10 minutes)

Review and model how to complete the Pattern Blocks Problem Solving worksheet with the class.

Independent working time (15 minutes)

Pass out eight pattern blocks for each child.

Dismiss students back to their seats to work on their Pattern Blocks Problem Solving worksheet.

Differentiation

Enrichment: Ask advanced students to create more rabbits and gifts with less blocks (or to come up with new
shapes on their own).

Support: Work one-on-one or in small groups with some students and provide support with the pattern blocks.

Assessment (5 minutes)

Walk around the room and check student comprehension of problem-solving steps during independent
work.

Review and closing (5 minutes)

Bring students back together in a circle.

Ask, "Did anyone come across a problem when working with your pattern blocks? If so, what happened?
Were you able to solve the problem? If so, how?
Ask the class to share what they drew for pattern shapes on their handout with a partner sitting next to
them.
Give students 1-2 minutes to share with their partner.
Ask the class to share what they learned today and how they plan to practice the problem-solving steps
again.
Remind students that problems are not troubles, but rather chances to grow and learn!
Express how well they did and that it takes courage to face problems.

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© 2007 - 2022 Education.com