Inside: Strategies to teach students how to handle big and little problems in the classroom
We’ve all been there. Students are working quietly on an assignment while you have your small group. One student starts to humming quietly. They don’t even realize they are doing it.
In a perfect world, another student would say, “Please stop humming.” And the humming would stop.
However, this scenario can also play out quite differently.
Out of nowhere, someone blurts, “STOP humming! I’m trying to work!”
The next thing you know, that student is storming off, the class is disrupted, and the hummer is confused.
Problems like a student humming are little problems that we need to prepare students to solve on their own.
Students need to know how to differentiate between little problems like this and big problems that require adult assistance.
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How can you tell if a problem is big or small?
I’ve seen a lot of unnecessary overreactions throughout the past 30 years. Finding common language and introducing strategies for big and little problems have greatly reduced the number of tantrums and interruptions.
To make the concept of problem size more concrete, I like to use an analogy.
Little problems are like raindrops. They are inconvenient, but easy to solve with an umbrella, rainboots, or making a mad dash.
Big problems are like thunderstorms. They are heavy and can be dangerous and scary. They require help from an adult.
***It’s important to mention that there is a wide range of “medium problems“. These may require attention from an adult. As teachers, we should go over many examples at the beginning of the year, and refer back to this concept as problems arise.
Solving Small Problems in a Snap
Implementing lessons on solving little problems can save you a lot of headaches. Empowering your students brings you a class full of independent problem-solvers.
Examples of small problems are:
- Broken pencil
- Forgotten library book
- Untied shoes
- Someone took your spot
- Accidental bumps
- Lost assignment
- Dried out marker
- Didn’t get a turn
- Spilled art box
- Misunderstood directions
If students apply strategies they can solve most small problems quickly and independently.
I like to teach students to:
- Ignore
- Take a break
- Speak up kindly
- Use self-talk
- Move on
- Take deep breaths
- Clean it up
- Follow classroom procedures
Teaching Strategies for Small Problems
Two of my favorite ways to teach small problem-solving strategies are through role play and mentor texts.
Bonus: At the end of this post, there is a free download with 24 different situations that are perfect for role play!
You can relatable situations and ask students to role play appropriate responses. For example, you could ask, What would you do if…
- Your pencil broke during math class?
- Someone is sitting in your favorite spot?
- Recess ended before you had a turn?
If you’re looking for a mentor text to illustrate solving a small problem, make sure you check out The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes. This book demonstrates that laughter can be a highly effective strategy for little problems. (The book links on this post are affiliate links.)
Beatrice was famous for never making mistakes. Not with her meals. Not with her socks. Not with her sandwiches.
This streak comes to a screeching halt during her juggling act at the talent show.
How does Beatrice handle this problem?
She laughs. The audience laughs. And a whole new world of risk taking opens up for her.
Big Problems Need a Big Person
Students needs to understand that some problems require adult attention. These big problems include actions that are unsafe, unkind, or uncomfortable.
Examples of big problems
- A sharp object found on the playground
- A classmate who never eats lunch
- One student threatening another
- A lost temper
- Laying hands on another student
In these cases, we need to teach our students to find a trusted adult.
In addition, I share this advice with my students.
- Stay calm and safe.
- Speak up if someone is hurt.
- Use kind words.
Teaching Strategies for Big Problems
Just like with small problems, role playing and mentor texts are two excellent ways to teach big problem-solving strategies.
Here are some role playing situations you can try.
- You are outside at recess and you see an unfamiliar adult.
- You are feeling very angry, and you may lose your temper.
- During math class you feel like you might throw up.
If you’re looking for a mentor text about solving a big problem, I highly recommend A Bike Like Sergio’s.
Ruben has a $100 bill.
This is a problem because the money is not his. He saw a woman a the store drop it, and he took it.
Ruben wanted a bike like his friend, Sergio’s so badly that he seriously considered using the stolen money.
The big problem was guilt.
The solution involved speaking to adults who were both relieved and proud.
Put it into Practice
Once students understand the concept of big and little problems, it’s time to put the skills in action! I have created a resource that can help with this.
This resource can help you minimize interruptions and blurts over small problems and give you confidence that students will seek out help for the big problems.
Here’s how:
- PowerPoint & Google Slides Big and Little Problems Lesson – This lesson introduces the raindrop/thunderstorm analogy to compare big and little problems. There are plenty of examples, strategies, and opportunities for discussion.
- Discussion Task Cards – Great for whole class activities like role playing or Scoot and small group activities for those who may need a little more support with this skill.
- Craft – Bring the concept to life and help students visualize the different problem sizes. The craft has pre-made responses, blank responses, and a list of suggested responses so you can differentiate as needed.
Helping students determine the type of problem can help them find an appropriate strategy. It won’t stop all the “rain”, but it will help to weather the storm.
What would you do?
If you’re looking for an easy way to practice problem-solving skills in the classroom, you can download these 24 free Behavior Decision Cards.
These cards are perfect for discussions or role playing. They work great at the beginning of the school year or anytime your students need a friendly reminder.
To download the cards, complete the form below, and they will be delivered straight to your inbox.
With the right strategy instruction, your students can learn to pause, think, and choose a calm response. You’ll see a difference the next time that something small, like humming, threatens to throw off their day.
