Lesson 225: Solving problems calmly

Objective

I can use simple steps to solve problems calmly. I can practise stopping, breathing, naming the problem, and choosing a kind, fair, and safe idea.

Materials

• Plain paper or a notebook page
• Crayons or colored pencils
• Optional: small sticky notes or stars to mark calm choices

Mini-lesson — What does it mean to solve problems calmly?

Guided Practice — My calm problem-solving map

You and an adult will choose one small, real-life problem and draw a calm problem-solving map with the steps.

1. On a notebook page, draw four boxes in a row. Label them "Stop", "Breathe", "Think", and "Choose".
2. Pick a small problem (for example, "We both want the same marker" or "Two people talk at the same time"). Write or trace the problem at the top of the page.
3. In the Stop box, draw the child pausing their body (feet still, hands by their sides). Add a label such as "I stop my body."
4. In the Breathe box, draw slow belly breathing (hands on tummy, arrows for in and out). Add a label such as "I take two slow breaths."
5. In the Think box, draw a thinking bubble. Inside, write or trace the problem in simple words, such as "We both want the same toy."
6. In the Choose box, draw one kind, fair, and safe idea (for example, "Take turns", "Use a timer", or "Play a new game together"). Add a short label.
7. Practise saying the steps aloud together: "Stop, breathe, think, choose." Then act out the little story using the calm solution.

Tracing Pad

Lines Primary lines Baseline only Grid Blank Trace (none) calm stop breathe think choose solve fair safe share take turns

Pen Clear

Tip: As you trace, say a sentence such as "I can solve problems calmly."

Practice — My calm problem story

Use this practice to help your child notice how calm steps can change a problem story.

1. On a new page, draw two side-by-side boxes. Label one "Before calm steps" and the other "After calm steps".
2. Choose a simple problem, such as "Two people want the same swing" or "Friends shout over each other in a game". Write or trace the problem above the boxes.
3. In the Before calm steps box, draw what happens when no one stops or breathes (for example, louder voices, angry faces, and no one taking turns).
4. In the After calm steps box, draw the same problem after using Stop, Breathe, Think, Choose (for example, taking turns, using calm words, asking an adult for help).
5. Ask questions such as: "What changed in the second picture?" and "How do people feel inside now?"
6. Choose one tiny calm step to try this week (for example, "When I feel upset, I will take two slow breaths"). Draw a star next to that step.

Quick Check — Solving problems calmly

Answer each question about calm steps, kind words, and fair ideas.

Assessment (parent/teacher)

Exit ticket (student)