Problem Solving

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)

Introduction

This set of lesson plans is designed to introduce a systematic approach to problem-solving through a motivating, practical application: fundraising for a celebration or field trip. The student will learn to recognize and identify a problem, gather useful information and utilize resources, anticipate outcomes of possible solutions, plan and implement steps in a solution, and evaluate the outcome of the solution. Additionally, the student will receive instruction in requesting, accepting, and declining assistance.

Individual with their head in their hand while using a laptop and phone

Lesson 1: Identify the Problem

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)Name(s) of student(s): Age and grade level: Goal from IEP connected to lesson: Objective from IEP connected to lesson: Purpose of lesson: To recognize and identify a problem. Materials needed: Internet access, Word document Introduction “Today, we begin a unit on problem-solving. The first step in solving a […]

Individual pulling a library book from the shelf

Lesson 2: Gather Information

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)Name(s) of student(s): Age and grade level: Goal from IEP connected to lesson: Objective from IEP connected to lesson: Purpose of lesson: To gather information and resources in order to devise solutions to a problem. Materials needed: Internet access. Introduction “Today, you will learn to gather the necessary […]

Lesson 3: Anticipate Outcomes and Consequences

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)Name(s) of student(s): Age and grade level: Goal from IEP connected to lesson: Objective from IEP connected to lesson: Purpose of lesson: To anticipate possible outcomes and consequences of feasible solutions to a problem. Materials needed: Internet access Introduction “Today we will discuss intentional and unintentional outcomes and […]

Stick figure climbing up steps to reach a drawn lightbulb

Lesson 4: Plan and Implement Steps to Solve the Problem

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)Name(s) of student(s): Age and grade level: Goal from IEP connected to lesson: Objective from IEP connected to lesson: Purpose of lesson: To create an action plan and implement the problem-solving steps. Materials needed: Internet access Introduction “Now that you know to anticipate the consequences of potential solutions […]

Lesson 5: Request, Accept, and Decline Assistance

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)Name(s) of student(s): Age and grade level: Goal from IEP connected to lesson: Objective from IEP connected to lesson: Purpose of lesson: To politely and assertively request, accept, or decline assistance. Materials needed: Field trip opportunity Introduction “As a problem solver, you will inevitably need to request, accept, […]

Finger pointing to a drawn organizational chart

Lesson 6: Evaluate the Outcome

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)Name(s) of student(s): Age and grade level: Goal from IEP connected to lesson: Objective from IEP connected to lesson: Purpose of lesson: To evaluate the outcome of the solution and proceed accordingly. Introduction “Today you will learn to evaluate the outcome of your solution. If your problem isn’t […]