Let's Solve It! Step-by-Step Problem Solving with Kids, Teaching Guide

This teaching guide is a companion to Let's Solve It! Step-by-Step Problem Solving with Kids, Storybooks 1 and 2 (each of which are sold as separate ebooks). The teaching guide includes corresponding Let's Solve It! (LSI) and We Solved It! (WSI) fully downloadable problem-solving templates to help guide discussions and teaching of the 20 story pairs included in Storybook 1 and 2. Complete the LIS problem solving template after reading the LSI version of the story, then complete the WSI problem-solving template after reading the WSI version to discuss how the same social problem was avoided or solved and how various actions and responses impacted different characters' thoughts and feelings.

While its importance is often overlooked, the role of self-regulatory social problem solving is a cornerstone of academic and career success. By working through the templates together after reading each story, students benefit by having a clear, step-by-step systematic way to make sense of problems in context. The templates explore problem solving by asking questions that engage self-awareness, situational awareness, interpretation of what is happening, understanding of a person’s options to decide what to do or say or not do or say, and then responding in the manner that encourages their desired outcome. Ultimately, students learn how we are all part of socially responsive community; that what we all do and say impacts those around us.

Downloadables: What’s included?
To make teaching easier, all the LSI/WSI Problem-Solving Templates for 20 Story Pairs are available for download on a hidden landing page. The link to this page is included within the Teaching Guide ebook. A Possible Solution Key (for Story Pair templates) includes one possible solution to each of the steps on the LSI/WSI templates for each of the 20 story pairs. A blank line is also included for generating your own solution based on selecting a different character for each story.

BONUS!
Also included are LSI/WSI General Use Problem-Solving Templates for everyday scenarios, adaptations, individualized teaching, and extension ideas.