Hey, What’s The Problem?

Last week I introduced my students to problem and solution in stories. I LOVE teaching problem and solution to my kiddos because it is something they can relate to. We ALL encounter problems in our lives that we must solve! I started off the lesson by showing this little Pixar video. These 5 minute Pixar clips make the best introductions/engagements. After watching it, we discussed what went wrong (the problem) and how the problem was solved (the solution).

We used these fun anchor charts to help us with the definitions of these terms. imageimage

Then, I modeled how to locate the problem and solution in the story, Owen, by Kevin Henkes. This book is a perfect read aloud for teaching problem/solution because young children can relate to Owen’s problem. After reading it, we revisited the text and determined what the problem was and how the problem was solved. We recorded our

observations on chart paper.

Then, in small groups, we read differentiated leveled-texts in order to locate the problem/solution. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE small group time because it allows me to hear from everyone, including the shy kids! I wish you all could have heard some of the incredible discussions these kids were having! Next week, we’ll be diving into more problem/solution activities. Now that we’ve had experience identifying problem/solutions in stories, we are ready to become problem detectives! Tomorrow, this sign will be posted next to our lunch sign-in sheet for all to see. It’ll definitely create a stir in the classroom!

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Then, at Morning Meeting, we’ll read this exciting letter from The Problem Detective Club! The letter states that they are looking to add new members to join the team. Students will receive a TOP SECRET envelope with secretive “case files” inside. In small groups, they will read the case files in order to identify the problem and then come up with a possible solution. This is a wonderful team building activity! They’ll record their ideas and then ship them back tothe Problem Detective Headquarters for review. 

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This is what they’ll use to record their observations.

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If the Problem Detectives approve of their observations, the class will receive a special certificate showing they are now members of the club! I always like to make a real-world connection to anything we learn so after my kiddos receive the certificates, I’ll ask them how they can be Problem Detectives in real life (at home and at school). We will brainstorm ideas on ways we can help others solve problems.

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Throughout the week, we’ll continue learning about problem/solution through these fun extension activities. These short stories are PERFECT for small group discussions.

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And, we’ll use these organizers to help us illustrate/write the problem and solution in other texts.

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Lastly, we’ll play a fun matching game where students have to match up the problem with the solution.

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  You can find all of these resources in my We Are Problem Detectives packet at my shop! If you already own this packet, be sure to go re-download it to get the updates. Click on the preview below!

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Also, I just recently added a packet of all of my reading strategy and skill posters to my shop. We refer to these ALL THE TIME. I call these our “What Makes a Good Reader?” posters. I used Velcro and attached these to the wall below the white board. Velco allows me to move these easily! I like to “frame” the strategy poster of the week. To do that, I made a simple frame made out of poster board and laminated it. Then, I “frame” the strategy/strategies of the week so that my students know what we are focusing on and can easily refer back to it. I’ll share more about that in a future post!

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You can grab the posters at my shop. Just click on the preview below.

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22 Comments

  1. Jen P
    September 29, 2013

    This looks fabulous! My firsties definitely need help with this.

  2. Jen P
    September 29, 2013

    Oops! My email is jmcpang78@gmail.com.

  3. Nicole Cain
    September 29, 2013

    I think to use the story, Knuffle Bunny by Mo Williams as an introduction. Then we we break into small groups I use some of the Robin Hill School books for the students to identify the problem and solution.
    Nickicole30@hotmail.com

  4. Geri
    September 29, 2013

    I also love using a good book and making real life connections! These packets look great! Gsmithteach@gmail.com

  5. alawson
    September 29, 2013

    My kids love acting out different problems and solutions. They love getting in front of their classmates and acting out different scenarios. amandalawson4@gmail.com

  6. Roxanne Sterling
    September 29, 2013

    OMG!!! These packets are amazingly awesome!!! They would be great for my K-1 kiddoos. We would love a copy!!!! Thanks for your generosity. 🙂 🙂

    foxysexyroxy10@gmail.com

  7. carrie Ogulnick
    September 29, 2013

    Since I teach advanced K I am ALWAYS looking for new ways to teach story elements..this looks great!!! Thanks for creating and sharing!!!

  8. Lori Rosenberg
    September 29, 2013

    I'll be using this pack to teach problem and solution! 😉
    Both packs are just dreamy!
    Lori
    Teaching With Love and Laughter
    luvyorkies@gmail.com

  9. Heather Coyle
    September 29, 2013

    This looks amazing! I absolutely love all of your reading packs!

  10. Sydney Cohn
    September 29, 2013

    I have some of your other packs, but I absolutely love the idea of using velcro. Why had I never thought of that instead of using hot glue?!
    Lessons Learned

  11. stephf54
    September 29, 2013

    This looks great! I almost wish I taught first grade! I hope you signed up to be a curriculum writer for the county!!!!

  12. Kelley Dolling
    September 30, 2013

    I want to be in your class!!!!

  13. Miss T
    September 30, 2013

    Love, love, love!

    Lucky kiddos 🙂
    Journey Of A Substitute Teacher

  14. Cathy :)
    September 30, 2013

    I just have to say that I'm in awe of you! I follow your blog and LOVE everything you do! I bet your kids just love you and your room and learn so much! Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent with everyone. It helps make me be a better teacher too! Thank you! 🙂
    C is for Cookies, Cakes, Children, Classroom, and Crafts
    wojo1279@gmail.com

  15. Leslie Crocker
    October 1, 2013

    The packet looks great. I am very interested in it. We are big problem solvers in math too. Can't wait to try these activities!

  16. Mary Lirette
    October 6, 2013

    This looks awesome!!

    Mary
    Mrs. Lirette's Learning Detectives

  17. Jackie
    October 8, 2013

    I would love to know more about the Pixar clips! How do you know which clips go to which strategy? I would love it if you could share more of the clips you use from youtube for each strategy. Thanks, Jackie
    jmcmanam@w-sioux.k12.ia.us

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