Problem Solvers Counselor Guide Counselor Facilitator Guide
Peace Problem Solvers
Grades: K – 2
Duration: 20 Minutes
Domain: SEL / Interpersonal
Curriculum Standards Alignment
IID.3.B.1: Express feelings verbally and nonverbally.
IID.3.B.2: Identify who to ask for help with conflict.
IID.4.B.1: Identify feelings through emotional expressions.
IID.4.B.2: Recognize and include peers in play.
Core Objectives & Materials
Students will define conflict as a problem or disagreement, identify 4 core feeling faces, and practice 3 calm steps to solve friendship disputes.
Materials: Counselor Slides, Scenario Prompt Cards, Student Badges, Pre/Post Tracker.
Timed Instructional Breakdown (20 Min Total)
0 – 3 Min Hook & Pre-Test Define "Conflict", Thumbs Check
3 – 7 Min Feelings in Action Mirror Faces, Nonverbal Clues
7 – 16 Min 4 Live Scenarios Interactive Role-Play + Wiggle
16 – 20 Min Debrief & Post-Test Pledge, Badge, Data Count
Phase 1: Hook, Empathy Spark & Pre-Assessment (Min 0–3)
Slide 1–2
Counselor Prompt: "Give me a thumbs up if you have ever heard the word CONFLICT! Who can take a brave guess at what conflict means?"
Pre-Test Data Action: Count and log how many students give a confident thumbs up. Say: "Conflict is just a grown-up word for a problem, disagreement, or fight between friends. Turn to a carpet buddy and share: How does your heart or tummy feel when there is a conflict?"
Phase 2: Feeling Face Mirror & Empathy Warm-Up (Min 3–7)
Slide 3
Before we solve a conflict, our eyes and hearts must notice feelings. Explain that feelings show on our bodies and faces before we even speak.
😠
MAD
Brows down, clenched fists
😢
SAD
Drooping mouth, heavy eyes
😟
WORRIED
Wide eyes, biting lip
😕
CONFUSED
Tilted head, one brow raised
Peace Problem Solvers • K-2 Counseling Lesson Page 1 of 2
Phase 3: Classroom Problem Solver Scenarios (Min 7–16)
Slide 4–7
For each scenario: Step A: Entire class mimics the feeling face. Step B: Invite 1 student volunteer to step forward and demonstrate a peaceful words-or-action solution.
1 The Glue Grabber (Working at spot, peer takes glue without asking) Feelings: Mad, Confused, Sad
Counselor Ask: "Show me your face if this happened! What is one calm sentence you can say?"
Target Solution: Look in the eye, calm voice: "I was still using that. Please ask me next time. May I have it back?"
2 Hallway Recess Push (Classmate shoves on way to playground) Feelings: Mad, Hurt, Startled
Counselor Ask: "Should we push back? What does our body need first?"
Target Solution: Step back, palm out: "Stop, I don't like that. Keep your hands safe." If they continue, notify teacher immediately.
30-Second Reset (Wiggle Break): Stand up! Sing 1 verse of "If you're calm and you know it, breathe in deep... (whoosh!)" Then freeze like a statue!
3 "You Can't Play With Us!" (Asked to join a game and told NO) Feelings: Sad, Left Out, Hurt
Counselor Ask: "How does your chest feel? What can you do right away?"
Target Solution: Remind self "I am a good friend." Walk toward another group or playmate: "Hi, can I join your game?"
4 Upstander Alert (Seeing another peer get pushed or hurt) Feelings: Worried, Concerned
Counselor Ask: "Do we ignore it or walk away? Who is the helper here?"
Target Solution: Ask the hurt peer: "Are you okay?" Then immediately walk to an adult on duty: "Someone is hurt and needs help."
Phase 4: Wrap-Up, Post-Assessment & Data Collection (Min 16–20)
Slides 8–9
Lead the Peace Problem Solver Pledge: "When big feelings start to rise, I use my words and friendly eyes. I breathe, I talk, I solve, I share — because peace happens everywhere!"
Pre-Test Thumbs Up:
____ / ____ students
Post-Test Thumbs Up:
____ / ____ students
Growth Difference:
+ _____ % change
Peace Problem Solvers • Facilitator Reference • Confidential Data Form Page 2 of 2
Problem Solvers Slides Counselor Lesson • Grades K–2
Super Problem Solvers
Friendship & Feelings
Peace Problem Solvers!
What can we do when big feelings and friendship problems happen?
Notice Feelings • Use Safe Words • Help Each Other
20-Minute Mission
?
What is a Conflict?
Thumbs Up Check! 👍
🧩
A Problem
Something isn't working the way we expected it to.
🗣️
A Disagreement
Friends want two different things at the very same time.
⚡
A Fight or Hurt
Words or bodies clash when big feelings get in the way.
Good News: Problems happen to EVERYONE, and we can solve them!
Counselor Count 👍
Feelings Show On Our Faces!
Show Me Your Face! 🎭
😠
MAD
Brows down tight, fists closed!
😢
SAD
Mouth frowning, heavy heart!
😟
WORRIED
Wide eyes, nervous tummy!
😕
CONFUSED
Head tilted, wondering why!
When we notice feelings, our empathy helps us solve the problem!
Role-Play Scenario #1 Practice Time!
Someone takes your glue without asking!
Step 1: Check Your Face
Show your feelings:
😠 Mad
😢 Sad
😕 Confused
Step 2: Problem Solver Action
"I was using that. Please ask me first!"
"When I finish this spot, we can share."
Ask the teacher if they won't give it back.
Volunteer Challenge: Stand up and show us your calm words! 🗣️
Role-Play Scenario #2 Practice Time!
Someone pushes you in line on the way to recess!
Step 1: Check Your Face
Show your feelings:
😠 Mad
😢 Hurt
😲 Shocked
Step 2: Safe Body & Safe Words
Stop! Take 1 step back. Keep hands safe!
Say firmly: "Stop, I don't like being pushed."
Do NOT push back! Tell the teacher on duty.
Remember: Pushing back turns one problem into two problems! 🛑
30-Second Brain Reset
Wiggle & Breathe Break! 🕺
Stand up! Shake your hands! Shake your feet!
Problem Solvers Student Activity Peace Problem Solver
Counseling SEL Activity • Grades K–2
Name:
Date:
1 Feeling Detective: How do you feel when a problem happens?
Circle your feelings & draw your face
😠 MAD Tight fists
😢 SAD Teary eyes
😟 WORRIED Nervous tummy
DRAW YOU Add eyes & mouth
2 My 4 Peace Tools: Color in the badges you will use!
1. Deep Breaths Smell flower, blow candle
2. Calm Words "Please ask next time"
3. Take Turns Share toys & materials
4. Ask an Adult Teacher or Counselor
3 Problem Solver Match: Draw a line from the problem to the best solution!
🖍️ A friend takes your glue.
💬 Say: "I'm using that, please ask!"
🚶 Someone bumps you in line.
🛑 Step back: "Please keep hands safe."
😢 A classmate falls and gets hurt.
🙋 Ask "Are you okay?" & tell teacher.
Cut out and wear your badge!
Official Peace Problem Solver
"I use my words, notice feelings, and keep our school peaceful!"
Problem Solver Signature:
Peace Problem Solvers • Student Practice Sheet Keep this in your folder or take home!
Problem Solvers Exit Ticket Peace Problem Solvers • Quick Check
Counselor Exit Slip (K–2)
Name:
Date:
1. What does the word CONFLICT mean? (Circle one)
A problem, disagreement, or fight
A fun party game at recess
2. Look at this face: 😠 How does this friend feel? (Circle one)
Mad or upset
Happy and calm
Tired and sleepy
3. If a problem is too big or someone gets hurt, who can you ask for help? (Circle one)
Teacher or Counselor
No one, keep it secret
Push them back
I know how to be a Peace Problem Solver:
👍 YES! I'm ready!
✋ I need a little practice
Cut along dashed line (2 slips per page)
Peace Problem Solvers • Quick Check
Counselor Exit Slip (K–2)
Name:
Date:
1. What does the word CONFLICT mean? (Circle one)
A problem, disagreement, or fight
A fun party game at recess
2. Look at this face: 😠 How does this friend feel? (Circle one)
Mad or upset
Happy and calm
Tired and sleepy
3. If a problem is too big or someone gets hurt, who can you ask for help? (Circle one)
Teacher or Counselor
No one, keep it secret
Push them back
I know how to be a Peace Problem Solver:
👍 YES! I'm ready!
✋ I need a little practice