Problem Size Match Lesson Plan Problem Size Match
Lesson Plan • Tier 3 Individual Session
Total Time
15 Minutes
Why This Matters
Understanding how to respond proportionally to problems helps students manage their emotions, build resilience, and develop effective coping strategies, leading to healthier relationships and better problem-solving skills.
Objective
Students will be able to identify the size of a problem (small, medium, large) and match an appropriate emotional response and solution strategy to that problem size.
Preparation
Review the Problem Size Match Slide Deck to familiarize yourself with visual examples.
Print and cut out problem cards from the Problem Size Scenarios Activity .
Ensure the Problem Size Journal Prompt is ready for student completion.
Review the Problem Size Answer Key for discussion guidance.
Instructional Steps
2m
1. Introduction: Big Feelings, Small Problems
Engage: Ask the student: "Have you ever felt super upset about something small, or maybe not upset enough about something really big? Today, we're going to learn about matching our feelings to the size of the problem!"
Explain: Tell them that they will learn how to figure out if a problem is small, medium, or large, and how to react in a way that makes sense.
8m
2. Visual Sort Activity
Visual Concept: Use the Slide Deck to define small, medium, and large problems. Emphasize that each size has expected emotional responses and solution types.
Scenario Sort: Provide the cut-out cards. Have the student sort them into three piles. For each card, discuss:
Why did you put it in that pile?
What kind of feeling would someone have?
What would be a good way to respond or solve it?
Reference the Answer Key to guide discussion and provide feedback.
5m
3. Reflection & Wrap-up
Journaling: Give the student the Problem Size Journal Prompt . Ask them to write down one small problem they might face and how they would respond appropriately.
Summarize: Recap the "matching" concept. Praise the student for their thoughtful participation.
Problem Size Match Slides Problem Size Match
How big is the problem?
Teacher Notes
Welcome the student and explain the purpose: learning to match reactions to problem sizes.
Small Problems
"Little Hiccups"
Problems you can fix quickly or that will go away on their own.
Example: Your pencil breaks.
Example: Someone accidentally bumps into you.
The Match
How you feel:
A little annoyed or frustrated.
What to do:
Take a deep breath, fix it, and move on quickly!
Teacher Notes
Introduce small problems. Emphasize that these are quick fixes or minor annoyances.
Medium Problems
"Bumps in the Road"
Problems that take more time or effort to solve. You might need an adult.
Example: A disagreement with a friend.
Example: You lost something important.
The Match
How you feel:
Sad, angry, or really frustrated.
What to do:
Talk it out with an adult, ask for advice, and try a solution.
Teacher Notes
Explain that these might need more effort or help from an adult to resolve.
Large Problems
"Big Mountains"
Very serious problems that need immediate help from an adult.
Example: Someone is getting hurt.
Example: A family emergency.
The Match
How you feel:
Strong fear, deep sadness, or big anger.
What to do:
Find a trusted adult right away and tell them exactly what happened.
Teacher Notes
Stress that these require immediate adult help and strong emotions are okay.
Match Your Response!
SMALL
Small reaction + Quick fix
MEDIUM
Medium reaction + Adult advice
LARGE
Big reaction + Immediate help
Let's Practice!
Teacher Notes
Summarize the matching concept before starting the sorting activity.
Problem Size Scenarios Activity Scenario Sort
Problem Size Match Activity
Small
Med
Large
Instructions
Read each problem card below. Cut them out and sort them into three piles: Small Problem , Medium Problem , or Large Problem . Be ready to explain your choices and how you would react!
#1
You drop your cookie on the floor.
#2
You forget to bring your homework to school.
#3
Your best friend is mad at you because you accidentally broke their toy.
#4
Someone at school is being mean to you every day and it makes you feel sad and scared.
#5
You spill water on your shirt.
#6
You don't get picked for the team during recess.
#7
You accidentally say something that hurts your classmate's feelings.
#8
A stranger tries to get you to go somewhere with them.
#9
You can't open your juice box.
#10
You lost your favorite book from the library and can't find it anywhere.
Problem Size Journal Prompt My Problem-Solving Journal
Reflection Exercise
Name:
Date:
Today's Focus: Small Problems
Think about what we discussed today about problem sizes. Even small problems can feel frustrating, but we can handle them!
1
Describe a small problem you might face at home or at school.
2
How would you feel when this small problem happens?
3
What is an appropriate way to respond to this small problem?
What would you do or say to solve it or make yourself feel better?
Problem Size Answer Key Scenario Answer Key
Problem Size Match • Teacher Resource
Facilitation Tip
Encourage discussion and listen to the student's reasoning. Some problems might have slightly different interpretations based on individual experiences. The goal is proportionality —matching the reaction to the impact.
Small Problems "Little Hiccups"
Scenario 1: Drop cookie on floor.
Response: Minor disappointment. Get another one or clean it up. Move on quickly.
Scenario 5: Spill water on shirt.
Response: Briefly annoyed. Dry it off with a paper towel. It will dry soon!
Scenario 9: Can't open juice box.
Response: Slightly frustrated. Ask an adult or friend for help politely.
Medium Problems "Bumps in the Road"
Scenario 2: Forget homework at school.
Response: Frustrated or worried. Tell the teacher, make a plan to bring it tomorrow.
Scenario 3: Friend mad about broken toy.
Response: Sad or guilty. Apologize sincerely, offer to help fix it or replace it.
Scenario 6: Not picked for recess team.
Response: Sad or left out. Take deep breaths, find another game, or talk to the teacher later.
Scenario 7: Accidentally hurt feelings.
Response: Concerned. Apologize and check if the classmate is okay.
Scenario 10: Lost library book.
Response: Anxious. Tell a parent or librarian, help look for it, or pay the fine.
Large Problems "Big Mountains"
Scenario 4: Bullied daily / feeling scared.
Response: Very scared/sad. Tell a trusted teacher or parent immediately .
Scenario 8: Stranger danger situation.
Response: High fear. Use safety rules (No, Go, Tell) and find help immediately .
