Problem Size Up Lesson Plan Problem Size-Up!
Tier 2 Social-Emotional Learning Lesson
Duration 30 Minutes
Objective
Students will be able to identify the 'size' of a problem (small, medium, large) and explain how their reaction should match the problem's size.
Audience
1st Grade Students
Targeted Tier 2 Group
Teacher Prep
Review Slide Deck & Script
Print and cut problem cards (Activity)
Print Student Worksheets & Cool Down
Gather crayons/markers
Test projector for video embed
Why This Matters
Understanding problem size helps students react appropriately to challenges, manage their emotions, and develop effective coping strategies, leading to a more positive learning environment and better social interactions.
Included Materials
Small Problems Slide Deck
Problem Size Sort Activity
Size-Up Script
My Problem Size-Up Worksheet
Problem Size Cool Down
Instructional Sequence
5 min
1
Warm-Up: What's a Problem?
Use the slide deck to introduce the concept. Ask: "What does it mean to have a problem?" Discuss simple everyday examples (losing a pencil, etc.).
10 min
2
Introducing Sizes & Video
Explain that reactions should match the problem size. Use slides 3-7 and the video to illustrate small, medium, and large problems. Refer to the Size-Up Script for guided discussion.
10 min
3
Hands-On: Problem Size Sort
Distribute problem cards. In small groups, students sort cards into 'small', 'medium', or 'large' categories. Use script prompts to facilitate discussion on appropriate reactions.
5 min
4
Wrap-Up & Reflection
Distribute the My Problem Size-Up Worksheet for individual reflection. Conclude with the Cool Down thumb check and quick assessment.
Size Up Script Size-Up Script
Small Problems, Big Solutions Instructional Script
Opening Hook
"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today we are going to talk about something super important: understanding problems. We all have problems, right? Sometimes they feel really big, and sometimes they feel tiny. But how we react to them can make a big difference!"
Part 1: What's a Problem? (5 min)
Slide 2
Teacher: "Let's start with our first slide: What's a Problem? Look at the picture. What do you think it means to have a problem? Turn and talk to a partner for 30 seconds about a time you had a small problem."
Allow time for students to share. Call on a few students to share their ideas with the group.
Teacher: "Great ideas! A problem is something that happens that makes you feel a little stuck or worried. It can be something small, like losing your favorite crayon, or something bigger. Today we're going to learn how to figure out how big a problem is, so we can react the right way."
Part 2: Small Problems (3 min)
Slide 3
Teacher: "Imagine you lost your pencil. Is that a HUGE problem? Probably not, right? It's a small problem. You might feel a little frustrated, but you can usually solve it yourself, like by borrowing another pencil or finding a different one. Your reaction would be small, maybe a sigh, but not yelling or crying. What's another small problem you might have at school?"
Guide students to give examples of small problems and discuss appropriate small reactions.
Part 3: Medium Problems (3 min)
Slide 4
Teacher: "What if you and your best friend are arguing over a game? This might make you feel more annoyed or even a little sad. It's a medium problem. You might need to talk to your friend to sort it out, or maybe ask an adult to help you figure out a compromise. It's not something you can just ignore, but it's also not an emergency. What would a medium reaction look like for this?"
Discuss examples of medium problems and appropriate medium reactions, emphasizing asking for help or talking it out.
Part 4: Large Problems (4 min)
Slide 5
Teacher: "Finally, look at Slide 5. These are the really important ones. What if you saw someone get hurt, or you felt unsafe? These are large problems! You would feel scared, and your reaction might be big, like crying or feeling really worried. But the most important thing is that you **NEED** to tell a trusted adult right away – like your teacher, parent, or principal. These are problems you *cannot* solve by yourself. Can anyone think of a large problem where you would need to tell an adult immediately?"
Discuss examples and stress telling a trusted adult. Emphasize that big reactions are okay for big problems, but help is priority.
Part 5: Sorting & Reflection (10 min)
Slides 8-10
Sorting Task "Alright, it's Time to Sort! I have some problem cards here. Work in your groups to sort them into three piles: Small, Medium, and Large. Talk with your group about why you put each card where you did."
Worksheet "Great job! Now, for our worksheet. Draw or write about one **small problem** you might have, and then draw or write about a **small reaction** to it. How would you solve it?"
Cool Down "On the count of three, show me with your thumbs: How well do you understand how to tell the difference between small, medium, and large problems?"
Problem Size Sort Activity Problem Size Sort
Cut along the dotted lines and sort the problems into Small, Medium, and Large piles.
Your pencil breaks during writing time.
You can't find your favorite colored crayon.
Someone accidentally bumps into you in the hallway.
You forgot to bring your water bottle to school.
Your turn on the computer is over.
You and a friend want to play with the same toy at recess.
You don't understand the math homework.
Someone is repeatedly calling you a name you don't like.
You accidentally spilled juice on your paper.
Someone is seriously hurt on the playground.
You feel unsafe because someone is being scary.
There is a fire drill, and you don't know where to go.
You see someone taking something that isn't theirs.
Your pet is sick and you are very worried about it.
Write your own problem here...
Pile Labels
SMALL
MEDIUM
LARGE
My Problem Size Up Worksheet My Problem Size-Up!
Name:
Date:
Remember: Match your reaction to the size of the problem!
1
My Small Problem
Think about a small problem you might have at school or home.
Draw your small problem here
2
My Small Reaction
What would you do or say to solve this small problem?
Draw or write your reaction here
Bonus Question
Why is it important to match your reaction to the size of the problem?
Problem Size Cool Down Problem Size Cool Down
Name:
Let's check what we've learned about problems!
1 Circle the correct answer:
Which kind of problem can you usually solve by yourself or with a tiny bit of help?
a) Large Problem
b) Medium Problem
c) Small Problem
2 Draw a face that shows how you might feel if you had a MEDIUM problem.
(Like arguing with a friend or spillling juice on your paper)
Draw face here
3 What is the MOST important thing to do if you have a LARGE problem?
(Example: Seeing someone get hurt or feeling unsafe)
Small Problems Big Solutions Slides Problem Size-Up!
Small Problems, Big Solutions
How big is your problem?
Teacher Notes:
Greet students. Ask what a 'problem' means to them. Encourage shares.
What's a Problem?
A problem is something that happens that makes you feel stuck or worried.
What are some problems you have had?
Teacher Notes:
Facilitate a short discussion. Guide them towards simple, everyday problems at first.
Small Problems
Small reactions match!
Losing your pencil
Forgetting your snack
Accidentally bumped in hall
How do you feel? A little frustrated?
You can solve these yourself!
Teacher Notes:
Emphasize independence for small problems.
Medium Problems
Medium reactions match!
Arguing with a friend
Not understanding homework
Someone taking your toy
How do you feel? Annoyed?
Ask an adult for help or talk it out.
Teacher Notes:
These need a bit more effort or help to fix.
Large Problems
Get help immediately!
Someone is hurt
Feeling unsafe
Your pet is lost
How do you feel? Scared?
Tell a trusted adult right away!
Teacher Notes:
Stress the priority of getting adult help for these.
Problem-Solving Superstars!
Embedded media
Teacher Notes:
Reinforce matching reactions after the video.
Matching Reactions
S
Small Problem Small Reaction
M
Medium Problem Medium Reaction
L
Large Problem Big Reaction + Help!
Teacher Notes:
It's like a puzzle – your reaction should fit the problem!
Time to Sort!
Work in your group to sort problems into Small, Medium, or Large piles.
Teacher Notes:
Circulate and listen to their reasoning for card placement.
My Size-Up!
Think about a SMALL PROBLEM and draw how you would solve it.
