Solve It Squad Slides 2nd Grade Life Skills
Solve It Squad
You Can Solve Problems
All On Your Own!
Small glitches happen every single day at school and at home. You have the superpower to fix them!
Small Glitch
You can try to solve it first!
Big Emergency
Someone is hurt or unsafe — get an adult!
The Action Plan
4 Steps to Solve Any Small Problem
1
Stop & Chill
Take 3 deep belly breaths before you talk or act.
2
Name It
Say clearly: "The problem is..." without yelling.
3
Think of 3
Brainstorm 3 safe choices that could fix it.
4
Try One!
Pick the kindest choice. If it fails, try choice #2!
Remember: Getting mad never solves the problem — cool thinking does!
Helpful Strategies
Your Fix-It Toolbox
Use an "I-Statement"
Speak calmly and tell what happened.
"I feel frustrated when my marker is taken. Please ask first."
Take Turns or Set a Timer
Share the toy, game, or school supply.
"You take 3 minutes, then it is my turn for 3 minutes!"
Make a Quick Compromise
Find a way where both people win.
"Play tag first today, and we play swings tomorrow!"
Walk Away & Reset
Give yourself space if someone is teasing or upset.
Step away, join a new game, or take a calm break.
Which tool do you use the most? Talk with a partner!
Guided Practice
Everyday Mix: School & Home
School Scenario
"Someone accidentally knocks over your tall block tower during free choice time."
How can you solve this on your own?
1. Breathe before reacting
2. Say: "That was an accident. Will you help me rebuild it?"
Home Scenario
"Your brother or sister wants to watch a different cartoon show than you do."
How can you solve this on your own?
1. Agree to watch one episode of each show
2. Flip a coin or do Rock-Paper-Scissors to pick who goes first
Turn and Tell: What would happen if you yelled instead? Why does solving it feel better?
Important Safety Rule
When Should You Get an Adult?
I Try It First!
Someone took the crayon I wanted
Someone stepped in front of me in line
We disagree about the rules of a game
I forgot my pencil or dropped my eraser
Get an Adult NOW!
Someone is hurt, bleeding, or sick
Someone is unsafe or breaking school safety rules
I tried 2 calm solutions and the other person refused
Someone is threatening or bullying repeatedly
"Tattling is getting someone in trouble. Reporting is keeping someone safe!"
Fix It Path Worksheet Solve It Squad • Student Activity
Fix It Path Worksheet
Name:
Date:
My 4-Step Solve-It Checklist
1
Stop & Breathe
Take 3 deep breaths
2
Name Problem
Say what happened
3
Think of Choices
Brainstorm fixes
4
Try One Out!
Pick the best plan
Part 1
Guided Practice: Art Class Mix-Up
The Situation: You are drawing your favorite animal during art class. Another student reaches over and grabs the green marker right out of your hand without asking.
Step 1: How do you calm your body first? (Check the one you will try)
Count 1 to 5 Take 3 belly breaths Squeeze hands & release
Step 2: Name the problem in a calm sentence:
Finish this thought clearly without blaming or screaming:
Step 3 & 4: Your "I-Statement" Choice:
Write what you will say using polite, strong words:
"I feel
when you
Please
."
Pro Tip: Speaking with a firm, friendly voice works much better than yelling!
Page 1 of 2
Solve It Squad • Independent Missions
Everyday Problem Solvers
Page 2 of 2
Part 2
Solve Two Everyday Cases
Case 1: Recess Line Cut (School)
Small Problem
You are waiting in line for the slide. A classmate jumps right in front of you and says, "I was here first!"
What choice will you try first to solve this calmly?
Case 2: The Remote Battle (Home)
Small Problem
Your sibling holds the TV remote and will not let you pick a show, even though you have waited patiently.
How can you make a fair compromise or trade?
Part 3
Fix It Myself vs. Get an Adult
Read each scenario below. Circle either "Fix It Myself" or "Get an Adult" .
A
A friend took the basketball you were playing with.
Fix It Myself Get an Adult
B
A classmate fell off the monkey bars and is crying in pain.
Fix It Myself Get an Adult
C
Someone keeps pushing you after you asked them twice to stop.
Fix It Myself Get an Adult
Solve It Teacher Guide Solve It Squad • Teacher Resource
Solve It Teacher Guide
35–40 Minutes Total
Lesson Goal
Empower 2nd graders to de-escalate minor peer conflicts independently using 4 repeatable steps.
SEL Core Competencies
Self-Management (impulse control), Relationship Skills (compromise), Responsible Decision-Making.
Key Vocabulary
Small Glitch , I-Statement , Compromise , Reporting vs. Tattling .
Pacing & Instructional Moves
8 Mins
Hook & Mini-Lesson (Slides 1–3):
Introduce the "Glitch vs. Emergency" scale. Teach the 4 steps: Stop & Chill, Name It, Think of 3, Try One . Practice the 3 belly breaths as a whole class.
12 Mins
Guided Roleplay & Worksheet Part 1 (Slide 4 + Page 1):
Model the art class marker scenario. Have two student volunteers roleplay: (A) grabbing marker, (B) stopping, using an "I-Statement". Guide students to complete Page 1 together.
12 Mins
Independent Practice & Adult Check (Slide 5 + Page 2):
Students complete the school line and home remote cases independently or in pairs, then categorize the 3 scenarios as "Fix Myself" vs. "Get an Adult".
5 Mins
Debrief & Problem-Solver Pledge:
Chorus read the problem-solver pledge. Reinforce: "Tattling is trying to get someone in trouble; reporting is keeping someone safe."
Teacher Talk Moves
• "Before you tell me, have you tried two friendly tools from your toolbox?"
• "Can you rephrase that as an 'I feel... when you...' sentence?"
• "Is anyone bleeding or unsafe right now, or is this a glitch you can practice solving?"
Worksheet Benchmark Key
Part 1 I-Statement: "I feel upset when you grab my marker. Please ask to trade."
Part 3 Sorting: A = Fix It Myself; B = Get an Adult (injury); C = Get an Adult (repeated boundary violation).
Differentiation & Adaptations
Support / ELL: Provide sentence starter strips at desks. Allow students to draw their resolution in the blank box instead of writing full sentences.
Extension: Designate "Peace Patrol" or conflict mediator peer helpers during recess to coach classmates through the 4 steps.