Problem Patrol Cards
Problem Patrol Cards
"What size is the problem? Let's figure it out together!"
Case #01
The Broken Tip
You are working on a beautiful drawing and the tip of your favorite colored pencil snaps right off.
Problem Size:
Tiny
Small
Medium
Big
Teacher Guide:
"This is a tiny problem. Take a deep breath, use a sharpener, or pick another color. You can handle this!"
Case #02
The Lunch Box Mystery
It's lunch time and you realize your lunch box is still sitting on the kitchen counter at home!
Problem Size:
Tiny
Small
Medium
Big
Teacher Guide:
"This is a medium problem. You need an adult's help. We can call home or get you a lunch from the cafeteria."
Case #03
The Game Loser
You are playing a board game with your friends during recess and you lose. You feel very frustrated.
Problem Size:
Tiny
Small
Medium
Big
Teacher Guide:
"This is a small problem. Use a coping skill, like taking a deep breath. Say 'Good game' to your friend."
Case #04
The Recess Rescue
You see an older student pushing a younger student on the playground and calling them mean names.
Problem Size:
Tiny
Small
Medium
Big
Teacher Guide:
"This is a big problem. Someone is getting hurt and bullied. Tell a teacher or yard duty monitor immediately."
Case #05
The Scraped Knee
You trip while running and scrape your knee. It is bleeding a little bit and it stings a lot.
Problem Size:
Tiny
Small
Medium
Big
Teacher Guide:
"This is a medium problem because your body is hurt. Tell a teacher so you can go to the health office for a bandage."
Case #06
The "No Room" Friend
You try to sit down at a lunch table, but a classmate puts their bag on the chair and says, "This spot is saved."
Problem Size:
Tiny
Small
Medium
Big
Teacher Guide:
"This is a small problem. You can ask 'May I please sit here?' or find another chair where someone is happy to sit with you."
Case #07
The Water Spill
While you are getting a drink, you accidentally spill a large puddle of water on the classroom floor.
Problem Size:
Tiny
Small
Medium
Big
Teacher Guide:
"This is a tiny problem. Mistakes happen! Grab some towels and wipe it up so no one slips."
Case #08
The Field Trip Scare
You are at the zoo with your class. You look around and realize you don't see your teacher or any of your friends.
Problem Size:
Tiny
Small
Medium
Big
Teacher Guide:
"This is a big problem. Stay in one spot, find an adult in a zoo uniform, and tell them your name and school."
Case #09
The Loud Alarm
The fire alarm starts ringing very loudly while you are in the middle of a math lesson.
Problem Size:
Tiny
Small
Medium
Big
Teacher Guide:
"This is a big/emergency problem. Use your 'quiet mouth' and follow your teacher's safety plan right away."
Case #10
The Library Mix-up
You really wanted to check out a specific book about dinosaurs, but another student just took the last copy.
Problem Size:
Tiny
Small
Medium
Big
Teacher Guide:
"This is a small problem. You might feel sad, but you can choose another book and be next in line for the dino book."
Discussion Tips for the Patrol Leader
Use these cards to help students differentiate between problems they can solve themselves and those that require adult intervention. Ask: "Can we handle this with a peaceful word or do we need teacher help?"
Tiny: Fixed in 1 minute alone.
Small: A little annoying, but safe.
Medium: Hurt body/feelings; need help.
Big: Danger! Tell an adult now.