Problem Size Activity
Social Detective Practice
Problem & Reaction Sorter
Name:
Date:
S
LITTLE Problem Small Fix
Needs a LITTLE reaction. I can fix it or wait calmly.
L
BIG Problem Adult Help
Needs a BIG reaction. Tell an adult right away for safety.
Activity 1: Cut cards from Page 2 and glue them below 5 Little Problems • 5 Big Problems
LITTLE PROBLEMS (Glue 5) Small Fix
#1 Little Problem [ Glue Here ]
#2 Little Problem [ Glue Here ]
#3 Little Problem [ Glue Here ]
#4 Little Problem [ Glue Here ]
#5 Little Problem [ Glue Here ]
BIG PROBLEMS (Glue 5) Grown-Up Help
#1 Big Problem [ Glue Here ]
#2 Big Problem [ Glue Here ]
#3 Big Problem [ Glue Here ]
#4 Big Problem [ Glue Here ]
#5 Big Problem [ Glue Here ]
Social Detective: Why Big Reactions to Little Problems are "Unexpected"
Picture Guide
EXPECTED REACTION Makes Sense
✏️
Little Problem
😌
Calm Breath
➡️
😊
Safe Friends
⭐ Expected: When you use a calm fix, friends feel safe and happy. The problem stays small!
UNEXPECTED REACTION Confusing
✏️
Little Problem
😱
Big Yelling
➡️
😟
Friends Scared
❓ Unexpected: Screaming at a tiny problem startles friends and turns a little issue into a BIG problem!
Pause First: 4 Steps to Calm Down
Before Reacting
1. STOP Hands still
2. BREATHE 3 slow breaths
3. SIZE Little or Big?
4. MATCH Use calm words
10 Cut-Out Problem Cards
Cut along dashed lines. Look at the large pictures. Glue on Page 1!
Page 2 of 3
✏️
Broken Pencil Tip #1
My pencil point breaks while drawing.
Fix: Sharpen or borrow a pencil
🩹
Bleeding Knee Cut #2
I fall on the playground and bleed.
Fix: Tell teacher right away
🧃
Spilled Water Cup #3
A cup of water spills on my table.
Fix: Wipe up with paper towels
🚨
Fire Alarm Bell #4
The emergency alarm sounds loudly.
Fix: Walk outside with teacher
⏳
Waiting for a Turn #5
A friend is playing with my favorite toy.
Fix: Wait 2 minutes or pick another
🚪
Lost from My Class #6
I cannot see my teacher in the hallway.
Fix: Tell nearest school adult
👟
Untied Shoelace #7
My sneaker lace came completely untied.
Fix: Tie it or ask calmly for help
🤕
Hard Head Bump #8
A friend falls hard off the playground slide.
Fix: Call playground teacher fast
🧩
Missing Puzzle Piece #9
I cannot find the last blue puzzle piece.
Fix: Look under box or ask a friend
🤢
Very Sick Tummy #10
My stomach hurts badly and I might throw up.
Fix: Tell teacher to see school nurse
Guiding Question: "Can you fix it yourself, or do you need a grown-up right now?"
Prompt Support
Reaction Matching & Calming Tool
Draw a line from the problem to the expected reaction!
Page 3 of 3
Draw a Line: Match Problem Size to Expected Reaction Match the Sizes!
✏️ Broken pencil point
🚨 Emergency fire alarm
🧃 Spilled water on desk
🤕 Friend bumped head
⏳ Waiting for my turn
Walk outside quietly with class 🚶
Sharpen pencil or borrow one ✏️
Call adult helper right now 🏃
Wipe it up with paper towels 🧻
Take 3 deep breaths and wait 🧘
Which reaction is EXPECTED? Look at pictures and circle your choice!
Circle A or B
🖍️
Problem: Crayon Drops on Floor Little Problem
🖐️ 😊
A. Pick up calmly
Circle
💥 😭
B. Scream & kick
Circle
🚨
Problem: Fire Alarm Bell Rings Big Problem
🚶 🧑🏫
A. Walk with teacher
Circle
🙈 ❓
B. Hide & ignore
Circle
Cut & Keep: My Desk Calm-Down Reminder Strip
Pocket Tool
1
Little Problem?
Little Reaction (I can fix it!)
➡️
2
Big Problem?
Big Reaction (Find an adult!)
➡️
🛑
Big Feeling?
Stop & Take 3 deep breaths