Solution Circuit Facilitator Guide
Facilitator Protocol Life Skills • Vocational • Social Independence
Solution Circuit Facilitator Guide
Active group problem-solving: short board prompts decoded and solved collaboratively.
Circuit Session
30–45 Mins • 4–12 Clients
1. Decode Board Text
Clients read simple 8–14 word problems aloud as a team.
2. Generate Options
Identify immediate fixes, backup plans, and safe supports.
3. Select Action
Commit to the safest, most respectful next step.
5-Step Facilitation Flow
1
Write Board Prompt (Under 60 seconds)
Facilitator writes the exact short problem prompt in large print on the whiteboard. Keep it under 14 words so all clients can visually track every word.
2
Group Reading & Word Check (2–3 minutes)
Lead a choral read or invite one client to read aloud. Underline 1–2 target trigger words (e.g., "broken", "late", "upset") and verify everyone understands what happened.
3
Solution Sparks Round (4–5 minutes)
Ask: "What can we do first?" Clients offer ideas popcorn-style or turn-and-talk. Facilitator writes 2–4 ideas directly in the Solutions column.
4
Consequence & Safety Screen (2–3 minutes)
Test ideas with the group: "Is this safe? Does this make things better or worse? Who needs to know?" Cross out or revise risky solutions.
5
Action Commitment & Role-Practice (2–3 minutes)
Circle the winning solution. Have a client state or role-play the exact words they would say to a supervisor, friend, or staff member.
Board Setup Blueprint
1. THE PROBLEM Max 14 Words
"My phone died and the next bus is cancelled."
→ Underline key words: phone died, bus cancelled
2. IDEAS Popcorn
- Ask store clerk for public phone
- Check printed bus schedule board
- Wait inside lighted lobby
3. BEST MOVE
Step inside open store; ask staff for help safely.
Facilitator Tip: Write in block capital letters for easier client readability. Page 1 of 3
Prompt Bank 1
Workplace & Daily Living Circuits
Short, high-readability whiteboard prompts
Section A: Workplace & Vocational Scenarios
Focus: Job responsibility, supervisor contact, safety
Scenario W1 • Transit & Shift 11 Words
"The bus is late. Your work shift starts in ten minutes."
Underline on board: "bus is late", "starts in ten"
Target solutions: Call supervisor immediately; explain arrival delay; give estimated time.
Prompting question: "Why is calling early better than staying quiet?"
Scenario W2 • Confusion 10 Words
"Your manager gave fast instructions. You do not understand."
Underline on board: "fast instructions", "not understand"
Target solutions: Ask them to repeat one step; write down keywords; request a quick demonstration.
Prompting question: "What exact polite words can you say to ask for help?"
Scenario W3 • Spill & Safety 10 Words
"A bottle of soapy water spilled in the hallway."
Underline on board: "soapy water", "hallway"
Target solutions: Stand guard so no one slips; put out yellow cone; get mop and paper towels.
Prompting question: "What could happen if you walk away to find a mop alone?"
Scenario W4 • Finished Early 10 Words
"You finished folding boxes early. You have nothing to do."
Underline on board: "finished early", "nothing to do"
Target solutions: Check quality of work; clean work station; check in with lead worker for next task.
Prompting question: "Should you sit and check your phone or ask for more work?"
Section B: Daily Living & Community Scenarios
Focus: Shopping, household safety, appointments
Scenario D1 • Store Checkout 10 Words
"Your groceries cost $12, but you only have $10."
Underline on board: "cost $12", "only have $10"
Target solutions: Politely tell cashier; choose one non-essential item to put back; pay remaining $10.
Prompting question: "Is it okay to put an item back? How do you ask calmly?"
Scenario D2 • Kitchen Appliance 10 Words
"The microwave sparks and smells like burning plastic."
Underline on board: "sparks", "burning plastic"
Target solutions: Press Stop immediately; do not open door; safely unplug or notify staff/support.
Prompting question: "Should you put water inside a sparking microwave? Why not?"
Scenario D3 • Transit Card 10 Words
"You tap your bus card. It buzzes red and says empty."
Underline on board: "buzzes red", "empty"
Target solutions: Speak with driver; use emergency cash; reload card at station kiosk.
Prompting question: "Who can you speak with right away on the bus?"
Scenario D4 • Scheduling 11 Words
"Your doctor appointment is at 2 PM, but you have no ride."
Underline on board: "at 2 PM", "no ride"
Target solutions: Check public transit route; ask support person; call clinic hours ahead to reschedule.
Prompting question: "When should you call the doctor: right now or after 2 PM?"
All prompts strictly 10–11 words for effortless board transcription and client reading. Page 2 of 3
Prompt Bank 2
Social Communication & Differentiation
Interpersonal boundaries, conflict & adaptations
Section C: Social Communication & Boundary Scenarios
Focus: Assertiveness, respect, active listening
Scenario S1 • Personal Space 10 Words
"A peer stands too close to you and makes you uncomfortable."
Underline on board: "stands too close", "uncomfortable"
Target solutions: Take one step back; use calm "I" statement: "I need a little more space, please."
Practice script: Practice standing an arm's distance away together.
Scenario S2 • Unfair Credit 10 Words
"A teammate tells the group leader that they did your job."
Underline on board: "tells leader", "did your job"
Target solutions: Stay calm; do not shout; privately tell leader: "I completed part A and teammate did part B."
Practice script: "What tone of voice keeps you in control?"
Scenario S3 • Disagreement 10 Words
"Two people want to watch different shows in the breakroom."
Underline on board: "different shows", "breakroom"
Target solutions: Flip a coin; set a 15-minute timer to take turns; find a compromise channel.
Practice script: "How does taking turns help everyone feel respected?"
Scenario S4 • Critical Feedback 10 Words
"Your trainer says your work has errors that need fixing."
Underline on board: "has errors", "need fixing"
Target solutions: Take a deep breath; say: "Thank you for showing me. I will correct it now."
Practice script: "Feedback is how we get better, not an insult."
Differentiation & Reading Support Matrix
Emergent Readers
- Facilitator draws a small icon next to board words (clock, bus, phone).
- Read in choral unison with a pointer finger tracing words.
Non-Verbal / Shy Clients
- Offer thumbs up/down for proposed solutions.
- Provide 2 pre-written option cards to hold up or point to on the board.
Advanced Finishers
- Rank solutions: "Good", "Better", and "Best".
- Map the domino effect: "What happens next if solution A fails?"
Circuit Observation & Debrief Checklist
Target Skill
Observable Client Behavior
Mastery Cue
1. Text Decoding
Reads board prompt aloud or repeats keywords when prompted.
Names the central issue
2. Idea Generation
Shares at least one realistic action without immediate prompting.
Proposes safe move
3. Consequence Check
Explains whether an idea improves or complicates the problem.
Screens out risky ideas
4. Respectful Comms
Uses polite language, active listening, and calm tone during debate.
Speaks respectfully
Facilitator Guide complete • Print-ready 8.5×11 3-page guide for group problem circuits. Page 3 of 3
