Problem Size Slides 1st Grade Life Skills
Problem Size Detectives
Is it a Little Problem or a Big Problem? Let's investigate together!
Little Problems
We can solve them using our words and tools!
Big Problems
An adult needs to help keep us safe right now!
What is a Little Problem?
Detective Clue #1
Nobody is Hurt
Everyone is safe and healthy. Our bodies are not in danger.
Quick to Fix
Can be fixed in a few minutes with simple steps or tools.
You Can Try!
You and a friend can try words, sharing, or taking turns first.
Examples: ✏️ Broken pencil lead ⏳ Waiting for the slide 🧩 Dropped puzzle piece
What is a Big Problem?
Detective Clue #2
Someone is Hurt
Bleeding, sick, bad falls, or someone's body is injured.
Unsafe or Danger
Fire alarm, feeling unsafe, or an emergency situation.
Needs a Grown-Up
Kids cannot fix this alone. A teacher or parent must help immediately!
Detective Golden Rule:
For Big Problems, walk and tell a teacher right away!
Calm Down First!
Superpower Pause
Before we decide what to do, we help our brains cool down with 3 simple steps:
1
Stop & Freeze
Hands still. Feet on floor. Put your hands on your tummy.
2
Belly Breaths
Smell the flower 🌸... then blow out the birthday candle 🎂 (x3)!
3
Self-Talk
Say in your quiet voice:"I am calm. I can solve this."
Class Practice: Let's do 3 deep belly breaths together right now! 🌬️
Detective Case #1
Case File
🎨
The Scene
You wanted the blue crayon, but your table buddy is using it right now.
What size is this problem?
🟢 LITTLE PROBLEM Nobody is hurt. I can ask politely or pick another color!
🔴 BIG PROBLEM Emergency! Need to call 911 or run for help!
Detective Question: What words could you say to your table buddy?
Detective Case #2
Case File
🛝
The Scene
At recess, your classmate slips on the jungle gym and their arm hurts badly. They are crying.
What size is this problem?
🟢 LITTLE PROBLEM Just wait a minute or share a toy.
🔴 BIG PROBLEM Someone is hurt and needs an adult immediately!
Detective Question: Who should you find first on the playground?
Your Response Toolkit
Smart Strategies
When you have a Little Problem, open your solver toolkit:
🗣️
Use Words
"Can I please use that when you are done?"
🤝
Take Turns
Set a quick timer or count to 20 together.
🔄
Try Another
Pick a different game, color, or partner.
🚶
Walk Away
Take a breath and find a quiet space.
If you try 2 tools and it still isn't fixed, ask a grown-up for help!
Detective Mission Time!
Now It's Your Turn to Solve!
1
Take out your pencil and Detective Worksheet.
2
Investigate each picture: Circle Big or Little Problem.
3
Practice your 3 calming belly breaths and match the best response!
🔎 Remember: Big problems need adults. Little problems you can help solve! Good luck, Detectives!
Problem Detective Worksheet Name:
Date:
Problem Size Detectives
Read each clue. Circle whether it is a LITTLE PROBLEM or a BIG PROBLEM .
🟢 Little = I can try to solve 🔴 Big = Tell a teacher now
✏️
Case 1
Your pencil tip snaps while you are writing a story.
🟢 Little Problem
🔴 Big Problem
🩹
Case 2
A classmate falls from the swings and their knee is bleeding.
🟢 Little Problem
🔴 Big Problem
🧱
Case 3
You want the blue building blocks, but two friends are using them.
🟢 Little Problem
🔴 Big Problem
🚨
Case 4
The loud fire alarm rings in the school hallway.
🟢 Little Problem
🔴 Big Problem
Detective Sketchbook: Draw & Describe
🟢 Little Problem Draw below
Example: Untied shoe, dropped eraser
My problem:
🔴 Big Problem Draw below
Example: Broken bone, feeling unsafe
My problem:
Page 1 of 2 • Problem Size Detectives
Name:
Part 2: Calm & Respond
Calm Down First!
Before we decide what to do, we practice our 3 calming steps. Check each box as you try them!
Step 1: Freeze ✋
Hands on your tummy. Stop moving.
Step 2: Breathe 🌸🎂
Smell the flower, blow out candles 3 times.
Step 3: Self-Talk ⭐
Say: "I am calm. I can solve this!"
Match the Problem to the Smart Solution
Draw a line from the problem on the left to the safe, helpful response on the right:
🧃 You spill milk on your lunch table.
➔
🗣️ Ask politely: "Can I please play with you?"
⚽ You feel left out of a tag game.
➔
🏃 Walk directly to the teacher and tell them.
🤒 A friend is feeling dizzy and cries.
➔
🧻 Grab napkins and calmly wipe it up.
🎖️
My Problem Solver Pledge
When I have a little problem , I will pause, take 3 deep breaths, and try using my words. When I see a big problem , I will ask a grown-up right away to keep everyone safe!
Official Detective Signature:
⭐ Certified Solver
Page 2 of 2 • Problem Size Detectives
Problem Detective Teacher Guide 1st Grade Social-Emotional Learning Teacher Facilitation & Answer Key
Problem Size Detectives Guide
Facilitation timeline, core questions, misconception coaching, and student worksheet solutions.
⏱️ 35–45 Mins
Part 1 • 12 Mins
Slide Interactive Hook
Present Slides 1–4. Practice the 3 deep belly breaths together as a whole group.
Part 2 • 10 Mins
Detective Scenarios
Walk through Slides 5–7. Have students signal 🟢 thumb up (little) or 🔴 thumb down (big).
Part 3 • 15 Mins
Worksheet & Pledge
Independent/paired practice on 2-page worksheet, finishing with the Detective Pledge.
Worksheet Answer Key & Scoring Guide
Page 1: Case Sort
Case 1 (Broken pencil tip): 🟢 Little Problem (Use pencil sharpener or borrow).Case 2 (Knee bleeding at playground): 🔴 Big Problem (Needs adult first aid).Case 3 (Building blocks in use): 🟢 Little Problem (Ask to share or take turns).Case 4 (Fire alarm sounding): 🔴 Big Problem (Evacuate immediately with teacher).
Page 2: Matching Solutions
Spill milk on table ➔ Grab napkins and wipe it up calmly.Left out of tag game ➔ Ask politely: "Can I please play with you?"Friend dizzy & crying ➔ Walk directly to the teacher and tell them.
Addressing Common 1st Grade Misconceptions
1. "Big Feelings = Big Problem": Remind students that feeling angry or disappointed when losing a game does not make the problem an emergency. We calm our bodies first, then size the problem.
2. "Tattling vs. Reporting": Clarify that reporting is to protect someone from injury or severe harm. Tattling is running to get another student in trouble over a little problem you could solve with words.
1-Minute Turn-and-Talk Roleplay Prompt
"Partner A, pretend you accidentally knocked down Partner B's block tower. Partner B: Practice your 3 belly breaths, put a hand on your tummy, and say: 'That upset me, but we can rebuild it together!'"
Problem Size Detectives • First Grade SEL Curriculum Resource
Problem Detective Practice Worksheet Name:
Date:
Problem Detective Practice
Check the size meter, investigate 4 new cases, and find the detective clues!
Case File #2
The Problem Size Meter:
🟢
Little Problem
Nobody is hurt. I can pause, breathe, and use my words or tools!
🔴
Big Problem
Someone is hurt or unsafe. I must walk to an adult immediately!
Investigate & Circle: Little or Big?
🖍️
Case A
You cannot find your favorite green crayon in the bin.
🟢 Little Problem
🔴 Big Problem
🪜
Case B
A friend falls hard off the climbing wall and is crying loudly.
🟢 Little Problem
🔴 Big Problem
⚽
Case C
Another student takes the playground ball you were using.
🟢 Little Problem
🔴 Big Problem
🔥
Case D
You see smoke and a small flame near the classroom sink.
🟢 Little Problem
🔴 Big Problem
Detective Clue Check: Which 2 Clues Mean "BIG PROBLEM"?
Check the 2 clues that tell you to find an adult right now:
Someone is injured or bleeding
Someone took the last red marker
You feel unsafe or in danger
You must wait in line for 2 minutes
Page 1 of 2 • Problem Detective Practice
Name:
Part 2: Solver Words
Use Your Solver Words!
For little problems, words are our best tool. Choose the helpful words to solve each case!
Case #1: Taking Turns Emma has been on the swing for a very long time.
Which response is safe, polite, and helpful? (Circle one)
A "Hi Emma, when you count to 20, can I please have a turn next?"
B Yell "Get off right now!" and push against the swing chains.
Write your solver word:
Case #2: Accidental Bump Ben bumped your tower by accident and two blocks fell.
Which response is safe, polite, and helpful? (Circle one)
A "It was an accident! Can you please help me put those two blocks back?"
B Kick Ben's blocks down and run away screaming.
Write your solver word:
My Calm-Down Power Move
Pick your favorite:
3 Belly Breaths 🌸🎂
Count to 5 on fingers 🖐️
Roll shoulders & stretch 🧘
Draw yourself being a calm Problem Detective:
Page 2 of 2 • Problem Detective Practice
Reaction Size Slides 1st Grade Life Skills • Part 2
Reaction Size Match
Does your reaction fit the problem, or is it too big? Let's check the scale!
Right-Sized Reaction
Our calm actions match the problem and help solve it.
Oversized Reaction
When small glitches cause giant shouts, problems grow!
What is a Reaction?
Detective Fact
A reaction is what our body, voice, and words do after something happens:
👀
Our Body
Face frowns, fists clench, shoulders tense up, or body stays relaxed.
🗣️
Our Voice
A quiet whisper, a regular speaking voice, or a loud screeching yell.
👟
Our Actions
Taking a breath and asking nicely, stomping feet, or walking to an adult.
Key Idea: We cannot always stop problems, but we CAN choose our reaction!
The 3 Sizes of Reactions
Reaction Meter
🟢 1
Small Reaction
Deep breath, calm tone, shrug it off, ask to share or take turns.
Fits Little Glitches!
🟡 2
Medium Reaction
Feeling frustrated, stepping aside for a 1-minute water break.
Fits Tougher Moments
🔴 3
Huge Reaction
Screaming, crying loudly, running fast to find a teacher or nurse.
Fits True Emergencies!
Golden Detective Rule: Your reaction should be the same size as your problem!
What Happens When a Reaction is Too Big?
Caution
✏️
Little Problem:
Your pencil point snaps. (Tiny glitch!)
🔴 Too Big Reaction:
Slamming the desk, screaming "I HATE WRITING!", and throwing the pencil across the room.
Result: Now you are in trouble and the problem grew bigger!
🟢 Matching Reaction:
Take one breath, walk to the sharpener, or ask a table buddy to borrow a spare pencil.
Result: Problem solved in 30 seconds! Back to learning!
Big reactions to little problems make the problem bigger, not better!
Reaction Case #1: Board Game
Investigation
🎲
The Situation
You rolled a 2 and lost the math board game to your partner.
What the student did:
"I will NEVER play again!" They knocked over all the game pieces and cried loudly on the rug.
❌ MISMATCHED! Losing a game is a tiny glitch, not an emergency!
💡 Right-Sized Fix Take a breath, say "Good game!", and play another round.
Detective Question: Have you ever felt upset when losing? What can you tell yourself?
Reaction Case #2: Spilled Juice
Investigation
🧃
The Situation
At lunch, you accidentally bump your cup and apple juice spills on your tray.
What the student did:
They paused, said "Oops!", walked calmly to the cafeteria cart for napkins, and wiped it up.
⭐ PERFECT MATCH! Little spill ➔ Calm, quiet, helpful clean-up!
🏆 Detective Superpower Nobody panicked, and lunch stayed fun!
Thumbs up if you know how to wipe up a little spill calmly! 👍
Reaction Shrinkers
Cooling Tools
When your reaction feels like it's getting too big, use a Shrinker Tool:
🎈
Balloon Breath
Breathe in big through your nose, then slowly deflate your imaginary balloon.
🖐️
5-Finger Count
Tap each finger to your thumb while counting: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Feel your body chill.
🧠
Shrinker Words
Say quietly inside your head:"This is small. I can handle it!"
Shrink the reaction, and the problem shrinks too!
Cut & Paste Activity Time!
Your Reaction Match Mission:
1
Get your scissors, glue stick, and Detective Sorting Mat.
2
Carefully cut out the 6 case clue cards on the dotted lines.
3
Sort & glue: Is it a Matching Reaction or Mismatched (Too Big)?
✂️ Keep scissors safe on the table. Glue carefully in each box! Let's Match!
Reaction Match Cut and Paste Worksheet Name:
Date:
Reaction Match: Sorting Mat
Cut out the 6 tiles from Page 2. Glue each tile into the matching detective box!
Cut & Glue
🟢 Matching Reaction
Right-Sized!
Calm, helpful action that fits the problem.
GLUE TILE HERE #1 Paste a matching reaction tile
GLUE TILE HERE #2 Paste a matching reaction tile
GLUE TILE HERE #3 Paste a matching reaction tile
⭐ 3 Tiles Belong Here
🔴 Mismatched Reaction
Too Big!
Giant reaction that makes the problem bigger.
GLUE TILE HERE #4 Paste a mismatched reaction tile
GLUE TILE HERE #5 Paste a mismatched reaction tile
GLUE TILE HERE #6 Paste a mismatched reaction tile
⚠️ 3 Tiles Belong Here
Page 1 of 2 • Reaction Match Sorting Mat
Name:
Cut-Out Tiles & Shrinker
Cut Along the Dotted Lines ✂️
Carefully cut out all 6 tiles below. Decide where each belongs, then paste it on Page 1!
6 Clue Tiles
✏️
Tile 1
Pencil tip snaps while writing.
Took a breath, walked calmly to the sharpener.
🎲
Tile 2
Lost the math board game.
Screamed, kicked the table, threw dice on floor.
🧃
Tile 3
Milk spills on the lunch table.
Said "Oops!", grabbed napkins, and wiped it up.
🛝
Tile 4
Someone took the swing first.
Shouted mean words, stomped feet, cried loudly.
🎨
Tile 5
Crayon slipped outside the line.
Shrugged, smiled, and turned it into a flower.
🧱
Tile 6
Friend bumped block tower by accident.
Yelled "I HATE YOU!" and threw blocks at friend.
My Reaction Shrinker Power Move
When my feelings feel like they are growing too big, I will use my shrinker tool:
3 Balloon Breaths 🎈
5-Finger Tap 🖐️
Self-Talk Words ⭐
My calming word:
Draw yourself keeping your reaction right-sized:
Page 2 of 2 • Reaction Match Cut & Paste
Reaction Match Teacher Guide 1st Grade Social-Emotional Learning • Lesson 2 Teacher Facilitation & Answer Key
Reaction Size Match Guide
Facilitation timeline, cut-and-paste answer key, and emotional co-regulation coaching.
⏱️ 35–45 Mins
Part 1 • 12 Mins
Slide Demonstration
Present Slides 1–4. Compare small vs oversized reactions. Introduce the Reaction Shrinkers.
Part 2 • 10 Mins
Investigation Cases
Walk through Slides 5–7. Have students practice balloon breathing and 5-finger counting.
Part 3 • 18 Mins
Cut & Paste Sort
Students cut out the 6 tiles, sort onto the two-column mat, and complete the shrinker pledge.
Cut & Paste Answer Key: Tile Placements
🟢 Matching Reaction (Glue in Col 1)
Tile 1 (Pencil tip snaps): Took a breath, walked calmly to sharpener.Tile 3 (Milk spills at lunch): Said "Oops!", grabbed napkins, wiped it up.Tile 5 (Crayon slipped outside line): Shrugged, smiled, turned it into a flower.
🔴 Mismatched Reaction (Glue in Col 2)
Tile 2 (Lost math board game): Screamed, kicked table, threw dice on floor.Tile 4 (Someone took swing first): Shouted mean words, stomped feet, cried.Tile 6 (Friend bumped tower): Yelled "I HATE YOU!" and threw blocks.
Co-Regulation Strategies for Big Feelings
1. Validate Before Correcting: Always validate emotional intensity first ("I see that you really wanted to win that game") before addressing the behavioral reaction ("Throwing dice is too big for a game glitch; let's shrink it together").
2. The "Reaction Volume Knob": Cue students with a visual gesture: "Your reaction is at volume 10. Let's dial it down together to volume 2." Model deep shoulder rolls and slow exhales.
Turn-and-Talk Shrinker Drill (2 Minutes)
"Teacher calls out: 'Your paper ripped!' Students immediately perform the 3 Balloon Breaths together, tap their 5 fingers, and whisper to their partner: 'It's just tape—we can fix it!'"
Peaceful Problem Solvers Sequence • Lesson 2 Teacher Guide
