PROBLEM SOLVING APPROACH

High/Scope

Problem Solving Steps:1. Approach Calmly

2. Acknowledge Feelings

3. Gather Information

4. Restate the Problem

5. Ask for Ideas for Solutions & Choose One Together

6. Be Prepared to Give Follow-Up Support

Approach Calmly: The adults need to remain

calm in order to set the tone for the students

Use “I” statements to express frustrations or concerns (i.e. “I am very upset because hitting hurts people.”)

Problem Solving Steps:1. Approach Calmly

2. Acknowledge Feelings

3. Gather Information

4. Restate the Problem

5. Ask for Ideas for Solutions & Choose One Together

6. Be Prepared to Give Follow-Up Support

Acknowledge Feelings:

Use simple, descriptive words

Acknowledging feelings can help reduce the stress and anxiety of the student

Problem Solving Steps:1. Approach Calmly

2. Acknowledge Feelings

3. Gather Information

4. Restate the Problem

5. Ask for Ideas for Solutions & Choose One Together

6. Be Prepared to Give Follow-Up Support

Gather Information: Adults should obtain

information from both children

Focus on the actions or materials (not questions like “Why did you do that” or “How do you think she feels?” – those questions are too abstract)

Problem Solving Steps:1. Approach Calmly

2. Acknowledge Feelings

3. Gather Information

4. Restate the Problem

5. Ask for Ideas for Solutions & Choose One Together

6. Be Prepared to Give Follow-Up Support

Restate the Problem The adult should then restate

the problem Check with the children to

make sure you have correctly identified the problem

Problem Solving Steps:1. Approach Calmly

2. Acknowledge Feelings

3. Gather Information

4. Restate the Problem

5. Ask for Ideas for Solutions & Choose One Together

6. Be Prepared to Give Follow-Up Support

Ask for Ideas for Solutions & Choose One Together:

Work with the children and explore all suggestions

Problem Solving Steps:1. Approach Calmly

2. Acknowledge Feelings

3. Gather Information

4. Restate the Problem

5. Ask for Ideas for Solutions & Choose One Together

6. Be Prepared to Give Follow-Up Support

Be Prepared to Give Follow-Up Support:

Check in with the children to see how the plan is working

Problem Solving Steps:1. Approach Calmly

2. Acknowledge Feelings

3. Gather Information

4. Restate the Problem

5. Ask for Ideas for Solutions & Choose One Together

6. Be Prepared to Give Follow-Up Support

http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=190692&title=Nobody_likes_hitting

THINK ABOUT HOW YOU ARE ADDRESSING THE STUDENTS:

IT ’S NOT ALWAYS WHAT YOU SAY, BUT HOW YOU SAY IT

RESPECT