Teaching size of the problem is such a valuable skill for our students. The thing about problems is that everyone really will define them differently. For one person, a medium problem might be a small problem to another. As long as we can justify it, I truly believe that’s fine.
I made a simple, visual, flowchart to help students better conceptualize size of the problem. The great thing about this free size of them problem flowchart is that it focuses on what to do with the problem you’re experiencing. We don’t necessarily need to focus on getting the size correct at first, but focus on what we need to solve it.
How can you use this in your classroom? Here are 3 ways.
Size of the problem scenarios
I love using scenarios to help introduce topics that get really personal. If we jump into using the size of the problem flowchart with a personal scenario and topic, it can feel shaming and difficult for a lot of kids. I like using these scenarios because they’re premade and require no prep. Reading a scenario and using the flowchart to determine what step to take next is a great introduction to using it!
Attach to your read alouds
Yes, you can embed this size of the problem flowchart in your lesson plans! Mindblown, am I right? If you’re reading a picture or chapter book, there will generally be a problem that the character experiences, unless it’s a conceptual book. Use a character (Elephant and Piggie, for example) and their problem to determine what size it is. As you read the book, see if they followed the suggestions from the flow chart. What would your class suggest that the characters do differently? What did they do that was helpful?
Use in a debrief conversation
When behaviors get disruptive and require intervention, I always recommend debriefing with the student when they return to their baseline. This is the best time to problem solve! I use behavior think sheets to help guide the conversation and keep it restorative. This also helps if other staff members are doing the debriefing because it keeps the conversations productive and streamlined. It would be great to add in the size of the problem flowchart as a way to determine if anything could be done differently in the future.
I love having multiple laminated copies of the flowchart around the classroom and available for students across the day. Also giving gentle reminders to use the flowchart can help keep it at top of mind for students.
