Over the past couple of weeks, we have been working on problem solving in K and 1 classes. The last time we met, students learned to take three deep breaths or count to 10 when they are angry or upset. For this lesson, students learned the words they can say to solve a problem. We used a modified form of the I feel statement taught in second and third grade. It looks like this:
· I feel _________.
Or
· I feel _________ when you ________.
For this lesson, students worked to write I feel statements they might use to solve different problem situations. The pictures in this post show the work by two first grade students, Riddhisha and Jesse. By learning to verbalize their feelings and what is causing them to feel that way, my hope is to develop a problem solving foundation with our students that will continue to grow throughout the rest of their time at Armstrong and beyond.
You can use this language to help build your children’s problem solving skills at home as well. When your child has a problem, encourage them to try an I feel statement to help solve it. If you find they have a problem solving success or if you have any questions, please consider sharing them in the comments section of this blog post. My hope is to give you as parents a forum to share your successes and challenges at home.
Thank you for your help with this important lesson.
Sincerely,
David Starr