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71+ Free Social Problem-Solving Scenarios

Do you have kiddos who struggle with their social problem-solving skills? Teach your students the simple process of how to solve a problem along with having them review how well their solution worked or didn’t work.

Why Teach Problem Solving Skills?

Learning to problem solve is an essential skill that is used not only throughout childhood but also into adulthood. Social problem solving is the ability to change or adapt to undesirable situations that arise throughout our day.

On a daily basis, a child will encounter social problems that they will need to solve.

Anything from:

  • arguing with another student
  • to hurting a friend’s feelings
  • to having a difficult conversation
  • working with others

problem solving scenarios

Start with Small Problems

Many of the “problems” children encounter are often small problems which the child may be over-reacting to, such as wanting a different coloring crayon or wanting to be first in line, however, these small problems are still very real to the child.

Practicing problem-solving with these small problems can be a great learning opportunity. Children can practice problem-solving with a small problem which can help them learn how to handle bigger problems in the future.

Problem Solving Importance

Social problem-solving skills are critical to a child’s social interactions, personal and professional relationships. A child’s ability to handle change, cope with stress, and handle challenges improves with a child’s ability to successfully solve social problems.

The ultimate goal is that the child will be able to solve social problems all on their own, but until they can independently solve a problem they will need to learn how to communicate and self-advocate to positively solve their problems.  

Steps to Problem Solving

Children can be taught how to problem solve through a guided process of breaking down the problem and using simple steps to solve the problem.

Learning specific steps to problem-solving can allow children to remember how to solve a problem when they become overwhelmed or stressed.

Although learning to solve a problem independently can take some time and practice it is well worth the investment to have a child who can eventually solve most social situations in a positive manner on their own.

What we learnt about solving problems is don't freak out, if one thing doesn't work , try something else out. And work together as a team. #melthammathsweek #MELTHAMPUPILVOICE @problemsolveit pic.twitter.com/iVm1Im4Aue — yr6melthamce (@yr6melthamce) February 4, 2019

Problem Solving Form

Teach your students the 4 steps to becoming a social problem-solver.

  • Identify the problem. For instance, start by having your student identify the social problem.
  • Create three solutions. Also, have your student come up with three different solutions that they could use to solve the problem that they identified.
  • Identify the consequences. Then, identify the consequence for each individual solution.
  • Pick the best solution.  Lastly, have your student identify which of their three solutions is the best choice Then have your student put into words why they think that solution is the best solution.

Problem Solving Graphic Organizer

Problem Solving Review Form

After your students go through the social problem-solver have them use the social problem-solving review form.

  • What happened.  For instance, after your student tried their solution have them explain what happened next.
  • Review the results. Also, have your student identify whether or not their solution got them the results they wanted.
  • Use this solution again. Furthermore, have your student identify whether or not they would use this solution again in the future to solve the same or similar problem.
  • What would you do differently? Finally, have your student explain what they would do differently if they didn’t get the results they wanted or if they wouldn’t use that solution again in the future.

Problem-Solving-Review

71+ Social Problem Scenarios + 6 Blank Scenarios

Use the 71 social problem-solving scenarios to have your students get great experience practicing how to solve a social problem.

Also, included are 6 blank scenarios. Then laminate them so you can use them over and over again. Therefore, create social problems that the student experiences and needs help solving.

Problem Solving Scenarios

Wordless Video teaching Problem Solving

Watch this super cute wordless animation with your students and have them discuss the problem they see and how to best solve the problem.

Use this as a fun practice example to get your students started towards learning how to problem-solve.

Demonstrate Through Modeling

Model and discuss empathy.

First and foremost, children need to understand how another person might be feeling in a given situation in order to become a good social problem solver. The student needs to learn how to “stand in someone else’s shoes” for a little bit.

One way you can work on this skill is during the reading time you can focus on how a particular character in the story might be feeling.

Ask questions, such as:

  • “How do they feel right now?”
  • “How would you feel in that same situation?”
  • “Why do you think they feel that way?”

Model Problem-Solving Skills as the Teacher

When you are faced with a problem you can solve the problem by thinking aloud for the students to hear how you solve a problem.

You can state the problem, then come up with possible solutions, then identify the possible consequences to each solution, then pick and explain why a solution is the best option.

For example, you could say, “I was hoping to take the class outside for a stress walk around the track before the reading test, but the problem is that it is raining outside. I could still take you outside, but then you will get wet, or we could walk the halls, but then we’d have to be really quiet because there are other classes learning, or we could just skip the walk and take the reading test, but then you might not do as well on the test. I think based on all of those solutions the best solution will be to walk the hallway, but you guys will have to promise to be quiet so that we don’t disrupt other classes.

Modeling the problem-solving process can be very helpful for the students to watch, observe, and later implement themselves.

Teach Communication

Have students communicate how they are feeling.

Teaching your students to share their emotions in a respectful way can improve their ability to problem-solve.

Have students use an “I” sentence frame, such as, “I feel _____ (insert feeling word) when _____ (identify what made you feel that way).”

For example, “I felt sad when Jackson broke my favorite pencil” or “I was mad when I wasn’t picked to be first in line.”

This way students can communicate how they are feeling using honest and open communication. Teaching students to appropriately communicate their emotions can help solve some social problems from the beginning.

Encourage Independency

Encourage your student to problem solve.

If your student is struggling to problem solve independently encourage them to do so using open-ended questions.

  • “How could you fix this problem?”
  • “What would be a fair solution?”
  • “What would happen if you used that solution?”

Let the Student try to Problem Solve Independently

Give your students the space to try and solve their own problems using the guided strategies. Try not to come running to their rescue for every little problem.

Some problems are small and a great opportunity for the student to learn and practice. If an adult does all of the problem solving for a student then what are they really learning?

Give your students the time and space they need to practice solving small problems on their own. Of course, if it is a bigger or more serious problem then have an adult help guide the problem-solving process.

Tell an Adult

Remind your students that there are still some problems that are too big for them to solve on their own and that it is okay to get help from an adult to solve big problems.

For example, if the student doesn’t feel safe, someone is being hurt physically or emotionally, or if they tried to solve a problem independently but it didn’t work and they need help. Let them know that it’s okay to tell an adult.

Teach How to Disagree and How to Make Up

Discuss how to disagree respectfully.

Remind your student that they won’t always agree with their teacher, friends, classmate, or parents and that’s okay. Even the people we like might have different opinions, interests, and likes than we do.

However, even if we disagree with someone we should still treat them with respect. Treating someone with respect means to not call them names, ignore them, yell or hit them. It means that you do try to create solutions that both parties can agree with and to apologize when we hurt others’ feelings.

Role-Play How to Make Up

Practice in everyday life how to make up after a social problem .

Students are really having to stretch their brains today. It's @NSPCC #NumberDay and @problemsolveit are challenging Y9 and 10 to solve the escape room boxes. It's not as easy as it looks! The promise of a few sweet treats for the winners seems to be helping though! pic.twitter.com/AxRRJnJIv2 — CongletonHS (@CongletonHS) February 2, 2018

Be sure to get your free social problem solver today below! I hope you and your students love this freebie.

Have your students use task card scenarios to help them identify how they and others might feel in different social scenarios. Be sure to discuss the problem, identify possible solutions, identify the consequences of those possible solutions, and then based on those consequences pick the best solution.

Make social problem-solving a game by telling the students that they are social detectives and that it is their job to use what they know about social rules to help them identify the possible and best solutions.

Start practicing today with 71+ free social problem social task cards! Do your students need more practice?

Be sure to check out my other freebie for 31 wordless animated videos to teach problem-solving and so much more.

Make Problem Solving Easier with this Freebie!

Download yours today to get started.

social emotional problem solving scenarios

Get More Problem Solving Time Saving Materials

Next, be sure to check out the following time-saving materials to continue to teach your students how to solve their social problems in addition to this freebie.

Weekly Social Pragmatics Homework

Social Pragmatics Homework

  • Weekly problem-solving.   Send home a  weekly homework page  that includes a problem-solving scenario plus an idiom and a conversational practice scenario.

Weekly Social Pragmatics

Restorative Justice Problem Solving Flip Book

Restorative Justice

  • Restorative justice graphic visual.  Use this graphic visual to help your student  restore a social relationship  after a social problem.

restorative justice

Self-Advocating Role-Play Scenarios

Self Advocating

  • Self-advocating in high school.  Teach your high schoolers the process to  self-advocate  for what they need.

Self Advocating Practice

5th-12th Grade Life Skills Problem Solving

Life Skills Social Skills

  • Life skills problem-solving.  In addition, this  life skills differentiated bundle  includes a problem-solving lesson plan.

social emotional problem solving scenarios

I recommend you read Problem Solving Wheel: Help Kids Solve Their Own Problems , 61+ Free Fillable SLP Planner Pages 2020-2021 , 430+ Free Multisyllabic Words List Activity Bundle , or 432+ Free IEP Goal Bank to Save You Time posts because they include freebies as well and who doesn’t want more freebies!

Got questions? Leave a comment. Let’s chat!

Monday 30th of January 2023

Hello! I have entered my name and email twice (yesterday & today) to receive to 71+ Free Social Problem-Solving Senarios, but I have not received anything yet. Not even an email back to mine in order to subcribe. Thanks for your help! Tracy

Melissa Berg

Tuesday 31st of January 2023

Hi Tracy, Thanks so much for reaching out! Sorry about that. We went ahead and sent you an email with the PDF attached. Wishing you all my best, Melissa

Problem Solving Skills

Tuesday 30th of August 2022

I truly love your site. Excellent colors, theme and writing. Thanks for sharing.

Laura Ricca

Monday 11th of April 2022

Tuesday 12th of April 2022

Hi Laura, I'm glad you found this resource helpful. Melissa

Modified Mental Health and Suicide Prevention - Speech Therapy Store

Monday 11th of May 2020

[…] 71+ FREE SOCIAL PROBLEM-SOLVING SCENARIOS […]

Problem Solving Wheel: Help Kids Solve Their Own Problems - Speech Therapy Store

Monday 4th of May 2020

[…] 71+ Free Social Problem Solving Task Cards Scenarios […]

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Fun and Interactive: 30 Social Emotional Learning Games for Students

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Social Emotional learning is very important not only inside the classroom but inside the home.

When children learn social-emotional skills they become better at not only effective communication but also building a positive relationship with their parents and peers.

Social Emotional learning is something that can be taught in a variety of different ways. That is why I’m providing a list of social-emotional games and activities that can be utilized inside the classroom and at home.

These fun activities can help promote self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, communication, and relationship-building skills.

30 Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Games and Activities for Students.

Self-awareness:.

  • Emotion Charades: Act out various emotions and have others guess which emotion you’re portraying.
  • Feelings Collage: Create collages that represent different emotions using images from magazines.
  • Emotion Wheel: Draw a wheel with different emotions and discuss times when you’ve felt each emotion.
  • Mirror Mirror: In pairs, one student mimics the facial expressions of the other, emphasizing emotional awareness.
  • Emotion Journal : Encourage students to journal about their daily emotions and reflect on why they felt that way.

Self-Regulation:

  • Mindful Breathing : Teach students deep breathing techniques to manage stress and anxiety.

Calming Strategies Poster Calm Down Corner Emotions Chart image 1

  • Body Scan Meditation: Guide students to focus on each part of their body, promoting relaxation.
  • Emotion Regulation Bingo: Create bingo cards with self-regulation strategies; students mark off the strategies they use.
  • Positive Affirmations: Have students create and share positive affirmations to boost self-esteem.
  • Role Reversal: Have students switch roles in a situation to better understand each other’s perspectives.
  • Empathy Interviews: Pair students and have them interview each other to learn about their feelings and experiences.
  • Story Sharing: Students share personal stories that highlight emotions and challenges they’ve faced.
  • Empathy Charades: Act out scenarios from different perspectives, promoting understanding of various emotions.
  • Empathy Map: Draw a person and label areas with emotions, thoughts, and experiences they might have.

Communication:

  • Active Listening Pairs: One student talks while the other listens, then they switch roles and reflect on the experience.
  • Story Cubes : Roll dice with images; students use the images to create and share stories with emotions.
  • Collaborative Art: Students work together on an art project, practicing teamwork and communication.
  • I-Statements : Teach students to express their feelings using “I feel… when… because…” statements.
  • Round Robin Storytelling: Students take turns adding a sentence to a story, focusing on emotions and plot.

Relationship-Building:

  • Two Truths and a Lie: Students take turns sharing two true facts and one false fact; others guess the lie.
  • Compliment Circle: Sit in a circle and give genuine compliments to the person on your right.
  • Friendship Web: Pass a ball of yarn while sharing something you appreciate about a classmate.
  • Collaborative Problem-Solving: Give students scenarios to solve together, encouraging teamwork and compromise.
  • Kindness Challenge : Challenge students to perform acts of kindness for each other throughout the week.

Self-Management:

  • Goal Setting: Have students set short-term and long-term goals related to their emotions and behavior.
  • Time Capsule: Students create a time capsule with items that represent their current emotions and interests.
  • Feelings Thermometer: Draw a thermometer ; students mark where their emotions are on the scale and discuss why.
  • Worry Box: Decorate a box for worries; students write down and place their worries inside.
  • Emotion Tracking App : Design a fictional app that helps students track and manage their emotions.

Remember to tailor these activities to the age and maturity level of your students. SEL activities can greatly contribute to a positive and supportive classroom environment, fostering emotional intelligence and social skills that benefit students throughout their lives.

Grab my social emotional workbook for at home or school here
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Teaching SEL

Social Emotional Learning Lessons for Teachers and Counselors

Social Decision Making and Problem Solving

Enhancing social-emotional skills and academic performance.

The approach known as Social Decision Making and Social Problem Solving (SDM/SPS) has been utilized since the late 1970s to promote the development of social-emotional skills in students, which is now also being applied in academic settings. This approach is rooted in the work of John Dewey (1933) and has been extensively studied and implemented by Rutgers University in collaboration with teachers, administrators, and parents in public schools in New Jersey over several decades.

SDM/SPS focuses on developing a set of skills related to social competence, peer acceptance, self-management, social awareness, group participation, and critical thinking.

The curriculum units are structured around systematic skill-building procedures, which include the following components:

  • Introducing the skill concept and motivation for learning; presentation of the skill in concrete behavioral components
  • Modeling behavioral components and clarifying the concept by descriptions and behavioral examples of not using the skill
  • Offering opportunities for practice of the skill in “student-tested,” enjoyable activities, providing corrective feedback and reinforcement until skill mastery is approached
  • Labeling the skill with a prompt or cue, to establish a “shared language” that can be used for future situations
  • Assigning skill practice outside of structured lessons
  • Providing follow-through activities and integrating prompts in academic content areas and everyday interpersonal situations

Connection to Academics

Integrating SDM/SPS into students’ academic work enhances their social-emotional skills while enriching their academic performance. Research consistently supports the benefits of social-emotional learning (SEL) instruction.

Readiness for Decision Making

This aspect of SDM/SPS targets the development of skills necessary for effective social decision making and interpersonal behavior across various contexts. It encompasses self-management and social awareness. A self-management unit focuses on skills such as listening, following directions, remembering, taking turns, and maintaining composure in the classroom. These skills help students regulate their emotions, control impulsivity, and develop social literacy. Students learn to recognize physical cues and situations that may trigger high-arousal, fight-or-flight reactions or dysregulated behavior. Skills taught in this domain should include strategies to regain control and engage clear thinking, such as breathing exercises, mindfulness, or techniques that activate the parasympathetic nervous system.

A social awareness unit emphasizes positive peer relationships and the skills necessary for building healthy connections. Students learn to respond positively to peers who offer praise, compliments, and express positive emotions and appreciation. Skills in this unit also include recognizing when peers need help, understanding when they should seek help from others, and learning how to ask for help themselves. Students should develop the ability to provide and receive constructive criticism and collaborate effectively with diverse peers in group settings.

Decision Making Framework – FIG TESPN

To equip students with a problem-solving framework, SDM/SPS introduces the acronym FIG TESPN. This framework guides students when faced with problems or decisions and aims to help them internalize responsible decision making. The goal is for students to apply this framework academically and personally, even in challenging and stressful situations. 

FIG TESPN stands for:

  • (F)eelings are my cue to problem solve.    
  • (I) have a problem.
  • (G)oals guide my actions.
  • (T)hink of many possible things to do.
  • (E)nvision the outcomes of each solution.
  • (S)elect your best solution, based on your goal.
  • (P)lan, practice, anticipate pitfalls, and pursue your best solution.
  • (N)ext time, what will you do – the same thing or something different?

Integration of FIG TESPN into academics

Once students have become familiar with the FIG TESPN framework, there are limitless opportunities for them to apply and practice these skills. Many of the texts students read involve characters who make decisions, face conflicts, deal with intense emotions, and navigate complex interpersonal situations. By applying the readiness skills and FIG TESPN framework to these assignments, students can meet both academic and social-emotional learning (SEL) state standards. 

Teachers and staff play a crucial role in modeling readiness skills and the use of FIG TESPN. They can incorporate these skills into their questioning techniques, encouraging individual students and groups to think critically when confronted with problems. This approach helps students internalize the problem-solving framework and develop their decision-making abilities.

By integrating social decision making and problem-solving skills into academic subjects such as social studies, social justice, ethics, and creative writing, students gain a deeper understanding of the FIG TESPN framework. The framework becomes an integral part of their learning experience and supports their growth in both academic and social-emotional domains.

SDM/SPS Applied to Literature Analysis

  • Think of an event in the section of the book assigned. When and where did it happen? Put the event into words as a problem. 
  • Who were the people that were involved in the problem? What were their different feelings and points of view about the problem? Why did they feel as they did? Try to put their goals into words. 
  • For each person or group of people, what are some different decisions or solutions to the problem that he,she, or they thought of that might help in reaching their goals?
  • For each of these ideas or options, what are all of the things that might happen next? Envision and write both short- and long-term consequences.
  • What were the final decisions? How were they made? By whom? Why? Do you agree or disagree? Why?
  • How was the solution carried out? What was the plan? What obstacles were met? How well was the problem solved? What did you read that supports your point of view?
  • Notice what happened and rethink it. What would you have chosen to do? Why?
  • What questions do you have, based on what you read? What questions would you like to be able to ask one or more of the characters? The author? Why are these questions important to you?

a simplified version…

  • I will write about this character…
  • My character’s problem is…
  • How did your character get into this problem?
  • How does the character feel?
  • What does the character want to happen?
  • What questions would you like to be able to ask the character you picked, one of the other characters, or the author?

SDM/SPS Applied to Social Studies 

  • What is the event that you are thinking about? When and where is it happening? Put the event into words as a problem, choice, or decision.
  • What people or groups were involved in the problem? What are their different feelings? What are their points of view about the problem?
  • What do each of these people or groups want to have happen? Try to put their goals into words.
  • For each person or group, name some different options or solutions to the problem that they think might help them reach their goals. Add any ideas that you think might help them that they might not have thought of. 
  • For each option or solution you listed, picture all the things that might happen next. Envision long- and short-term consequences. 
  • What do you think the final decision should be? How should it be made? By whom? Why?
  • Imagine a plan to help you carry out your solution. What could you do or think of to make your solution work? What obstacles or roadblocks might keep your solution from working? Who might disagree with your ideas? Why? What else could you do?
  • Rethink it. Is there another way of looking at the problem that might be better? Are there other groups, goals, or plans that come to mind?

Applying FIG TESPN to Emigration

  • What countries were they leaving?
  • How did they feel about leaving their countries?
  • What problems were going on that made them want to leave?
  • What problems would leaving the country bring about?
  • What would have been their goals in leaving or staying?
  • What were their options and how did they envision the results of each possibility?
  • What plans did they have to make? What kinds of things got in their way at the last minute? How did they overcome the roadblocks? 
  • Once they arrived in a new country, how did they feel? What problems did they encounter at the beginning? What were their first goals?

Adapted from: Fostering Social-Emotional Learning in the Classroom

Social Skills Training for Adults: 10 Best Activities + PDF

Social skills training for adults

Struggles with social skills in adulthood can cause avoidance of social situations and interfere with building long-lasting relationships.

Providing social skills training to clients with anxiety, fear of public speaking, and similar issues could ensure more optimal functioning.

This article provides strategies and training options for the development of various social skills. Several resources to help target specific struggles related to the development of social skills in adults are also included, and the approaches can be tailored to improve social responses in specific domains.

Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Positive Psychology Exercises for free . These science-based exercises will explore fundamental aspects of positive psychology including strengths, values, and self-compassion, and will give you the tools to enhance the wellbeing of your clients, students, or employees.

This Article Contains:

Social skills training for adults explained, social skills coaching: 2 best activities, role-playing exercises: 4 scripts & examples, top 2 resources & worksheets, 4 insightful videos & podcasts, positivepsychology.com’s helpful tools, a take-home message.

Social skills training includes interventions and instructional methods that help an individual improve and understand social behavior. The goal of social skills training is to teach people about verbal and nonverbal behaviors that are involved in typical social interactions (“Social,” n.d.).

Social skills training is usually initiated when adults have not learned or been taught appropriate interpersonal skills or have trouble reading subtle cues in social interactions. These instances can also be associated with disorders that impede social development, such as autism.

Therapists who practice social skills training first focus on breaking down more complex social behaviors into smaller portions. Next, they develop an individualized program for patients, depending on what social skills they need to work on, and gradually introduce those skills to their patients, building up their confidence through gradual exposure.

For instance, a person who has trouble making eye contact because of anxiety in social situations might be given strategies to maintain eye contact by the therapist. Eye contact is the foundation for most social interaction, and interventions will often start with improving the individual’s ability to maintain eye contact.

During therapy, other challenging areas will be identified such as starting or maintaining a conversation or asking questions. Each session will focus on different activities that typically involve role-play and sometimes will take place in a group setting to simulate different social experiences.

Once confidence has been built up during therapy or social skills group settings, these social skills can be brought into daily life.

Useful assessments: Tests, checklists, questionnaires, & scales

Before engaging your clients in social skills interventions or any type of therapeutic intervention, it is important to determine if social skills therapy is a good approach to help them with their current situation.

The Is Social Skills Training Right for Me? checklist is a self-assessment opportunity for clients to determine if social skills therapy is appropriate for their specific situation or if another approach will be more beneficial.

However, self-assessment activities can sometimes be unreliable, as the individual might not fully understand the treatment models that are available to them. Additionally, if a client has issues with social skills, they may not be aware of their deficiencies in social situations.

In these situations, therapists should ask clients about the issues they are having and encourage them to engage in self-questioning during sessions.

9 Questions to ask your clients

Prior to starting social skills training or activities, the therapist and client should narrow down which areas need help. A therapist can do this by asking the client a series of questions, including:

  • Where do you think you are struggling?
  • Are there any social situations that make you feel anxious, upset, or nervous?
  • Do you avoid any specific social situations or actions?
  • Have you ever had anyone comment on your social behavior? What have they said?
  • What do you think will help you improve the skills you are struggling with?

Clients can also ask themselves some questions to determine if the social skills therapy process is right for them.

These questions can include:

  • What aspects of my life am I struggling with?
  • Are there specific social situations or skills that I struggle with?
  • Do I have trouble keeping or maintaining relationships with friends, family members, and coworkers?
  • Am I avoiding specific social situations out of fear?

Getting clients to ask these questions will help determine if this process will benefit them. Having clients “buy in” to the process is important, to ensure that the approach is right for them and increase the likelihood that they will be engaged to complete activities with a reasonable degree of efficacy.

Eye contact

It is estimated that adults make eye contact 30–60% of the time in general conversation, increasing to 60–70% of the time when trying to form a more intimate relationship (Cognitive Development Learning Centre, 2019).

Giving people who are struggling socially the tools to make more eye contact is usually the first step in social skills training exercises.

The Strategies for Maintaining Eye Contact  worksheet provides some practical strategies and tips to practice making eye contact.

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Often, one of the most prominent struggles for people lacking social skills is starting a conversation, especially with people they are not familiar with.

Fleming (2013) details a helpful method for people who struggle with starting conversations. The ARE method can be used to initiate a conversation and gain an understanding of the person’s interests to facilitate a strong relationship.

  • Anchor: Connect the conversation to your mutually shared reality (e.g., common interests) or the setting in which you encountered the individual.
  • Reveal: Provide some personal context to help deepen the connection between you and the other person.
  • Encourage: After giving them some context, provide the other person with positive reinforcement to encourage them to share.

This worksheet Starting a Conversation – The ARE Method guides participants through each step in the ARE process. It also provides examples of how the ARE method can be incorporated into a typical conversation and used as a workable strategy in social skills training activities.

A Guide to Small Talk: Conversation Starters and Replies  provides an outline of conversation ideas to help start any conversation, no matter the setting.

After developing the ability to start a conversation, being able to project assertiveness and understand one’s limits is essential in ensuring clear communication.

These worksheets on Different Ways to Say ‘No’ Politely and Using ‘I’ Statements in Conversation  facilitate assertive communication and give clients the confidence to set personal limits.

Shyness

A lack of opportunity to learn coping strategies and difficulty with emotional regulation have been associated with anxiety and low problem-solving abilities (Anderson & Kazantzis, 2008).

An individual’s lack of ability to problem solve in social situations significantly affects their ability to come up with reasonable solutions to typical social problems, which in turn, causes them to avoid more difficult social situations.

Practicing social problem solving is a key component of social skills training. This worksheet on Social Problem Solving allows your clients to define the problems they are facing and rate the potential solutions from low to high efficacy.

Based on the rating, therapists can instruct clients to practice their social reasoning during sessions. Practicing these skills builds clients’ confidence and increases the likelihood that they will access these solutions under pressure.

Similarly, the Imagining Solutions to Social Problems worksheet implements a related process, but challenges participants to engage in a visualization activity. While engaging in visualization, participants have the opportunity to imagine what they would say or do, and reflect on what they have learned and why the solution they chose was best for that particular problem.

social emotional problem solving scenarios

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The Positive Psychology Toolkit© is a groundbreaking practitioner resource containing over 500 science-based exercises , activities, interventions, questionnaires, and assessments created by experts using the latest positive psychology research.

Updated monthly. 100% Science-based.

“The best positive psychology resource out there!” — Emiliya Zhivotovskaya , Flourishing Center CEO

Supplementing modeling and practical activities with interactive audio-visual aids, such as podcasts and videos, is an essential practice in ensuring that patients seeking social skills training are getting multiple perspectives to develop their social intelligence.

Below, we have provided resources to help your clients with different social skills and situations.

An introvert’s guide to social freedom – Kaspars Breidaks

This TEDx talk focuses on providing guidelines for self-identified introverts. In this video, Breidaks frames introversion as an opportunity, rather than a weakness.

Based on his experiences moving from a small town to a big city and eventually starting improv comedy, he developed a workshop to help integrate principles of improvisation into social skills training.

His workshops focus on creating connections through eye contact and breaking through shyness by training the small talk muscle. Because of his experience, he recommends you say yes to yourself before saying yes to others. Breidaks theorizes that only by developing our awareness of our own true emotions and thoughts can we become more comfortable interacting with others.

This video is helpful if your patients need workable tips to improve their interactions with strangers and is an excellent complement to some of our worksheets on developing skills for small talk.

10 Ways to have a better conversation – Celeste Headlee

This TEDx talk is focused on tactics to have more effective conversations. In her TED talk, Headlee emphasizes the importance of honesty, clarity, and listening to others as well as yourself.

Headlee shares her ideas about how to talk and listen to others, specifically focusing on sustaining clear, coherent conversation and the importance of clear, direct communication.

She argues that technology has interfered with the development of interpersonal skills, stating that conversation is an art that is fundamentally underrated and should be emphasized more, especially among young children.

The main point Headlee tries to get across is to avoid multitasking and pontificating during conversation. Individuals who are struggling with active listening and keeping a conversation going would benefit from the tips she offers in this video, as she uses a lot of the same principles when interviewing her radio guests to ensure that she is getting the most out of their appearances.

She specifically emphasizes the importance of being continually present while talking and listening to someone, which is strongly emphasized in social skills training.

How Can I Say This – Beth Buelow

How can I say this Podcast

Each episode also provides techniques or approaches to help listeners become more confident when dealing with different social situations. The podcast also takes listener questions about dealing with social situations and issues.

If your clients are struggling with introducing themselves to new people, they may benefit from the episodes on talking to strangers and how to have difficult conversations.

Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts .

Social Skills Coaching – Patrick King

Social Skills Coaching Podcast

King focuses on using emotional intelligence and understanding human interaction to help break down emotional barriers, improve listeners’ confidence, and equip people with the tools they need for success.

Although King’s expertise is centered on romantic relationships, this podcast provides strategies to improve one’s emotional awareness and engage in better communication.

People engaging in social skills training would benefit from the episode on social sensitivity, which examines the social dynamics of the brain. It also explains why our brains are programmed to respond more to specific traits (e.g., warmth, dominance) and why people with those traits are often elevated to higher positions within the social hierarchy.

Available on  Apple Podcasts .

social emotional problem solving scenarios

17 Top-Rated Positive Psychology Exercises for Practitioners

Expand your arsenal and impact with these 17 Positive Psychology Exercises [PDF] , scientifically designed to promote human flourishing, meaning, and wellbeing.

Created by Experts. 100% Science-based.

There are several resources available on our website to complement the social skills training that you are providing to your clients.

Our Emotional Intelligence Masterclass© trains helping professionals in methodology that helps increase their client’s emotional intelligence.

The client workbook has several exercises that practitioners can give their clients to develop an awareness of their emotions and, subsequently, understand how those emotions might contribute to interactions with others.

Our Positive Psychology Toolkit© provides over 400 exercises and tools, and the Social Network Investment exercise, included in the Toolkit, focuses on reflecting on a client’s current social network. By further looking into the amount of time and investment devoted to the members of their social network, clients can further identify who is supportive of their endeavors and who negatively affects experiences.

With this knowledge, relationships can be analyzed before devoting even more time and investment that might not facilitate positive emotions.

People who struggle with initiating conversation might also have trouble talking about their emotions. Our exercise on Asking for Support , also in the Toolkit, can provide assistance to someone having trouble communicating their emotions.

It also provides strategies to practice asking for help when needed. This exercise also gives you the opportunity to identify any personal barriers that are impending your ability to seek help from others.

You might be interested in this sister article, Social Skills Training for Kids , which provides top resources for teachers.

If you’re looking for more science-based ways to help others enhance their wellbeing, this signature collection contains 17 validated positive psychology tools for practitioners. Use them to help others flourish and thrive.

Improving social skills is an important skill to develop for anyone trying to facilitate professional and personal connections.

However, sometimes clients might not even realize they need targeted interventions to help with their social skills, and they might approach a therapist with other challenges around anxiety entering new situations.

For that reason, we hope this article provided valuable options for the development of social skills, with useful activities and social skills worksheets to be incorporated into your sessions.

We encourage you and your clients to explore these exercises together and engage in goal-setting tools to target areas that will benefit their daily lives, relationships, and communication.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Positive Psychology Exercises for free .

  • Anderson, G., & Kazantzis, N. (2008). Social problem-solving skills for adults with mild intellectual disability: A multiple case study. Behaviour Change , 25 (2), 97–108.
  • Cognitive Development Learning Centre. (2019). Training eye contact in communication . Retrieved May 4, 2021, from https://cognitive.com.sg/training-eye-contact-in-communication/
  • Fleming, C. (2013). It’s the way you say it: Becoming articulate, well-spoken and clear (2nd ed.). Berrett-Koehler.
  • Social skills training. (n.d.). In  Encyclopedia of mental disorder. Retrieved May 4, 2021, from http://www.minddisorders.com/Py-Z/Social-skills-training.html

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What our readers think.

Tim Roosendaal

Hello, I am trying to open the link to the ARE-method but am unable to.

Julia Poernbacher

Please try to access the worksheet here .

If you experience further issues with accessing the link, please let me know!

Warm regards, Julia | Community Manager

John DeGeorgio

Sounds so good for my young adult. Do you know of any in person sessions, workshops, which would benefit him being in person.

Nancy Pidgeon

I would like to know what the best book to get for my husband for him to learn social skills conversations. Thank You

check out our article “ 12 Must-Read Social Skills Books for Adults & Kids “.

Hope this helps!

Kind regards, Julia | Community Manager

Nell

Are there any online classes for people suffering with anxiety, Aspergers and a lack of social skills? This is a great article, but there are no therapists who teach social skills. These are skills that come from parents. Like me, when you have no parent or friends to teach you, what do you do? Please make an online course. I would pay to watch a course and even buy materials.

Thank you for your thoughtful comment and interest in an online course addressing anxiety, Aspergers, and social skills. I understand how challenging it can be to find the right resources, especially when traditional sources of support may not be readily available.

While we don’t currently offer an online course, we are happy to recommend a helpful resource that cater to individuals experiencing similar difficulties: Psychology Today has a great directory you can use to find therapists in your local area. Usually, the therapists provide a summary in their profile with their areas of expertise and types of issues they are used to working with.

I hope this helps.

Raphael

Hello, I just found out about this website today and this is the exact type of service I need. I unfortunately cannot find any one like this that is near me or accept my insurance. And I need this fast since my quality of life is so bad, I have severe social anxiety, and never had friends or a relationship.

Amelia

Hi there a lot of the links don’t work in this article? How can I access the resources?

Caroline Rou

Thanks for your question! We are working on updating all the broken links in our articles, as they can be outdated. Which specific resource are you looking for?

Maybe I can help 🙂

Kind regards, -Caroline | Community Manager

Robin

Living socially isolated, getting told I have autism ad the age of 33, I found out that I have a lot to learn about being social with people. Now knowing what my “ problem” is also gave me the drive to improve my people skills. Fearing I willing never fully understand feelings ( not even my own) all help is welcome. And this was a very helpful article. Living in a world with tips and tricks to look normal will never be easy. But you sure help me .. thank you..

M

AMAZING work.. .as always. Thank you !

Dane Custance

Thank you Gabriella social skills have been a real issue for me for my whole life. There are so many helpful avenues to explore thanks this article.

Steven Cronson

Steven Cronson My brothers didn’t consider me an Aspie and made a pact to ignore me , block me I hadn’t even learned many social skills my brother a psychiatrist tried by giving me ptsd and gad a Divorce to try to get me to end my life. My wife proudly fought back and figured out how better to understand me. And I fought the awful had medicine Lexapro that I consider the devil in a pill that made me flat and losing my superpower focusing ability. I hope a producer latched on to my fascinating story of greed, over good, attack on my very life and a brother doctor that should never been one. My dad a psychiatrist made me a DDS to be respected and listened to but not even work and married off in a fake but better life. They accused me an Aspie blind to empathy. B

Nicole Celestine, Ph.D.

I’m sorry to read about your challenges with your family. It’s good that you have what sounds like a supportive ally in your wife. And indeed, medications don’t work for everyone — or it may be the case that a different medication may suit you better. Definitely raise these concerns with a trusted psychiatrist if you feel medication could help you.

As you note, it’s a harmful myth that those on the autism spectrum don’t feel empathy. And this myth unfairly stigmatises members of this community. I’m sorry to read about these accusations from your family.

On another note, if you’d like to work on your social skills, consider reaching out to support groups for those with Aspergers in your area, or seeking the support of a therapist with expertise in this area. Psychology Today has a great directory you can use to find therapists in your local area. Usually, the therapists provide a summary in their profile with their areas of expertise and types of issues they are used to working with.

I hope this helps, and I wish you all the best.

– Nicole | Community manager

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  • ELEMENTARY TEACHING , SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING IN THE CLASSROOM

SEL Problem Solving: How to Teach Students to be Problem Solvers in 2024

If you are an elementary teacher looking to learn how to help your students solve problems independently, then you found the right place! Problem solving skills prepare kids to face dilemmas and obstacles with confidence. Students who have problem solving skills are more independent than students who do not. In this post, we’ll go into detail about what problem solving skills are and why they are important. In addition, we’ll share tips and ideas for how to teach problem solving skills in an elementary classroom setting. Read all about helping students solve problems in and out of the classroom below!

SEL problem solving activities

What Does Solving Problems Mean?

Solving problems means brainstorming solutions to the problem after identifying and analyzing the problem and why it occurred. It is important to brainstorm different solutions by looking at all angles of the problem and creating a list of possible solutions. Then you can pick the solution that fits the best.

Why is it Important for Kids to Solve Problems?

It is important for kids to solve problems by brainstorming different solutions so that they can pick the best solution. This teaches them that there can be many different solutions to a problem and they vary in effectiveness. Teaching kids to solve problems helps them be independent in making choices. 

SEL problem solving writing activities

How Do I Know If I Need to Teach Problem Solving in My Classroom?

The students in your 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th grade classroom would benefit from problem solving lessons and activities if any of these statements are true:

  • Student confidence is lacking.
  • Students are getting into conflicts with each other.
  • They come to you to solve problems they could have solved on their own.
  • Students are becoming easily frustrated.
  • Recess is a hard time for your class.

SEL problem solving choice board, coloring page, and writing activity

5 Reasons To Promote Problem Solving In Your Elementary Classroom

Below are 5 reasons to promote problem solving in your elementary classroom.

1. Problem solving builds confidence 

Students’ confidence will grow as they learn problem solving skills because they will believe in their own abilities to solve problems. The more experience they have using their problem solving skills, the more confident they will become. Instead of going to others to solve problems for them, they will look inside themselves at their own abilities. 

2. Problem solving creates stronger friendships

Students who can problem solve create stronger friendships because they won’t let arguments or running into issues stop them from being friends with a person. Instead they work with their friend to get through their problem together and get through the bump in the road, instead of giving up on the friendship. 

SEL problem solving choice board and sorting activity

3. Problem solving skills increase emotional intelligence 

Having emotional intelligence is incredibly helpful when solving problems. As students learn problem solving skills, they will use emotional intelligence to think about the feelings of others involved in the conflict. They will also think about how the problem is affecting others. 

4. Problem solving skills create more independent kids

Students who can problem solve become more independent than kids who cannot because they will try to solve their problems first instead of going to an adult. They won’t look at adults as being the only people who can solve their problems. They will be equipped with the skill set to tackle the problems they are experiencing by themselves or with peers. However, it is important to make the distinction with kids between problems they can solve on their own and problems they need an adult for. 

5. Teaching problem solving skills causes students to be more reflective 

Reflecting is part of the problem solving process. Students need to reflect on the problem and what caused it when deciding how to solve the problem. Once students choose the best solution to their problem, they need to reflect on whether or not the solution was effective. 

SEL problem solving activities

5 Tips and Ideas for Teaching Problem Solving Skills 

Below are tips and ideas for teaching problem solving.

1. Read Aloud Picture Books about Problem Solving Skills 

Picture books are a great way to introduce and teach an SEL topic. It gets students thinking about the topic and activating their background knowledge. Check out this list of picture books for teaching problem solving skills !

2. Watch Videos about Problem Solving Skills 

There are tons of free online videos out there that promote social emotional learning. It’s a fun and engaging way to teach SEL skills that your students will enjoy. Check out these videos for teaching problem solving skills !

SEL problem solving activities

3. Explicitly Teach Vocabulary Related to Problem Solving Skills 

Vocabulary words can help students develop understanding of problem solving and create connections through related words. Our problem solving SEL unit includes ten vocabulary cards with words related to the SEL topic. It is important for students to be able to see, hear, and use relevant vocabulary while learning. One idea for how to use them is to create an SEL word wall as students learn the words.

4. Provide Practice Opportunities

When learning any skill, students need time to practice. Social emotional learning skills are no different! Our problem solving SEL unit includes scenario cards, discussion cards, choice boards, games, and much more. These provide students with opportunities to practice the skills independently, with partners or small groups, or as a whole class.

5. Integrate Other Content Areas

Integrating other content areas with this topic is a great way to approach this SEL topic. Our problem solving SEL unit includes reading, writing, and art activities.

SEL problem solving word search and writing activity

Skills Related to Problem Solving

Problem-solving, in the context of social emotional learning (SEL) or character education, refers to the process of identifying, analyzing, and resolving challenges or obstacles in a thoughtful and effective manner. While “problem-solving” is the commonly used term, there are other words and phrases that can convey a similar meaning. These alternative words highlight different aspects of finding solutions, critical thinking, and decision-making. Here are some other words used in the context of problem-solving:

  • Troubleshooting: Identifying and resolving problems or difficulties by analyzing their root causes.
  • Critical thinking: Applying logical and analytical reasoning to evaluate and solve problems.
  • Decision-making: Considering options and making choices to address and solve problems effectively.
  • Analytical problem-solving: Using data, evidence, and systematic thinking to address challenges and find solutions.
  • Creative problem-solving: Generating innovative ideas and approaches to overcome obstacles and find solutions.
  • Resourcefulness: Finding effective solutions using available resources and thinking outside the box.
  • Solution-oriented: Focusing on identifying and implementing solutions rather than dwelling on problems.
  • Adaptability: Adjusting strategies and approaches to fit changing circumstances and overcome challenges.
  • Strategic thinking: Planning and organizing actions to achieve desired outcomes and resolve problems.
  • Systems thinking: Considering the interconnectedness and relationships between different elements when solving problems.

These terms encompass the concept of problem-solving and reflect the qualities of critical thinking, decision-making, and finding effective solutions within the context of social emotional learning (SEL) or character education.

SEL problem solving word search, acrostic poem, and writing activity

Download the SEL Activities

Click an image below to either get this individual problem solving unit or get ALL 30 SEL units

In closing, we hope you found this information about teaching problem solving skills helpful! If you did, then you may also be interested in these posts.

  • SEL Best Practices for Elementary Teachers
  • Social Emotional Learning Activities
  • 75+ SEL Videos for Elementary Teachers
  • Teaching SEL Skills with Picture Books
  • How to Create a Social Emotional Learning Environment

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21 Social Emotional Learning Activities For Kids

Published On: 08/05/2024

by Basana Saha

As an Amazon Affiliate KidsCareIdeas earn from every qualifying purchases linked to Amazon.com and its affiliates.

Inside: Discover 21 Social Emotional Learning Activities to enhance students’ emotional intelligence and social skills.

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is crucial for the holistic development of children, helping them navigate emotions and build meaningful relationships.

Dive into this comprehensive guide to explore engaging activities that can transform your students’ or children’s emotional and social capabilities.

Social Emotional Learning Activities for kids

1. Emotion charades

Emotion charades

Get ready for some fun! In this game, you act out different emotions without words. Your friends try to guess what you’re feeling.

It’s a great way to learn about body language and facial expressions. You can use emotion cards or come up with your own ideas.

This game helps you recognize emotions in others and express your own feelings better. It’s perfect for all ages and can be played anywhere.

Try it at home, school, or parties. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to show an emotion – everyone is unique!

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Add a twist by having players guess both the emotion and its intensity. This helps kids understand that emotions can vary in strength.”

2. Gratitude journaling

Gratitude journaling

Grab a notebook and get ready to feel good! Gratitude journaling is all about writing down things you’re thankful for.

It can be big stuff like family or small things like a yummy snack. Try to write 3-5 things each day.

You’ll start noticing more positive things in your life. It’s like training your brain to see the good stuff.

This habit can make you happier and less stressed. You can do it in the morning to start your day right, or at night to end on a positive note.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Encourage kids to use all five senses in their gratitude entries. This deepens their appreciation and makes the exercise more engaging.”

3. Mindfulness meditation

Mindfulness meditation

Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Mindfulness meditation is about paying attention to the present moment.

You focus on your breathing or body sensations. It’s okay if your mind wanders – just gently bring it back. Start with just a few minutes a day. You can use apps or videos for guided sessions.

This practice helps calm your mind and reduce stress. It can improve focus and emotional control too.

You can do it anywhere – at your desk, in bed, or even on the bus.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Introduce mindfulness with a ‘mindful eating’ exercise using a small treat. It’s a fun way to practice awareness using multiple senses.”

4. Role-playing conflict resolution

Time to put on your acting hat! In this activity, you and a partner act out different conflicts.

Then, you practice solving them in a peaceful way. You might pretend to argue over a toy or disagree about what game to play.

The goal is to find a solution where both people feel heard and happy. This helps you learn how to handle real-life arguments better.

You’ll practice using “I” statements, listening, and finding compromises.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “After each role-play, have the actors switch roles and try again. This builds empathy by letting kids see both sides of the conflict.”

5. “I feel” statement practice

Learn to express your feelings clearly! “I feel” statements help you talk about your emotions without blaming others.

Instead of saying “You’re mean!”, try “I feel hurt when you say that.” Practice with different situations.

You can write them down or say them out loud. This skill helps prevent arguments and solve problems.

It’s great for all kinds of relationships – with friends, family, or classmates. Remember, it’s okay to have feelings.

The key is expressing them in a helpful way.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Create a visual ‘feelings wheel’ to help kids expand their emotional vocabulary. This makes forming ‘I feel’ statements easier and more precise.”

6. Active listening exercises

Active listening exercises

Time to turn up your listening skills! In this activity, you practice really hearing what others say.

One person talks about a topic they like for a minute. The listener then repeats back what they heard. No interrupting allowed! Then you switch roles.

This helps you focus on others and understand them better. It’s a great way to improve friendships and learn new things.

You can practice with fun topics like favorite movies or dream vacations.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Introduce non-verbal active listening cues, like nodding and maintaining eye contact. This helps kids understand that listening involves more than just ears.”

7. Collaborative art projects

Collaborative art projects

Get creative together! In this activity, you make art with others. You could paint a big mural, build a sculpture, or create a collage. The key is working as a team.

You’ll need to share ideas, make decisions, and compromise. This helps you practice communication and teamwork.

It’s also a fun way to express feelings and learn about others. Don’t worry about making perfect art – it’s the process that counts!

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Try a ‘silent’ collaborative art project where kids can’t speak. This encourages non-verbal communication and can lead to interesting discussions afterward.”

8. Stress ball making

Squish your stress away! In this fun activity, you’ll make your own stress ball.

You’ll need balloons and something to fill them with, like flour or rice. As you make it, talk about what causes stress and how to handle it.

Once it’s done, you can squeeze the ball when you feel worried or upset. It’s a great way to release tension.

Plus, you get to take home a cool, handmade tool to help you feel calm.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Have kids decorate their stress balls with faces representing different emotions. This adds a visual component to help them identify and express their feelings.”

9. Peer compliment circle

Spread some kindness! In this activity, everyone sits in a circle.

Take turns saying something nice about the person next to you. It could be about their personality, skills, or something they did.

This helps you practice giving and receiving compliments. It boosts self-esteem and creates a positive atmosphere.

Remember to be specific and sincere. You might be surprised how good it feels to make others smile!

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Encourage kids to compliment actions and efforts rather than just appearances. This reinforces the value of kindness and hard work.”

10. Problem-solving scenarios

Problem-solving scenarios

Put on your thinking cap! In this activity, you’ll tackle made-up problems.

You might figure out how to help a new kid make friends or solve a fight between teammates. Work in small groups to come up with solutions.

Share your ideas and listen to others. This helps you practice critical thinking and teamwork.

You’ll learn there’s often more than one way to solve a problem.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Use real-life scenarios from the kids’ experiences when possible. This makes the exercise more relevant and helps them apply the skills to their daily lives.”

11. Emotion vocabulary building

Emotion vocabulary building

Time to grow your feeling words! In this game, you’ll learn new ways to describe emotions.

Start with basic words like “happy” or “sad.” Then, find more specific words like “ecstatic” or “gloomy.”

You can make a word wall, play matching games, or act out different emotions. This helps you express your feelings better.

It also helps you understand others more. The more words you know, the better you can talk about feelings!

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Create an ’emotion intensity scale’ for each basic emotion. This helps kids understand and express the nuances of their feelings.”

12. Breathing exercises

Breathing excercise

Take a deep breath and relax! Breathing exercises help you calm down when you’re stressed or upset.

Try counting your breaths or imagining blowing up a balloon in your belly. You can do these exercises anywhere, anytime.

They’re great before a test or when you’re feeling angry. Practice every day to get better at it. Soon, you’ll be able to use these tricks to feel calmer quickly.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Introduce visual aids like pinwheels or bubbles to make breathing exercises more engaging for younger children. This helps them see the effect of their breath.”

13. Goal-setting workshops

Dream big and plan smart! In this activity, you’ll learn how to set and reach your goals.

Start by thinking about what you want to achieve. Then, break it down into smaller steps.

Write your goals down and share them with others. This helps you stay on track.

You’ll also learn how to handle setbacks and celebrate successes. Remember, it’s okay if your goals change over time.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Encourage kids to create a visual representation of their goals, like a vision board. This keeps their objectives in sight and makes the process more creative.”

14. Empathy storytelling

Step into someone else’s shoes! In this activity, you’ll tell or write stories from different perspectives.

You might describe a day as your pet or imagine being a new student. This helps you understand how others might feel.

It’s a fun way to practice empathy and creativity. You can draw pictures to go with your stories too.

Sharing your stories with others can lead to great discussions.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “After the storytelling, guide a discussion about how the exercise changed their perceptions. This reflection helps cement the empathy lessons learned.”

15. Trust-building games

Get ready for some team fun! Trust-building games help you work better with others.

You might guide a blindfolded friend through an obstacle course or fall back for others to catch you. These games can feel a bit scary, but that’s part of the point.

You learn to rely on others and be reliable yourself. Always follow safety rules and respect others’ comfort levels.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Start with low-risk activities and gradually increase the challenge. This builds confidence and allows trust to develop naturally within the group.”

16. Self-reflection writing prompts

Grab a pen and get to know yourself better! Self-reflection prompts help you think about your thoughts and feelings.

You might write about your biggest fear or a time you felt proud. There are no right or wrong answers.

Just be honest with yourself. This can help you understand your emotions and actions better.

You don’t have to share what you write unless you want to.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Provide a mix of light-hearted and deeper prompts. This keeps the activity engaging while gradually building comfort with self-reflection.”

17. Team-building challenges

Work together and have fun! Team-building challenges are like puzzles you solve as a group.

You might build the tallest tower with marshmallows and spaghetti or get your whole team across an imaginary river. These games help you practice communication, leadership, and problem-solving.

The goal is to work well together, not just to win. Remember to listen to everyone’s ideas!

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “After each challenge, facilitate a brief discussion about what worked well and what could be improved. This reflection enhances the learning experience.”

18. Emotion regulation techniques

Learn to be the boss of your feelings! Emotion regulation techniques help you handle strong emotions.

You might count to ten when angry or use positive self-talk when scared. Practice these skills when you’re calm.

Then, you’ll be ready to use them when big feelings hit. Remember, all emotions are okay. It’s how we handle them that matters.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Create personalized ’emotion regulation toolkits’ with kids. Include items like stress balls, calming pictures, or written reminders of techniques they find helpful.”

19. Cultural sensitivity discussions

Explore the amazing diversity in our world! In these discussions, you’ll learn about different cultures and ways of life.

You might try foods from around the world or learn about various holidays. The goal is to understand and respect differences.

Ask questions and share your own experiences too. Remember, everyone has unique traditions and beliefs.

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Incorporate hands-on activities like trying on traditional clothing or learning simple phrases in different languages. This makes the learning more immersive and memorable.”

20. Personal strength identification

Discover your superpowers! In this activity, you’ll identify your personal strengths.

These could be things like being a good listener or never giving up. Ask friends and family what they think you’re good at.

Make a list of your strengths and think about how you use them. This boosts your confidence and helps you use your talents more. Remember, everyone has different strengths!

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Create a ‘strength spotlight’ where each child gets a chance to showcase one of their strengths to the group. This builds confidence and peer appreciation.”

21. Positive self-talk exercises

Be your own cheerleader! Positive self-talk means saying encouraging things to yourself.

Instead of “I can’t do this,” try “I can try my best.” Practice saying kind things to yourself out loud or in your head.

This helps you feel more confident and happy. It’s like training your brain to focus on the good stuff. Remember, how you talk to yourself matters!

Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Have kids create colorful ‘positive self-talk cards’ with encouraging phrases. They can keep these in their desks or backpacks for quick reminders throughout the day.”

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Solutions for Social Emotional Learning & Executive Functioning

Using Task Cards to Teach Social Problem Solving

February 9, 2017 by pathway2success 3 Comments

Using Task Cards to Teach Social Problem Solving

Social problem solving is the process of figuring out how to deal with social situations and challenges. It involves understanding the situation, identifying a problem, considering solutions, and choosing the best way to handle that specific situation. While many kids and young adults figure out how to maneuver through these social challenges on their own, others often needs lots of help. These are the kids who get into arguments with others, can’t deal with disappointments, become upset easily, or have difficulty making (or keeping) friends. The good news is that social problem solving skills can be learned and developed over time.

The best way to learn social problem solving skills is to practice over and over through multiple situations. This allows kids and young adults to go through the process and develop their social thinking skills. Task cards are a great way to practice a variety of scenarios for social problem solving.

Here are some strategies for using task cards for teaching social problem solving:

1. Put together a variety of social situations on task cards. You can make your own with index cards or use a pre-made set, like the Social Scenario Problem Solving Task Cards . Remember to include lots of different situations, such as times with friends, at recess, in the classroom, with family, at lunch, and any other scenarios that may be important for that child. They key is having many different social scenarios that involve dilemmas or challenges, so that kids can think through each problem in a new way.

Social Scenario Problem Solving Task Cards

2. Put the cards on a ring. You can choose to just keep one set for yourself or give sets to partners and groups. Flip through them in a small group, during morning meetings, or during partners and group practice.

Social Problem Solving Task Cards. Task card reads: You see a friend handing out birthday invitations, but you do not get one. What do you do?

3. Give time for group discussions. Kids learn best from other kids! Allow time for lots of talk on each task card. Discuss things like “What would you do?”, “Why would you do that?”, and “What are some other options you could consider?”. Kids and young adults will disagree sometimes, and that’s okay. Allow for kids to explain their thoughts and really think through their social reasoning. This gives opportunity for social and emotional growth while learning from others.

Social Problem Solving Task Cards. Task card reads: You see someone climbing on the swing set. You know you are not supposed to do that. What do you do?

4. Set up cards at centers. Have a center for each different type of scenario. Have kids work through each center in small groups. Then, after a certain amount of time (10 minutes or so), have each group move to the next center. It’s a fun way to practice social problem solving while allowing some movement, too.

Social Scenario Problem Solving Task Cards. Task card reads: Someone in class keeps shouting out all of the answers to questions without raising their hand. It is annoying you. What do you do?

5. Remember to include older kids, too! Middle and high school kids can also greatly benefit from learning social problem solving skills. Make sure to tailor the situations to your age group. For older kids, it’s helpful to focus on friends, relationships, online and texting, in classes, and during less structured time like lunch and in the hallways. Older kids will have just as much fun practicing social situation task cards as long as they are age-appropriate.

Social Scenario Problem Solving Task Cards

Get Started!

Social scenario problem-solving task cards for elementary

If you want to get started practicing social problem solving skills with elementary-age kids right away, try using Social Scenario Problem Solving Task Cards for Elementary.  The cards are organized into five different sets that target different situations: With friends, with family, in the classroom, at recess, and at lunch.

Social scenario problem-solving task cards for middle and high school

If you need to practice this skill with older kids, try using Social Scenario Problem Solving Task Cards for Middle and High School . The social situation cards are organized into five different sets specific for older kids. Those situations include: With friends, with family, in classes, in the hallway and cafeteria, and online and texting.

Using task cards to teach social problem-solving

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social emotional problem solving scenarios

March 20, 2017 at 10:54 pm

Fantastic idea. I am trying to do one for a child having difficulties with siblings.

Any recoomendations?

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January 11, 2018 at 6:19 am

wonderful idea,will immensely enhance problem solving skills of young mindsThanks

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January 11, 2018 at 8:42 am

I’m glad you find these helpful! All kids need improved problem solving skills!

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Home » SEL Implementation » Fun and Effective Problem Solving Scenarios for Elementary Students

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Fun and Effective Problem Solving Scenarios for Elementary Students

Key takeaways.

  • Problem-solving skills are crucial for the development of elementary students, aiding in academic, personal, and social growth.
  • Fun and engaging scenarios can effectively teach these skills, including situations like The Lost Toy, The Broken Pencil, and The Group Project.
  • Teaching specific problem-solving strategies, encouraging critical thinking, and fostering collaboration and communication are essential strategies to enhance these skills.
  • Integrating problem-solving scenarios and strategies into teaching practices can help students develop critical thinking, creativity, and effective decision-making abilities.

Introduction: Fun and Effective Problem-Solving Scenarios for Elementary Students

In this post, I will discuss the importance of problem-solving skills in elementary students and how social-emotional learning can play a crucial role in developing these skills. I will also provide fun and effective problem-solving scenarios that you can use with your students. Let’s dive in!

Understanding Problem Solving

Before we jump into the problem-solving scenarios, let’s first understand what problem-solving is all about. Problem solving is the process of finding solutions to challenges or obstacles that we encounter in our daily lives. It involves identifying the problem, brainstorming possible solutions, evaluating those solutions, and selecting the best one.

Developing problem-solving skills in elementary students is essential as it helps them become independent thinkers, critical thinkers, and effective decision-makers. These skills not only benefit them academically but also in their personal and social lives.

Fun Problem-Solving Scenarios for Elementary Students

Now, let’s explore some fun problem-solving scenarios that you can use with your elementary students. These scenarios are designed to be engaging and interactive, allowing students to apply their problem-solving skills in a practical and enjoyable way.

Scenario 1: The Lost Toy

Description: Imagine a student has lost their favorite toy. They have searched their room but can’t find it anywhere.

Steps to solve the problem:

  • Identify the problem: The student has lost their toy.
  • Brainstorm possible solutions: Ask the student to think of different places where the toy could be.
  • Evaluate the solutions: Discuss the pros and cons of each possible solution.
  • Select the best solution: Help the student choose the most effective solution, such as retracing their steps or asking family members for help.

Discussion on possible solutions and their outcomes: After the student has implemented the chosen solution, discuss the outcome. Did they find the toy? If not, what other steps could they take to solve the problem?

Scenario 2: The Broken Pencil

Description: A student is working on an assignment when their pencil breaks.

  • Identify the problem: The student’s pencil has broken.
  • Brainstorm possible solutions: Encourage the student to think of different ways they can continue their work without a pencil.
  • Evaluate the solutions: Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each solution.
  • Select the best solution: Help the student choose the most practical solution, such as borrowing a pencil from a classmate or using a pen.

Discussion on possible solutions and their outcomes: After the student has implemented the chosen solution, discuss the outcome. Did they complete their assignment successfully? If not, what other steps could they take to solve the problem?

Scenario 3: The Group Project

Description: A group of students is working on a project together, but they are having difficulty agreeing on a topic.

  • Identify the problem: The group is struggling to agree on a project topic.
  • Brainstorm possible solutions: Encourage each student to suggest project topics and discuss the merits of each idea.
  • Evaluate the solutions: Help the group evaluate the feasibility and interest level of each topic.
  • Select the best solution: Facilitate a group discussion to reach a consensus on the project topic.

Discussion on possible solutions and their outcomes: After the group has chosen a project topic, discuss the outcome. Did they work well together? If not, what other steps could they take to solve the problem?

Strategies to Enhance Problem-Solving Skills

Now that we have explored some problem-solving scenarios, let’s discuss strategies to enhance problem-solving skills in elementary students. These strategies can be incorporated into your teaching practices to help students develop and strengthen their problem-solving abilities.

Teach problem-solving strategies

One effective way to enhance problem-solving skills is to teach students specific problem-solving strategies. Here are a few strategies you can introduce:

  • Brainstorming: Encourage students to generate multiple ideas or solutions to a problem.
  • Breaking down the problem: Teach students to break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts.
  • Considering different perspectives: Help students develop empathy and consider different viewpoints when solving problems.
  • Evaluating and selecting the best solution: Teach students how to evaluate the pros and cons of each solution and choose the most effective one.

Encourage critical thinking

Critical thinking is an essential component of problem solving. By encouraging critical thinking, you can help students develop their analytical and evaluative skills. Here are a few ways to promote critical thinking:

  • Asking open-ended questions: Pose questions that require students to think deeply and provide thoughtful responses.
  • Promoting creative thinking: Encourage students to think outside the box and explore innovative solutions to problems.
  • Providing opportunities for decision-making: Allow students to make decisions independently and reflect on the consequences of their choices.

Foster collaboration and communication

Problem solving often involves working with others and effective communication. By fostering collaboration and communication skills, you can help students navigate group problem-solving situations more effectively. Here are a few strategies to foster collaboration and communication:

  • Group problem-solving activities: Assign students to work in groups to solve problems together, encouraging them to share ideas and work collaboratively.
  • Role-playing scenarios: Engage students in role-playing activities where they can practice problem-solving and communication skills in a simulated setting.
  • Effective communication techniques: Teach students active listening, expressing ideas clearly, and resolving conflicts constructively.

Problem-solving skills are crucial for elementary students as they lay the foundation for success in various aspects of life. By incorporating problem-solving scenarios and strategies into your teaching practices, you can help students develop these essential skills. Remember, problem solving is not only about finding the right answer but also about developing critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills. So, let’s encourage our students to embrace problem-solving and watch them thrive!

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SEL at Home: A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Social-Emotional Growth

August 7, 2024 | By: The Second Step® Team

social emotional problem solving scenarios

In today’s rapidly evolving world, nurturing children’s social-emotional well-being is paramount for their overall development and future success. As a parent or caregiver, you play a crucial role in fostering these essential life skills in your child.

Social-emotional learning (SEL) offers a framework to support children in understanding and managing their emotions, building positive relationships, and making responsible decisions. Decades of research support the effectiveness of SEL practices in promoting positive developmental outcomes for children. Studies have shown that parental engagement in SEL interventions can lead to improved academic skills and overall child well-being. So, by partnering with educators and actively engaging in SEL activities at home, you can create a supportive environment that nurtures these social-emotional skills.

In this guide, we’ll explore practical SEL strategies that you can integrate into your daily routine to help support your child’s social-emotional growth.

Integrating SEL into daily routines

Incorporating SEL into your family’s everyday life doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple activities like sharing feelings during family dinners, playing emotion-themed games, or creating a shared feelings journal can foster open communication, resilience, and emotional connection. These practices provide opportunities for children to express themselves and for parents to validate their emotions, which can lay the groundwork for healthy emotional development.

Practicing emotion recognition and management

Helping children recognize and manage their emotions effectively is essential for their well-being . Practical techniques such as deep breathing exercises can help children manage emotions. By teaching children how to identify their emotions and develop coping strategies, you can empower them to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and confidence.

Building conflict resolution skills

Conflict is a natural part of family life, and teaching children how to navigate disagreements constructively is crucial for their social-emotional development. You could encourage open communication and active listening during family discussions, allowing each family member to express their thoughts and feelings without interruption. You could also teach your child problem-solving techniques—such as brainstorming solutions, considering others’ perspectives, and compromising to find mutually beneficial outcomes. By modeling respectful conflict resolution strategies and providing opportunities for practice, you can equip your child with valuable skills for managing conflicts in various social contexts and promoting positive relationships.

Cultivating empathy through shared experiences

Encouraging empathy is a fundamental aspect of SEL. One way to cultivate empathy at home is by engaging in shared experiences that promote understanding and compassion for others. This can look like volunteering as a family, participating in local events, or even simply discussing diverse perspectives and experiences during family conversations. By exposing your child to different viewpoints and fostering empathy toward others, you can help them develop crucial social-emotional skills that promote positive relationships and responsible decision-making.

Age-appropriate activities for SEL

SEL activities can be tailored to suit children of all ages. Whether it’s storytelling for younger children, role-playing scenarios for tweens, or community service projects for teens, there are numerous age-appropriate activities that promote social-emotional development.

These activities are designed to encourage empathy, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities, which can help build a strong foundation for positive relationships and emotional well-being.

Preschool (Ages 3–5)

  • Emotion charades: Encourage children to act out different emotions, and guess what feeling they’re portraying.
  • Feelings journal: Have children draw or dictate their feelings in a journal throughout the day.

Elementary (Ages 6–11)

  • Cooperative games: Engage children in games that require teamwork and cooperation, such as building challenges or group problem-solving activities.
  • Mindfulness exercises: Teaching children simple mindfulness exercises, like deep breathing, can help them manage stress and increase focus.

Middle school (Ages 12–14)

  • Role-playing scenarios: Present scenarios relevant to tweens and teens, such as conflicts with friends or peer pressure situations, and have them role-play different responses.
  • Community service projects: Engage children in projects that involve giving back to their community.

High school (Ages 15–18)

  • Peer mentoring programs: Encourage participation in peer mentoring programs where older students mentor younger ones.
  • Debate clubs: Participating in a debate club can help promote a student’s critical thinking and communication skills.

Community-based programs and resources

School-based SEL programs, such as the Second Step® family of programs, offer valuable resources for parents to reinforce SEL skills at home. These programs often include family components, fostering collaboration between educators and parents to support children’s social-emotional growth. Research suggests that parental involvement in children’s education is associated with improved academic achievement and emotional functioning . By aligning school and home practices, caregivers can enhance the impact of SEL interventions and promote continuity in children’s learning experiences.

Incorporating SEL into your family’s daily routine isn’t just an additional task. It’s an investment in your child’s emotional well-being and future success. By fostering a culture of empathy, communication, and resilience at home, you can empower your child to thrive academically, socially, and personally. Start small, be consistent, and watch your child blossom into a more confident and compassionate individual.

social emotional problem solving scenarios

Problem Solving

Please note,  all lessons and resources are supplemental to the Sarasota County Schools curriculum.

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Problem Solving Scenarios | Social Skills Activities for Teens

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social emotional problem solving scenarios

Description

This is an activity pack of 42 problem solving task cards providing difficult social scenarios that students can work through. Practice using and applying problem solving skills to determine what to do in an everyday problem scenario.

This activity can be used for therapy sessions, social skills online groups, teachers, special education teachers and home-schooling parents.

This resource will help students work through the ability to put themselves in a situation, identify (and justify) an appropriate response, and learn to draw upon their own past experiences to apply them to future situations.

Would you rather these cards be in BOOM card format? Click here for the BOOM version of these cards instead.

SAVE TIME SESSION PLANNING!

These task cards will help to take therapy session planning and brainstorming OUT of your hands and should last you several therapy sessions. When mixed with other task card decks or therapy activities , this deck alone should last months for a weekly student!!

Very low prep (print and go, or even just read from your laptop/tablet!). A quick and easy "go to" to pull out from your therapy tool bag!

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

- A printable PDF with 42x task cards 42x different problem solving scenarios

- Coloured AND black and white versions included

WHO IS THIS FOR?

Regular education teachers, special education teachers, SLPs, OTs and other support professionals could all benefit from using these task cards with their students!These cards are specifically designed for middle and high school aged students.

HOW DO I USE THEM?

*These task cards can be used for an individual, a small group or a class*

Individual ideas:

o Side activity during a board game or other therapy activity!

o A “break” between therapy activities if the other activities are worksheet-heavy or targeting another skill!

o Use these cards as a therapy activity itself (I absolutely do!)

o “Warm up cards” for the start of each session.

o Quick assessment of skills.

o Homework.

o Use them as conversation prompts/starters.

You can even use them to simultaneously target additional skills like expressive language, speech, reading comprehension/decoding.

Small group and/or classroom ideas:

o Put the task cards up in different parts of the room (or outside!) and have students walk around with the room with their answer sheets and clip boards.

o Have students get into pairs and talk about their answers and thoughts together.

o Use a card or two each morning as part of a guided class discussion.

o Use the cards as a guide for an open ended quiz. Use the flashcards to ask the class the questions, and get the students to write their answers on a sheet to hand up.

Want this resource, but for your younger students? I've got you covered!

WANT TO ADD MORE TO YOUR "GO TO" TOOL BAG?

The below resources pair very well with this resource!

You can use them together, or one after the other to work on problem solving skills using scenarios for months! No scenarios are the same!

- Is it a big or small problem?

- Predicting consequences

- Do I keep the secret ... or tell an adult?

- Everyday problem solving scenarios set 1 and set 2

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  4. 57 Problem solving scenarios ideas

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  5. Problem-Solving Steps

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  6. Problem-Solving Scenarios

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COMMENTS

  1. 71+ Free Social Problem-Solving Scenarios

    71+ Social Problem Scenarios + 6 Blank Scenarios. Use the 71 social problem-solving scenarios to have your students get great experience practicing how to solve a social problem. Also, included are 6 blank scenarios. Then laminate them so you can use them over and over again. Therefore, create social problems that the student experiences and ...

  2. Practical Social Problem Solving Scenarios for Better Emotional

    2. Online courses and workshops: Enroll in online courses or workshops that focus on social problem solving and emotional development. 3. Social problem solving scenarios PDF download: Access a downloadable PDF of social problem solving scenarios to practice and apply your skills in various situations. Conclusion. Developing social problem ...

  3. Navigating Real-Life Situations: Social Problem Solving Scenarios PDF

    A social problem solving scenarios PDF is a collection of real-life situations that individuals can use to practice their problem-solving skills. These scenarios are designed to simulate common social challenges and provide individuals with opportunities to navigate them effectively. They often include prompts, questions, and suggested ...

  4. Effective Social Problem Solving: Free Worksheets and Resources

    Here are some free social problem solving worksheets that you can utilize: Worksheet 1: Identifying the problem: This worksheet helps individuals identify and define the social problem they are facing. It prompts them to describe the situation, their feelings, and the impact of the problem on themselves and others.

  5. Fun and Interactive: 30 Social Emotional Learning Games for Students

    That is why I'm providing a list of social-emotional games and activities that can be utilized inside the classroom and at home. These fun activities can help promote self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, communication, and relationship-building skills. ... Collaborative Problem-Solving: Give students scenarios to solve together ...

  6. Teaching Social Problem-Solving with a Free Activity

    Here are 5 steps to help kids learn social problem solving skills: 1. Teach kids to communicate their feelings. Being able to openly and respectfully share emotions is a foundational element to social problem solving. Teaching I statements can be a simple and effective way to kids to share their feelings. With an I statement, kids will state ...

  7. Social Decision Making and Problem Solving

    The approach known as Social Decision Making and Social Problem Solving (SDM/SPS) has been utilized since the late 1970s to promote the development of social-emotional skills in students, which is now also being applied in academic settings. This approach is rooted in the work of John Dewey (1933) and has been extensively studied and ...

  8. 100+ Free Social Emotional Learning Resources

    Social and emotional learning, often known as SEL, is the process that helps kids learn critical skills, attitudes, and mindsets for social and emotional success. These skills cover five major areas: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationships, and responsible decision-making. It's actually difficult to describe in just ...

  9. 10 Best Problem-Solving Therapy Worksheets & Activities

    Social problem-solving model. This model focuses on solving the problem "as it occurs in the natural social environment," combined with a general coping strategy and a method of self-control (Dobson, 2011, p. 198). The model includes three central concepts: Social problem-solving; The problem; The solution

  10. Using Games to Teach Social Emotional Skills

    Here are several games (some I've purchase and some I've developed myself) that target these critical social emotional learning skills: 1. Social Problem Solving Board Game. Why It's Important: Social problem-solving is our ability to understand a social situation and use reasoning to deal with it in the most socially appropriate way. We ...

  11. Social Skills Training for Adults: 10 Best Activities + PDF

    Problem solving is another skill people seeking social skills therapy often want to develop further. A lack of opportunity to learn coping strategies and difficulty with emotional regulation have been associated with anxiety and low problem-solving abilities (Anderson & Kazantzis, 2008).. An individual's lack of ability to problem solve in social situations significantly affects their ...

  12. SEL Problem Solving: How to Teach Students to be Problem Solvers in

    Our problem solving SEL unit includes reading, writing, and art activities. Skills Related to Problem Solving. Problem-solving, in the context of social emotional learning (SEL) or character education, refers to the process of identifying, analyzing, and resolving challenges or obstacles in a thoughtful and effective manner.

  13. Practical Situational Activity Examples: Enhancing Social Emotional

    Social Emotional Learning (SEL) refers to the process of acquiring and applying the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. ... Problem-Solving Scenarios is an ...

  14. Social Problem Solving Scenarios for Identifying Feelings and ...

    Description. Help your students identify their feelings and learn appropriate behaviors at the same time. This hands on activities will help your students set the foundation for learning social skills. This resource is part of a bundle that includes 7 resources. Click here to purchase the bundle and save 15%.

  15. 45 Social Emotional Learning Activities for Elementary Students

    Social skills videos: Revisit the social skills videos, but this time, focus on responsible decision-making topics such as problem-solving, resisting peer pressure, or making ethical choices. Appreciation Day: Organize a day when students celebrate a classmate by sharing reasons why they appreciate them.

  16. Social Skills Problem Solving Scenarios Teaching Resources

    50 PAGES of problem solving social emotional skills are finally here! These digital AND printable texting slides will have your middle school students practicing real life social scenarios! ... These social problem solving scenarios and social skills activities will help children who struggle with handling problems in a calm, effective way by ...

  17. Social Problem-Solving Task Cards for SEL Skills and Activities

    Build skills for social problem-solving by getting your students talking! Use these 100 task cards to highlight social scenarios and situations that teach social emotional skills at the very same time. Your students can discuss and identify how they would solve each situation. The cards are organize...

  18. 21 Social Emotional Learning Activities For Kids

    Inside: Discover 21 Social Emotional Learning Activities to enhance students' emotional intelligence and social skills. ... Problem-solving scenarios. Put on your thinking cap! In this activity, you'll tackle made-up problems. You might figure out how to help a new kid make friends or solve a fight between teammates. Work in small groups to ...

  19. Using Task Cards to Teach Social Problem Solving

    This allows kids and young adults to go through the process and develop their social thinking skills. Task cards are a great way to practice a variety of scenarios for social problem solving. Here are some strategies for using task cards for teaching social problem solving: 1. Put together a variety of social situations on task cards.

  20. Fun and Effective Problem Solving Scenarios for Elementary Students

    Scenario 3: The Group Project. Description: A group of students is working on a project together, but they are having difficulty agreeing on a topic. Steps to solve the problem: Identify the problem: The group is struggling to agree on a project topic. Brainstorm possible solutions: Encourage each student to suggest project topics and discuss ...

  21. Social scenarios

    7,937 results for 'social scenarios'. Social Scenarios Spin the wheel. by Mesanders3. Social Problem Solving Scenarios #1 Open the box. by Tobeyh. Social studies. Feelings Scenarios Speaking cards. by Jllopez. Social Emotional.

  22. Social Stories Skills Problem Solving Scenarios Strategies Emotional

    Reusable and substitute-friendly, this Problem Solving Social Skills Story & Emotional Regulation Activities Set is going to make teaching social-emotional learning a breeze! This high-quality social skills story is written in kid-friendly language and takes the guesswork out of teaching your students about problem-solving strategies.

  23. SEL at Home: A Parent's Guide to Supporting Social-Emotional Growth

    Whether it's storytelling for younger children, role-playing scenarios for tweens, or community service projects for teens, there are numerous age-appropriate activities that promote social-emotional development. These activities are designed to encourage empathy, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities, which can help build a ...

  24. Problem Solving

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  25. Problem Solving Scenarios

    This is an activity bundle of OVER 900 social scenario task cards providing PLENTY of social skills activities for middle school and high school students. Within this bundle you will target tonnes of different SEL, problem solving skills and general life skills with your older students!The expectat. 25. Products. $63.70 $87.50 Save $23.80.