What strategies are you currently using to help children solve problems in your classroom and school environment? After you read the two examples provided below, brainstorm problems that are most likely to occur in your classroom for the rest of the activities and routines, and identify ways to teach children to solve these problems.

• Arrival

  Possible Problems: Sometimes children get upset when their friend is not at school.

  Strategies for teaching problem solving: Help children identify feelings and think of solutions. For example, pick another friend to play with and write the absent friend a note.

• Free Play

  Possible Problems: Sometimes children get upset when there is a new toy and not enough for all the children to play with them.

  Strategies for teaching problem solving: Help children identify their feelings and think of solutions. For example, pick a different toy, take turns, ask a teacher for help, or play together.

1. Circle Time
    

    
2. Center Time
    

    
3. Snack
    

    
4. Outdoor Play
    

    
5. Departure
    

    
6. Other?