Problem+Solving

Problem Solving in our classroom community will be a combination of controlling negative impulses, resolving conflicts for interpersonal problems, and solving academic issues. Even though there may be the notion “one more thing to fit into our already full schedule”, we need to find time to help children learn how to handle their anger without resorting to aggression. In our classroom, problem solving is incorporated within the curriculum to promote a positive sense of community. All feelings and thoughts are //accepted// and //respected//. It is important for our teachers to always model anger management and problem solving skills. The teacher must think aloud calming thoughts to gain composure and self-control. This, in turn, keeps children from resorting to aggression.


 * //Problem Solving Strategies: Classroom Conflict Resolution// **

//Brainstorming corner// – If students cannot come up with a solution to a problem, ask “what can we do about this?” and have the students brainstorm their ideas. They are encouraged to find a relaxing place to clear their minds and think of as many possibilities as they can. Students are encouraged to pick the best one of the situations. Once an agreement is made, the students must always regroup afterwards to discuss if the solution was effective for them.

//Talk to Bear// – If a child needs to express negative thoughts without saying them to another classmate, therefore causing confrontation, they can express their thoughts to a stuffed animal.

//Role Playing// – Sit on the floor and act out real-life scenarios. Do not tell the child what to do in that situation; just ask them to do what they think they would do. This opens up a window to discuss appropriate social behavior and problem solving

//Understanding each other’s feelings// – Students will be taught how to draw in faces on blank circles representing emotions. When having discussions with other students, they can apply this and draw what emotion they think their classmate is feeling. They can then discuss how it feels to have that emotion and find a solution


 * //Problem Solving Strategies: Academic Issues// **

//First missed homework of the week// - If a student misses one homework assignment they will miss 5 minutes of recess //Second missed homework of the week// - If a student misses two homework assignments they will miss 10 minutes of recess //Third missed homework of the week// - If a student misses three or more homework assignment they will get a note sent home and lose the recess privilege.

//Inappropriate or disruptive classroom behavior// - If students act inappropriately in class or cause a disruption, they will be asked to lower their number. All students will have their class number written on a clothes pin that will be posted on a behavior expectations chart. The chart will resemble a street stop light. The red, yellow, and green lights will represent the levels of behavior. All students start on green at the beginning of every day and for every misbehavior they must move their clothes pin down. If a child ends up in red they will lose recess time the next day. If the child is consistently on red they will miss Friday recess and get a written note to the office as well as a call home.

//Overall class misbehavior// – During the day the teacher will have a big happy face drawn on the white board. If the class is not cooperating or not following directions, the smiley face will slowly turn to a frown. If the face is at a frown by the end of the day the students have a shortened free time the next day. If the face stays on smiley for two days in a row, the students will earn a reward like a new game for example.

What about fighting? [] Solving minor problem [] Anger management []
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