Problem Solving

As a crew, we are working on solving problems.  We talked about how different kinds of problems require different strategies to solve them.  As Seth Godin says "The only way to get good at solving problems is to solve them."  The Great Thinker is our inspiration to continue to think "How can I solve this?" throughout our day.

We are thinking on how to solve problems with our friends.  We use a protocol of CFRR.

C stands for communication...

"I like it when....."

"I don't like it when...."

F stands for feeling

"It makes me feel....."

R stands for request....

"Please keep doing it"

"Please stop doing that."

R stands for response....

I understand.

I am sorry.

Thank you.

We are also working on problem solving during teaching time so students are not coming to me, but instead looking to solve problems on their own.  When students come to me, I say "I trust you to solve that problem."

In math, we are using strategies to solve addition and subtraction story problems.  Students are using count all or count on/count back.  Students are recounting to check that their equation is accurate.

In reading, we are problem solving during reading by thinking about the story and asking "What makes sense?".  Making meaning during our reading is our top priority.

Prompts for readers:

Look at the picture.

Can the picture help you?

Look at the beginning sound, what makes sense?

Think about the story, what makes sense?

I hope these strategies can be useful to you at home.