Problem Solving

As part of our Character Education, we are continuing the program called Second Step. The goal of the program is to build your child's social skills. The next part we are focusing on is "Problem Solving". Your child will be learning to solve problems using five steps which he/she asks and answers:

1. What is the problem?
2. What are some solutions?
3. For each solution ask:
        - Is it safe?
        - How might people feel?
        - Is it fair?
        - Will it work?
4. Choose a solution and use it.
Is it working?  If not, what can I do now?

These skills can be practiced at home, as well as at school. Please help your child to:

• Instead of solving your child's problem for her or him, ask, "What could you do?"  Followed by, "That's one idea; what else could you do?"
• When your child comes up with solutions, hold back from judging each idea.  After he/she has thought of several solutions, ask your child to evaluate each one.
• If one solution doesn't work, encourage your child to try another one.
• Practice solutions with your child.  For instance, if he/she is trying to solve the problem of being bored and chooses to call a friend, have her/him practice what to say on the phone before making the call.

In class your child will be practicing social skills to use as solutions to problems.  You may hear about these "role plays" from your child.  Please discuss these with your child and extend any other steps they can do to socialize well with their peers.  The goal of this program is to promote pro-social behaviour in children and present guidelines for acting safely, fairly, and with concern for others.  By listening and talking about feelings, your child will feel valued and be more understanding of others.  I am sure you already talk about these things at home but if you could pay special attention to them at this time that we are focusing on it at school it will hopefully help your child make more connections to what they are learning.