We Can Be
Problem Solvers
at Home!
By Meghan von der Embse, Rochelle Lentini,
Rachel Anderson, Anne Wimmer, & Sarah Payton
[Link]
The reproduction of this document is encouraged. Permission to copy is not required. If modified or used in
another format, please cite original source. This is a product of the National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations
and was made possible by Cooperative Agreement #H326B170003 which is funded by the U.S. Department of
Education, Office of Special Education Programs. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of
the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.
Pub: 05/21/20
Have you ever had a problem?
Everyone does. Problems can sometimes make
us feel sad, mad, frustrated, or confused.
Sad Mad
Frustrated Confused
If I have a problem, I can do something. I can try
out some solutions to help me with my problem.
If I have a problem, first I have to think about it…
What is my problem?
?
Step 1
And I have to think of a way to make it better…
Think, think, think of some solutions.
Step 2
Look at some of the solutions I can try!
Wait and take turns Get a timer Share
Say, “Will you
Say, “Please, stop.” Ask for help
play with me?”
Ask for a hug Use kind words Take a break
What would happen if I tried my solution…
Would it be safe?
How would everyone feel?
Step 3
Then…
give it a try!
If my solution didn’t work, I might have to
think, think, think of another solution.
G
!oo!
G
Step 4
They took it from me.
Let’s try being
a problem solver…
I am lonely and want
I am frustrated.
you to play with me.
They are bothering me. This is too hard for me.
I want to play with it by myself. They hurt my feelings.
Problem Solving Steps
?
Step 1. What is my problem? Step 2. Think, think, think of some solutions.
G
!oo!
G
Step 3. What would happen if...? Step 4. Give it a try!
Would it be safe? How would everyone feel?
We are learning every day to be Problem Solvers!
Parent Tips: Solution Kit Ask for a hug
Take
a bre
ak
Problem Instructions
Scenarios 1. Print and cut the
Solution Kit pictures or
save to your phone/
A great way to practice problem
device photos. You can
solving is to use pictures and stories to
make the cards sturdy by laminating, gluing the cards to
talk about problems and the different
cardboard, or covering them with clear contact paper.
solutions children can use. Use the
scenario cards to tell a story.
2. Read the We Can Be Problem Solvers at Home! story
with your child to teach the Problem Solving Steps.
• Look at the picture with your child.
3. Introduce the Solution Kit with a few solutions at a time.
• Talk about the picture with your child. You might say:
4. Place the solutions in a place where your child will see and
• “Look, she is frustrated! She has a problem.”
use them (e.g., hanging on the wall, saved to a tablet).
• “He really wants the toy. I wonder what that boy could do
5. Remind children to use the Solution Kit
to solve the problem?”
when solving problems at home.
• “You were feeling sad just like this girl. Remember how
6. Offer lots of encouragement when your
you asked for a hug when you were sad?”
child tries to use the Solution Kit.
• “What do you see in this picture? It looks like those
7. Comment positively when your child uses the
children are using mean words. I wonder what those
Solution Kit (e.g., “Look at you. You are using
children might do to solve their problem?”
the Solution Kit to solve your problem”).
• “See this picture. I think this child is frustrated. The picture
says ‘this is too hard for me’. Remember when you did
____ and it was really hard? I wonder what this child can
Use kin
do to solve the problem?” d word timer
s Get a
Wait and take turns
When you talk with your child about the pictures, match what you
say with your child’s level of understanding. For example, use a
simple story for a child with less language or understanding.
Wait and take turns Get a timer Share
Say, “Will you
Say, “Please, stop.” Ask for help
play with me?”
Solution
Kit
Ask for a hug Use kind words Take a break