Problem and Solution

Our learning goal for Tuesday in Reading was to determine how to solve problems and identify different solutions.  We began our lesson with a problem on the board.  The students had to come up with three solutions.  Then, we played the game Knots.  Students were placed in groups with an even number and then had to grab each others' hands.  To untie their "knot", they had to try many solutions.  Most groups were able to solve the problem!  The lesson was closed by giving them different problem prompts where they had to write a paragraph with solutions.  The prompts are listed below.  

Prompt #1: You have noticed your school needs to be cleaned up. Think about what students could do to clean up your school and keep it clean. How would you solve this problem? Who would be involved? How would you get supplies?

Prompt #2: New students who enroll in your school often feel left out because they do not have any friends and it is not easy for them to make new friends. Think of some ways to solve this problem for new students to make them feel better about their new school. First, describe the problem of being a new student, and then explain what you would do to help solve the problem.

Prompt #3: Studies show that many young people spend more time watching TV than they do in any other leisure activity. This has concerned some citizens and they have formed a group called Unplug and Tune In. The group does not say watching TV is wrong, but they are concerned that watching too much TV does not improve people's reading and thinking skills. What solutions can you think of to help this group and encourage young people to spend less time in front of the TV.