Teaching Problems and Solutions

Tips for Creating a Problem and Solution Anchor Chart

Students use this anchor chart as a quick reference to what problem and solution is as well as a list of signal words.

Do you think that you need more time to create anchor charts?

Here are a few time-saving tips:

1. Print clipart from your favorite artist. You don't even need to cut your printable out close to the black lines. Cut a 1/2 inch or so outside of the lines. With white paper on white flipchart paper, no one will notice that you didn't take the time to cut out the figures precisely.

2. Outline pictures and shapes with bold markers and color with crayons. Color with crayons is much easier than coloring with markers. Markers often streak, and you must slow down to color close to the outlines.

3. Before you begin, take the time to make a quick sketch of your chart. It really stinks to be over halfway finished and realize that you can't fit an important rule, message, example, etc. on the chart.

4. Buy paper with lines. You can count the lines to help plan the sections, which is a real time-saver.

5. Print blacklined clipart and place the pieces under the page. You can see the lines through the paper well enough to trace the pictures.

Teaching Problems and Solutions

Problem-Solution Text Structure

This post features a video lesson teaching students about the problem-solution text structure. The lesson helps students identify problems and solutions in various texts, enhancing their comprehension and analytical skills.

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Using Animated Shorts to Teach Problems and Solutions

If you are looking to add some high-interest activities to your lessons, try using animated shorts to teach problems and solutions. This post contains the animated short Taking the Plunge and includes handouts with graphic organizers to encourage students to think critically about problems and solutions.

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Teaching Problems and Solutions with Songs

This post, Teaching Problems and Solutions with Songs, is the final one in a series of four. Special thanks to Nancy Davis’s Middle School music class for their song suggestions! The handout includes all song titles from the series and printable organizers for classroom use.

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Teaching Writing with Animated Shorts

The animated short film On the Same Page is uniquely creative. A news reporter types, “There is nothing to report today,” but soon finds himself on an adventure. The handout includes an organizer for students to list problems and solutions presented in the film.

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Create a Problem-Solution Guide

Ask students to create a guide or pamphlet that outlines the steps to identifying and solving a problem. This can be a creative project that combines writing and design skills.

1. Combating Climate Change: Strategies for Global Cooperation - Explore collaborative approaches to address climate change on a global scale.

2. Addressing Ocean Pollution: Cleaning Our Seas - Investigate innovative methods to reduce plastic waste and protect marine ecosystems.

3. Deforestation: Reforestation and Sustainable Practices- Propose solutions to combat deforestation and promote sustainable forestry.

4. Urban Air Pollution: Cleaner Cities - Analyze ways to improve air quality in urban areas through policy changes and technology.

5. Endangered Species: Conservation Efforts - Discuss conservation strategies to protect endangered animals and their habitats.

6. Plastic Waste Management: Innovative Solutions - Examine creative ways to reduce plastic pollution and promote recycling.

7. Sustainable Agriculture: Feeding the World Responsibly - Investigate methods for sustainable food production and distribution.

8. Renewable Energy: Transition from Fossil Fuels - Propose strategies to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy sources.

Exemplary Texts for Teaching Problems and Solutions

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires

This book tells the story of a girl who sets out to make the most magnificent thing but faces many challenges. It's a great example of perseverance and problem-solving.

Enemy Pie by Derek Munson

In this book, a boy learns how to deal with his enemy with the help of his dad's secret recipe for "enemy pie." It's a story about friendship and conflict resolution.

The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds

This book is about a girl discovering the power of creativity and problem-solving by making a simple dot. It's an excellent story for inspiring students to think outside the box.

Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts

This book explores themes of empathy, kindness, and problem-solving as a boy learns to prioritize the needs of others over his desires.

The Raft by Jim LaMarche

In this book, a boy discovers a raft in a pond and spends the summer exploring and solving problems. It's a story about adventure and self-discovery.

A Bike Like Sergio's by Maribeth Boelts

This book follows a boy who wants a bike like his friend Sergio's but faces a moral dilemma when he finds money to buy the bike. It's a story about honesty and problem-solving.

The Warlord's Puzzle by Virginia Pilegard

This book introduces mathematical problem-solving in a historical context, showing how a young Chinese boy uses his math skills to solve a puzzle for a warlord.

What Do You Do with a Problem? by Kobi Yamada

This book explores embracing problems as opportunities for growth and learning. It's a great way to encourage a positive mindset towards problem-solving.