Size of the problem is an essential social skill. It is best when teaching this in relation to reaction size. Here are some size of the problem examples and a lesson idea for those struggling.
Size of the Problem Size of the Reaction
So why is important to teach problem size with reaction size?
It’s great when students understand if its a small, medium, or big problem, but what do they do with that information after? How does it really impact them?
This is why they need to understand reaction size.
Size of the reaction gives them guidance as to how to respond to the problem size. Small problem, small reaction or big problem, big reaction, and everything in between. It gives guidance on how to respond to the situation in a way that is deemed most acceptable. Having a socially acceptable response is a great social skill because others around the person reacting can expect it, making them feel safe and good about the person/situation.
Size of a Problem Examples
Here are 5 size of the problem scenarios to better understand this social skills concept.
With these size of a problem examples, you’ll notice a common situation. This is followed by an idea or two of an appropriate reaction size. This is followed by an idea or two of what would be most likely deemed an over or underreaction to the situation.
☆ Sharron cannot find her favorite car toy.
- Appropriate Reaction: Sharron can re-track her steps or ask someone to help her.
- Inappropriate Reactions: Sharron can sit in her room refusing to come out or play.
☆ Marco is in the grocery store looking at something and when he turns around, he doesn’t see his parent.
- Appropriate Reaction: Look down the aisle or find a worker/go to the checkout to ask for help.
- Inappropriate Reactions: Start screaming and running around the store.
☆ Harper’s pencil breaks while she is in the middle of writing.
- Appropriate Reaction: Sharpen the pencil or ask someone sitting by her to borrow a new one.
- Inappropriate Reactions: Refuse to do any more writing work.
☆ Jon fell and scraped his elbow on the sidewalk.
- Appropriate Reaction: ask the nearest adult for help.
- Inappropriate Reactions: Sit down and cry hysterically.
☆ Alex was in the middle of playing his favorite video game when the tablet died.
- Appropriate Reaction: Take a deep breath, then plug the tablet in and do something else he enjoys while it charges.
- Inappropriate Reactions: Throw the tablet to the ground.
If you are looking for more, check out this size of the problem scenarios pdf. You’ll find 70+ scenarios that happen in different settings of the school. Students will be actively engaged in identifying the problem’s size in various spots in their lives. Plus there are 3 different styles of recording sheets if you want to turn this into an engaging write-the-room activity. These size of the problem questions will get your students thinking about this social skills concept while saving you time. Simply, print and either cut out or digitally assign. Find this much-needed resource here.
Size of the Problem Lesson Plan
Direct instruction may be needed if a child isn’t grasping this social skills concept.
To do this, define the important terms (problem, big problems, medium problems, small problems).
Next, give students an example of each of the different sizes. Take time to explain why to help them understand.
Finally, have students share their own examples. It is awesome if they can come up with examples from their own lives. This helps with the generalization of their learning.
Don’t have time to create your own lesson plan? Then this done-for-you size of the problem pdf has a scripted lesson plan and a visual scale is what you need. You’ll get a lesson on size of the problem, a separate lesson on reaction size, problem/reaction chart done in multiple different versions, plus some scenario cards to help students practice. It’s the ideal size of the problem elementary school tool that you need. Get it here.
More on Size of the Problem
If you are looking for more on this social skills concept, check these posts out:
Problem Size vs Reaction Size and How to Teach It – here you’ll find the definition of these terms along with ideas of how to teach and size of the problem games to incorporate into your classroom today.
5 Easy Ways to Teach Size of a Problem – get your students understanding with games, books, and a size of the problem handout using a visual chart and worksheets for them.
Happy Teaching!
