PROBLEM SOLVING

Premium Activity Packet

BRITTANY BRUNELL, M.S. CCC-SLP

ELAINE SOKOLOWSKI, M.S. CCC-SLP-AT
 PROBLEM SOLVING
BRITTANY BRUNELL, M.S. CCC-SLP
ELAINE SOKOLOWSKI, M.S. CCC-SLP-AT

The Problem Solving Premium Packet allows students to apply and practice problem solving skills. Included in this packet is the
Problem Solving Board Game which is intended for students with intermediate to advanced communication skills. This game can
be used as a fun review activity with our many Problem Solving video lessons (see below for specific recommendations). The
Solve the Problem blank worksheets can be used as a standalone resource as well.

SLP INFORMATION
Review the steps of problem solving (below) before playing the board game with students. We also include the Problem Solving
Scale, to help students learn to determine how large or small problems are. This aids their ability to know how to proceed; for
example if they have labeled a problem as small they can then determine that they can solve the problem by themselves. If they
have a big problem, then they will likely need to get help from an adult. Some prompts involve sensitive topics and should be
used with older (junior high-high school) students. Please read all prompts before using.

Videos to use with this packet:

For elementary students:

Problem Solving (Social Skills in Action)
Staying Calm to Solve a Problem (Social Skills in Action)
Problem Solve It - Friends - Haven't Heard Back (Extension Lesson)

For middle school and beyond:

Solving a Problem with a Friend (Modeling)
Big or Small Problem (Modeling)
Solve It - Friends - Fighting (Extension Lesson)
SKILL REVIEW

Steps to Problem Solve:

1. Identify the problem

2. Determine how big the problem is

3. Come up with at least three solutions

4. Pick the best solution to try

5. Assess whether the problem is solved

 Problem Solving Scale
Use this scale to determine how small or large problems are. Our chart
gives examples of how to label problems with examples.

1 2 3 4 5

Problem Size Description Example

1 - Very Small A problem that you can solve alone, quickly and easily. You want to keep playing outside, but it’s time to
get ready for dinner.
2 - Small A problem that you can solve alone that might make You and your sister both want to watch the TV at the
you sad but doesn’t cause too big of a reaction. same time.

3 - Medium This involves more people, causes bigger reactions, You’re working in a group and forgot to bring in your
and isn’t so easy to solve. section of the project.

4 - Big A problem that takes a while to solve, requires help of You left the door open and your dog ran outside down
adults, and can cause damage or hurt feelings. the street.

5 - Very Big A problem that is very difficult to solve and causes You were watching your little brother and went
serious harm or damage. upstairs to play. You come downstairs and can’t find
him.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
Game board
Game pieces
4 sets of Question Cards
Blank Solve the Problem worksheets printed out, 1 per player
1 dice (not included)
Notepad to tally points (not included)

PLAYER DIRECTIONS
Players all place game pieces at the “start” space. The player with the closest birthday goes first.
Roll the dice and move the number of spaces.
Follow the directions on the space landed on and draw a corresponding card.
Students earn points based on correct answers (number of points awarded based on type of card).
Use the Problem Solving scale as a reference to answer the “How Big is the Problem” cards.
When students land on a “Solve the Problem” space, draw a Solve the Problem card and use the Problem Solving
blank worksheets to tell how they would solve each step of the problem. Students earn up to 5 points if they
answer each step correctly.
Once the first player gets to the finish space, tally up all points. The player with the most points wins.
GUIDE TO BOARD GAME SPACES

Problem Size Card

Solution Card

Consequence Card

Solve the Problem Card

GAME
PIECES
 PROBLEM SIZE PROBLEM SIZE PROBLEM SIZE

Mickey borrowed her friend’s shirt Rami made plans to hang out with
Sara was in charge of bringing in
and got pizza sauce and oil on it. his friends Saturday but his mom
the group’s science project but she
She tried to wash it but the stains just told him that they have to visit
brought the wrong flash drive to
won’t come out. How big is the his great grandmother instead.
school. How big is the problem?
problem? How big is the problem?
1 point if correct 1 point if correct 1 point if correct

PROBLEM SIZE PROBLEM SIZE

Jack went over his friend’s house Lara heard that her day to present
and spilled grape juice all over in front of the class has been
their white carpet. How big is the changed but she already
problem? prepared. How big is the problem?

1 point if correct 1 point if correct

PROBLEM SIZE CARDS

 PROBLEM SIZE PROBLEM SIZE PROBLEM SIZE
Stephan has been saving up for a new
Christo’s mom just got a new car. Hannah was in a bad mood and
video game. When he finally has
He opened the car door into a pole tired after school. Her sister came
enough money his expensive calculator
breaks and he has to spend the money and some of the paint came off. in to talk and Hannah snapped at
on that instead. How big is the How big is the problem? her. How big is the problem?
problem?
1 point if correct 1 point if correct 1 point if correct

PROBLEM SIZE PROBLEM SIZE

Leigh got into an argument with Suzi saw heavy smoke coming out
her friend at school and when she of her neighbor’s house and no
got home she saw that her friend one is home. How big is the
deleted her from social media. problem?
How big is the problem?
1 point if correct 1 point if correct

PROBLEM SIZE CARDS

 PROBLEM SIZE PROBLEM SIZE PROBLEM SIZE

Clara promised her friend she

Joey saw that his friend made a Nina got a message online from a
would wait to watch the season
joke about him on Instagram. How stranger saying he’s watching her.
finale with her but she was bored
big is the problem? How big is the problem?
and watched it anyway. How big is
the problem?
1 point if correct 1 point if correct 1 point if correct

PROBLEM SIZE PROBLEM SIZE

Jake heard his friend talk about Erika got a short haircut and some
hurting himself. How big is the people at school are making fun of
problem? it. How big is the problem?

1 point if correct 1 point if correct

PROBLEM SIZE CARDS

 PROBLEM SIZE PROBLEM SIZE PROBLEM SIZE
Jay’s friends have been drinking.
He wants to get home but he Damien has a crush on Lindsay Pete heard his friends making
doesn’t have a ride. His friends say and his friends told her. How big is racist jokes and it really upset him
they can drive him home. How big the problem? How big is the problem?
is the problem?

1 point if correct 1 point if correct 1 point if correct

PROBLEM SIZE PROBLEM SIZE

Leah knows the her friends are

Samir found out his best friend
planning on cheating by copying
made the debate team and he
each other’s papers. How big is the
didn’t. How big is the problem?
problem?

1 point if correct 1 point if correct

PROBLEM SIZE CARDS

 SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION

Casey really wants to go to school Mike’s classmate keeps tattling on him Bailey’s older sister always ignores her
today because it’s field day but she for small things like looking at his when she’s with her friends. It hurts
isn’t feeling well. What could she do to phone during breaks. What could he do Bailey’s feelings. What could she do to
solve this problem? to solve this problem? solve this problem?

2 points if correct 2 points if correct 2 points if correct

SOLUTION SOLUTION

Nick’s friend invited him over for Keenan worked hard on his science
dinner. They’re eating salmon and project but when he tried to save it on
Nick hates fish. What could he do his computer, it wouldn’t save. Now
to solve this problem? he’s worried he lost all his work. What
could he do to solve this problem?

2 points if correct 2 points if correct

SOLUTION CARDS
 SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION

Dan thinks his friend Ryan is lying to Tara has asked Miley to hang out a TJ is really good at science and sees
him about where he goes on the couple times and Miley always has a that his friend Matt is having a hard
weekends. What could he do to solve reason that she can’t. What could she time. Matt hasn’t asked for help and TJ
this problem? do to solve this problem? doesn’t want to embarrass him. What
could he do to solve this problem?

2 points if correct 2 points if correct 2 points if correct

SOLUTION SOLUTION

Ron posted a picture of his friends Liz

Autumn has been so sad about moving
and Greg holding hands at the school
that she hasn’t told her friends yet. She
dance on Facebook. Now people at
moves in a couple days and hasn’t said
school are teasing them and Greg is
anything about it. What could she do to
mad at Ron. What could he do to solve
solve this problem?
this problem?
2 points if correct 2 points if correct

SOLUTION CARDS
 SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION

Marcus gave Frank $20 for a present Anna likes talking to her friend Kylie on
for their friend Steve. They were the phone but lately they only talk Reece was watching his neighbor’s dog
planning on splitting the gift but Frank about Kylie and her problems. Anna as favor but he left the door open and
lost the money. What could he do to feels like Kylie doesn’t listen to her can’t find the dog. What could he do to
solve this problem? when she talks. What could she do to solve this problem?
solve this problem?
2 points if correct 2 points if correct 2 points if correct

SOLUTION SOLUTION

Heather’s parents are planning a Connie thinks her little sister is

vacation to Aruba. She hates hot taking things from her room but
weather and beaches. What could her parents aren’t listening to her.
she do to solve this problem? What could she do to solve this
problem?
2 points if correct 2 points if correct

SOLUTION CARDS
 SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION

Tad was hoping to see the new Deirdre has gotten bad grades on her
Marcus’s friends always tease each
animated movie but his group of last three Science tests. She has one
other and it hasn’t been very fun
friends all want to see an action movie more test coming up before grades
hanging out with them lately. What
instead. What could he do to solve this close. She doesn’t feel very confident
could he do to solve this problem?
problem? about this test. What could she do to
solve this problem?
2 points if correct 2 points if correct 2 points if correct

SOLUTION SOLUTION

Cole is meeting his friend at a Madison sits near a group of classmates who
restaurant at 5:00. He can’t remember are very loud. Her teacher always asks her
which one to meet at and it’s 4:45. side of the room to be quiet. Madison is
What could he do to solve this afraid she is going to get in trouble because
problem? of them. What could she do to solve this
problem?
2 points if correct 2 points if correct

SOLUTION CARDS
 CONSEQUENCE CONSEQUENCE CONSEQUENCE
Brie wasn’t invited to Heather’s Clay got a bad grade on his last
Hector was mad at his friend so he science test so he made sure to stay
birthday party. At lunch Brie
blocked him from all social media after to get extra help. He saw the
invites all the girls to her house
accounts. What could happen if he test’s answer sheet on his teacher’s
except Heather. What could desk and looked at it. What could
uses that solution?
happen if she uses that solution? happen if he uses that solution?

3 points if correct 3 points if correct 3 points if correct

CONSEQUENCE CONSEQUENCE

Camille ripped a hole in her favorite Jeff got into a fight with his friend
sweater. It’s close to her birthday so and instead of apologizing got him
she made some hints to her parents a gift certificate to the mall. What
that she wants a new sweater. What could happen if he uses that
could happen if she uses that solution? solution?

3 points if correct 3 points if correct

CONSEQUENCE CARDS
 CONSEQUENCE CONSEQUENCE CONSEQUENCE
Stella’s friend Meg said she has something Mindy saw that her friend was solving
important to talk about today. Stella invited the math problems in the wrong way. Xavier thought his friend was
her over but then her other friend Ann asked She didn’t want to tell her friend she talking about him so he ignored his
if she could hang out. Stella told Ann she was wrong so she didn’t say anything. phone calls for a week. What could
could come over too because she wants to What could happen if she uses that happen if he uses that solution?
hang out with both of them. What could
solution?
happen if she uses that solution?
3 points if correct 3 points if correct 3 points if correct

CONSEQUENCE CONSEQUENCE
A group of boys have been calling Hailey is having a hard time finishing her
Smith names for a while. He doesn’t English essay. She found someone else’s
essay on the same book online and
want them to think he’s a baby so he
copied some paragraphs into hers,
starts a fist fight with them after
making sure to change some of the
school. What could happen if he uses
words. What could happen if she uses that
that solution?
solution?
3 points if correct 3 points if correct

CONSEQUENCE CARDS
 CONSEQUENCE CONSEQUENCE CONSEQUENCE
Kimberly feels like she made a bad Cara’s lunch table has been making fun
impression when she met her cousin’s of her friend Ina. She doesn’t want Ina Andy knew his brother was mad at
friend so she makes sure to spend to be sad so she lies and says it didn’t him so he cleaned his brother’s
more time with her so they can get to happen when Ina asks her about it. room for a month. What could
know each other. What could happen if What could happen if she uses that happen if he uses that solution?
she uses that solution? solution?

3 points if correct 3 points if correct 3 points if correct

CONSEQUENCE CONSEQUENCE
Ray had been waiting in line to buy Dean wanted to use Jenna’s computer.
tickets for thirty minutes. His friend Jenna had been talking to the teacher
comes by and says he can stand in for ten minutes o Dean reached over
Ray’s spot if Ray wants to take a and took it. What could happen if he
break. What could happen if he uses uses that solution?
that solution?
3 points if correct 3 points if correct

CONSEQUENCE CARDS
 CONSEQUENCE CONSEQUENCE CONSEQUENCE
Eva was hoping her friend Sam would
Cody plans on finishing his homework Whitney asked Liza if she wanted to
introduce her to the new girl’s at lunch
after he watches a TV show. His mom work together on the project. Liza
because Sam already met them. Eva
asks him if his work is done and he says already has a partner but didn’t want
can’t find Sam anywhere so she
it is. What could happen if he uses that to hurt Whitney’s feelings so she said
introduces herself instead of waiting.
solution? okay. What could happen if she uses
What could happen if she uses that
that solution?
solution?
3 points if correct 3 points if correct 3 points if correct

CONSEQUENCE CONSEQUENCE
Raquel knows the class is throwing a
Anthony wanted to find out what his
surprise party for her friend Meg’s
friend wants for his birthday so he
birthday. She doesn’t want to ruin the
went looking through his phone for
surprise so she avoid Meg for a whole
some clues. What could happen if he
week. What could happen if she uses
uses that solution?
that solution?

3 points if correct 3 points if correct

CONSEQUENCE CARDS
 SOLVE THE PROBLEM SOLVE THE PROBLEM SOLVE THE PROBLEM

April had plans to meet Melanie for Cameron woke up with a migraine and didn’t
Melissa gave her cat medicine before sleep very well. Once he got to school he
dinner. She went to the restaurant but
school. Once she got to school, Melissa realized he left his homework on the bus. His
Melanie isn’t there. She’s been waiting friend came over with exciting news and all he
realizes she may have given the cat the
for twenty minutes. Solve the problem could say was “Sounds great for you”. Now his
wrong medicine. Solve the problem
using the Problem Solving Steps. friend is upset with him and he’s having a
using the Problem Solving Steps. terrible day. Solve the problem using the
Problem Solving Steps.
5 points if correct, 1 per each answer 5 points if correct, 1 per each answer 5 points if correct, 1 per each answer

SOLVE THE PROBLEM SOLVE THE PROBLEM

Drake hasn’t been working on his Liza feels upset because her close
history project and now has only one friend Brynn is spending a lot of time
day to finish it. He realizes he left the with a new group of girls. Solve the
directions for the project at school. problem using the Problem Solving
Solve the problem using the Problem Steps.
Solving Steps.

5 points if correct, 1 per each answer 5 points if correct, 1 per each answer

SOLVE THE PROBLEM CARDS

 SOLVE THE PROBLEM SOLVE THE PROBLEM SOLVE THE PROBLEM

Jax always watches TV after school from Elise and her friend bought the same Kyle has two best friends, Jake and Tom.
4 to 5. Today his brother asked him if he t-shirt at the mall. Tuesday morning Jake and Tom got into an argument and
could watch because there’s a special on they both show up to school wearing it. aren’t speaking. Kyle is worried that he
at four. Jax doesn’t want to miss his Elise feels embarrassed. Solve the will make one upset if he talks and hangs
favorite shows. Solve the problem using problem using the Problem Solving out with the other. Solve the problem
the Problem Solving Steps. Steps. using the Problem Solving Steps.

5 points if correct, 1 per each answer 5 points if correct, 1 per each answer 5 points if correct, 1 per each answer

SOLVE THE PROBLEM SOLVE THE PROBLEM

Andrea went on a camping trip for the Kristen overheard her friends making
weekend. She didn’t know what to fun of her other friend Kelley. She isn’t
expect so she didn’t pack a swimsuit or sure if she should tell Kelley or not.
hiking clothes and all her friends did. Solve the problem using the Problem
Solve the problem using the Problem Solving Steps.
Solving Steps.

5 points if correct, 1 per each answer 5 points if correct, 1 per each answer

SOLVE THE PROBLEM CARDS

 SOLVE THE PROBLEM SOLVE THE PROBLEM SOLVE THE PROBLEM

Julia planned a birthday lunch for her Aaron’s uncle gave his three concert Eve is doing really well on the track team
friend. She put a lot of work into it and tickets for his birthday. He has three good and winning a lot of meets. She has
her friend never said thank you. This friends but he can only bring two to the practice every day after school. She’s so
really hurt Julia’s feelings. Solve the concert. He doesn’t want to hurt anyone’s busy she’s starting to fall behind in her
problem using the Problem Solving feelings. Solve the problem using the classes. Solve the problem using the
Steps. Problem Solving Steps. Problem Solving Steps.

5 points if correct, 1 per each answer 5 points if correct, 1 per each answer 5 points if correct, 1 per each answer

SOLVE THE PROBLEM SOLVE THE PROBLEM

Jason wants to get pizza but his brother wants Tina invited ten friends to her birthday
Chinese food. His parents say they’ll go get party. She asked two friends to sleepover.
Chinese food. Jason is really fed up because The rest of the group found out and are
his parents have let his brother pick the feeling upset they weren’t asked to stay
restaurant the last four times in a row. Solve too. Solve the problem using the Problem
the problem using the Problem Solving Steps. Solving Steps.

5 points if correct, 1 per each answer 5 points if correct, 1 per each answer

SOLVE THE PROBLEM CARDS

 SOLVE THE PROBLEM SOLVE THE PROBLEM SOLVE THE PROBLEM

April tried to impress some older girls Graham promised his church group Lisa was invited to Karen’s birthday party.
who were teasing her friend. She that he would raise at least $50 in Her friend Rita wasn’t invited and feels
laughed along with them but now she donations. He’s been really busy and hurt that Lisa still wants to go without
feels bad and her friend is very upset. the deadline is in two days. He’s only her. Lisa doesn’t feel like she’s done
Solve the problem using the Problem raised $25 so far. Solve the problem anything wrong. Solve the problem using
Solving Steps. using the Problem Solving Steps. the Problem Solving Steps.

5 points if correct, 1 per each answer 5 points if correct, 1 per each answer 5 points if correct, 1 per each answer

SOLVE THE PROBLEM SOLVE THE PROBLEM

James came home after school and his front
Ella hears her friends talking about how they
door was wide open. WHen he walked into his
stole over $100 worth of makeup and clothes
house he noticed a huge mess; furniture
last weekend. They ask her to go to the mall
flipped over and items thrown around. He’s
with them this week. She feels really nervous
feeling unsafe and isn’t sure who made this
about being with them in stores. Solve the
mess. Solve the problem using the Problem
problem using the Problem Solving Steps.
Solving Steps.

5 points if correct, 1 per each answer 5 points if correct, 1 per each answer

SOLVE THE PROBLEM CARDS