Problem-Solving Brainstorm Activity Kit
The first solution a student thinks of is rarely the best one. This problem-solving brainstorm kit for Grades 2–4 builds the habit of not stopping at the first idea, then weighing the options before choosing.
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About this resource
The first solution a student thinks of is rarely the best one. This problem-solving brainstorm kit for Grades 2–4 builds the habit of not stopping at the first idea, then weighing the options before choosing. It is a Responsible Decision-Making lesson, and one of the SEL activities where students compare solutions on a pros-and-cons chart.
What students practice
- Generating several solutions to an everyday problem
- Thinking about consequences
- Comparing options with a pros-and-cons chart
- Reflecting on their own thinking
What’s inside
- A teacher guide with a detailed script, a flexible outline and optional extensions: three steps, about 25 minutes
- Problem Scenario Cards: 12 everyday problems, each with three guiding questions
- Brainstorming Worksheet with three solution boxes, the best choice and why, in 2 versions
- Pros and Cons Chart for three solutions
- Reflection Worksheet (five questions, 3 copies) and a repeatable Problem-Solving Journal page (2 versions); 20 pages
A look inside
- From the teacher script: “Sometimes, the best idea comes from mixing two solutions—like asking for help AND taking turns.”
- Problem Scenario Card #11: “Your friend didn’t like the gift you gave them. What should you do?”
- Brainstorming Worksheet: “What could happen if you chose a different solution?”
How to use this problem-solving brainstorm kit
- Ask what students usually do when they face a problem, using the friend-takes-your-toy example to show there is more than one way
- Give each student or pair a scenario card and ask for at least three solutions before judging any
- Move to the pros and cons chart: what is good about each idea, what might be hard and which seems best
- Share in a circle and ask whether two ideas could combine, then use the reflection page and journal
Grade fit
The scenarios, from disagreeing about recess games to being laughed at for a mistake in class, are written for Grades 2–4. Pairs can work together if writing three solutions is a stretch.
Pairs well with
Pair it with The Problem-Solving Puzzle for a four-step version with role-play, or Problem Solving Conversation Cards for class discussion.
Questions teachers ask
How long does the lesson take?
About 25 minutes across three steps.
How many solutions do students brainstorm?
The worksheet asks for at least three solutions before any of them are judged.
More for Responsible Decision‑Making
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