Unit 4: Problem Solving

March 13 - April 14

Click here to download a PDF of an overview of this unit. This handout includes what your child is learning and ways you can practice at home.

Lesson 16: A Good Problem-Solver

In this lesson, students will learn two ways to become a better problem-solver: speaking up for what they need and feeling calm before trying to solve the problem.

You Can Try This at Home

Talk with your child about times when they might have an interpersonal problem (a disagreement between two or more people) with a friend. Encourage them to use these moments as opportunities to practice feeling calm and speaking up for what they want or need.

Lesson 17: Saying it Respectfully

In this lesson, students will begin to learn a process for solving interpersonal problems. They’ll learn how to say the problem respectfully and without blame.

You Can Try This at Home

Talk with your child about an interpersonal problem they’ve had at home. Help your child think about each person’s point of view, and then work together to say the problem respectfully.

Lesson 18: Exploring Outcomes

In this lesson, students will learn how to weigh the pros and cons of possible solutions to an interpersonal problem by thinking about the points of view of everyone involved.

You Can Try This at Home

Talk with your child about a time when they successfully solved an interpersonal problem. What solutions did they consider, and what were the pros and cons of each solution? Describe a time when you found it helpful to think of each person’s point of view when predicting whether a solution to an interpersonal problem might work.

Lesson 19: A Good Solution

In this lesson, students will learn how to successfully solve an interpersonal problem by picking a solution that’s safe, respectful, and can work for everyone involved.

You Can Try This at Home

Talk with your child about a time when they were able to solve a problem with a safe and respectful solution that worked for everyone involved. Describe a time when you did the same. Point out that solving problems may not always be easy, but it’s worth the effort.

Lesson 20: STEP into Problem-Solving

In this lesson, students will practice the STEP process they learned in this unit to solve problems. STEP stands for S: Say the problem, T: Think of solutions, E: Explore the outcomes, and P: Pick a solution.

You Can Try This at Home

Talk with your child about a time when they experienced interpersonal problems. Ask how they will use the STEP process to try solving these problems.

Bennington Public Schools

11620 N 156th Street, Bennington, NE 68007

Phone 402-238-3044| Fax

Notice of Non-Discrimination: The Bennington Public School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, disability, race, color, religion, veteran status, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, or other protected status in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Students: Mr. Dan Bombeck, Director of Student Services, 11620 North 156th Street, P.O. Box 309, Bennington, NE 68007 (402) 238-3044 ([email protected]). Employees and Others: Dr. Matt Blomenkamp, Assistant Superintendent 11620 North 156th Street, P.O. Box 309, Bennington, NE 68007 (402) 238-3044 ([email protected]). Complaints or concerns involving discrimination or needs for accommodation or access should be addressed to the appropriate Coordinator. For further information about anti-discrimination laws and regulations, or to file a complaint of discrimination with the Office for Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Education (OCR), please contact the OCR at 601 East 12th Street, Room 353, Kansas City, MO 64106, (800) 368-1019 (voice), Fax (816) 426-3686, (800) 537-7697 (telecommunications device for the deaf), or [email protected]. TITLE IX The Bennington Public School District is committed to offering employment and educational opportunity to its employees and students in a climate free of discrimination. Accordingly, unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation of any kind by District employees, including, co-workers, non-employees (such as volunteers), third parties and others is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated.