SIZE OF THE PROBLEM Small & Big Problems, SEL Solving Problems Lesson SEL

Are your students turning small problems into big problems, struggling with problem solving, or finding it difficult to understand the difference between small and big problems? Be the Captain of Your Ship: How Big Is the Problem? is an engaging digital game and workbook bundle designed to teach children one of the most important social-emotional learning skills: understanding the size of the problem and choosing a response that matches the situation. Using a fun ocean and sailing theme, students learn that not every problem is the same size—and not every problem needs a big reaction.

Through interactive gameplay, hands-on worksheets, discussion activities, and real-world scenarios, students learn how to identify small and big problems, develop effective problem solving skills, strengthen emotional regulation, and become confident captains of their own behavior.

A good captain does not stop the waves—they learn how to navigate them.

INCLUDED IN THIS RESOURCE:

• Interactive Digital Game
• Comprehensive Workbook & Activities
• Size of the Problem teaching posters
• Psychoeducation handouts
• Student self-reflection questionnaires
• Scenario cards
• Choice cards
• Problem solving activities
• Group discussion prompts
• SEL worksheets
• Reflection activities
• Roll & Reflect game
• Emotional regulation activities

STUDENTS WILL LEARN HOW TO:

• Identify the size of the problem
• Understand the difference between small and big problems
• Strengthen problem solving skills
• Match their reaction to the size of the problem
• Develop emotional regulation skills
• Build self-control and impulse control
• Recognize when a problem can be solved independently
• Identify when to ask for help
• Recognize serious problems and emergencies
• Improve flexible thinking
• Build resilience and coping skills
• Make responsible decisions

THE FIVE WAVE ZONES:

1. Ripple Reef
2. Learn to recognize small problems that can often be solved independently.
3. Wave Bay
4. Develop problem solving skills for challenges that require flexibility and persistence.
5. Choppy Channel
6. Identify bigger problems that may require support from trusted people.
7. Stormy Seas
8. Recognize serious situations that affect wellbeing, safety, or security.
9. Tsunami Territory
10. Understand emergencies and know when immediate adult help is needed.

TARGETED SKILLS:

• Size of the Problem
• Small and Big Problems
• Problem Solving
• Emotional Regulation
• Self-Control
• Impulse Control
• Flexible Thinking
• Responsible Decision-Making
• Social Skills
• Coping Skills
• Resilience
• Self-Awareness

WHY TEACH SIZE OF THE PROBLEM?

Many children struggle to determine whether they are facing a small problem, a big problem, or a true emergency. When students learn to identify the size of the problem, they are better able to use effective problem solving skills, stay calm, seek help appropriately, and match their reaction to the situation.

This engaging digital game and workbook helps students understand the difference between small and big problems, strengthen problem solving skills, and learn the powerful lesson that: Not every ripple is a tsunami.

IMPORTANT TECH NOTE

This resource requires the desktop version of Microsoft PowerPoint (Windows or Mac). It is not compatible with Google Slides, PowerPoint Online, or Chromebooks without PowerPoint installed.