The Arts · Grade 1

Active learning ideas

Story Elements: Problem and Solution

Active learning works well for problem and solution because young students grasp story structure through movement and role-play. Acting out conflicts and fixes lets them feel the tension of a problem and the relief of a solution, which cements understanding in a way quiet discussion cannot.

Ontario Curriculum ExpectationsTH:Cr1.1.1a
15–30 minPairs → Whole Class4 activities

Activity 01

Role Play25 min · Pairs

Pair Role-Play: Fix the Problem

Pairs select a simple story problem, like a spilled juice. One acts it out, the other suggests and performs a solution. Switch roles and share one favorite fix with the class.

What is the problem in this story? What makes it go away?

Facilitation TipDuring Pair Role-Play, assign clear roles and a simple prop to keep the focus on the problem and solution.

What to look forRead a short story with a clear problem and solution. Ask students to raise their hand when they hear the problem and then again when they hear the solution. Follow up by asking one student to describe the problem and another to describe the solution in their own words.

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Activity 02

Role Play30 min · Small Groups

Small Group Story Circle: Problem Chain

In groups of four, students pass a ball to add to a shared story problem, then pass again to chain solutions. Record the final story on chart paper for display.

Can you act out a little scene where something goes wrong and then gets fixed?

Facilitation TipIn Small Group Story Circle, pause after each story segment to ask, ‘What is the problem now? What could happen next?’

What to look forProvide students with a simple drawing of a character facing a problem (e.g., a character who can't reach a cookie jar). Ask them to draw or write one thing the character could do to solve the problem. Collect these drawings to assess understanding of solutions.

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Activity 03

Role Play20 min · Whole Class

Whole Class Tableau: Before and After

Class freezes in a tableau showing the story problem. Teacher signals 'solve,' and they shift to a new tableau with the solution. Discuss visibility and clarity.

What did the character do to fix the problem?

Facilitation TipFor Whole Class Tableau, model a frozen pose for the ‘before’ moment and a different one for the ‘after’ moment so students see the contrast.

What to look forPresent a scenario: 'Imagine you are building with blocks and your tower keeps falling over. What is the problem? What could you do to fix it?' Facilitate a brief class discussion, encouraging students to share different ideas for solutions and explain why they might work.

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Activity 04

Role Play15 min · Individual

Individual Draw and Act: My Solution

Students draw a personal problem and its solution, then act it solo for a partner who guesses the elements.

What is the problem in this story? What makes it go away?

Facilitation TipWith Individual Draw and Act, provide sentence starters like ‘I see the problem… I can fix it by…’ to guide their work.

What to look forRead a short story with a clear problem and solution. Ask students to raise their hand when they hear the problem and then again when they hear the solution. Follow up by asking one student to describe the problem and another to describe the solution in their own words.

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A few notes on teaching this unit

Teach problem and solution by starting with concrete scenarios students know, like sharing toys or cleaning up. Avoid over-explaining; let the story and their actions reveal the structure. Use repeated, low-stakes rehearsals so students feel comfortable trying different solutions without fear of being wrong. Research shows that when children physically act out narratives, their comprehension of story elements improves significantly.

By the end of these activities, students will identify the main problem in a story, describe how characters attempt to solve it, and act out both elements with confidence. They will also begin to see that solutions often come from teamwork or clever ideas, not just adults.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

  • During Pair Role-Play, watch for students who wait for the teacher or an adult to solve the problem. Redirect by asking, ‘What could your character try first? Let’s act that out.’

    During Small Group Story Circle, if students assume the problem is too big for them, pause the story and ask, ‘Have you ever solved something tricky with a friend? How did you start?’ Model sharing a personal story to normalize child-led solutions.

  • During Whole Class Tableau, watch for students who focus only on the problem’s size rather than the solution. Gently remind them, ‘Show us the moment right after the problem is fixed. What does that look like?’

    During Individual Draw and Act, if students draw a solution that is unrealistic or impossible, ask, ‘How could we make this work in real life? What small step could the character take first?’ to guide them toward feasible solutions.

Methods used in this brief

More in Characters and Creative Play

Becoming Someone Else: Characterization

Using voice, costume pieces, and gestures to portray characters from stories or imagination.

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Building a World: Setting the Scene

Creating the setting and atmosphere for a play using simple props and imagination.

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The Magic of Performance: Ensemble Work

Working as an ensemble to share a short dramatic sequence with a small audience.

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Using Our Voices: Volume and Tone

Experimenting with different vocal volumes and tones to convey character emotions and intentions.

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Movement on Stage: Blocking Basics

Understanding how to move purposefully on a stage to create clear pictures for the audience.

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