Understanding Problem and Solution

Active learning lets students connect abstract story elements to real-world actions. When children map problems or role-play solutions, they see how a character's traits shape decisions, making narrative structure more concrete and memorable.

• 1st Class
• Foundations of Literacy and Expression
• 4 activities
• 20 min–45 min

Learning Objectives

1. Identify the central problem faced by a main character in a narrative.
2. Propose a plausible solution to a character's problem, linking it to their described traits.
3. Evaluate the effectiveness of a character's chosen solution in resolving their problem.
4. Explain how a character's actions contribute to solving or worsening their problem.

Problem-Based Learning

⏱ 30 min·Pairs

Pair Mapping: Story Problem Maps

Students read a short story together. In pairs, they draw a simple story mountain: label the problem at the peak, character actions on the slopes, and solution at the base. Pairs share one map with the class.

Prepare & details

Analyze the central problem faced by a character in a story.

Facilitation Tip: During Pair Mapping, ask guiding questions like, 'What is the big problem here?' and 'Which part of the story shows this problem?' to keep pairs focused on the central conflict.

Setup: Groups at tables with access to research materials

Materials: Problem scenario document, KWL chart or inquiry framework, Resource library, Solution presentation template

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Decision-Making
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Problem-Based Learning

⏱ 45 min·Small Groups

Small Group Role-Play: Alternative Solutions

Divide into small groups. Each group acts out the story problem, then creates and performs a new solution using the character's traits. Discuss as a class which solution fits best.

Prepare & details

Construct a possible solution to a character's problem, considering their traits.

Facilitation Tip: In Small Group Role-Play, assign clear roles to ensure all students participate, such as one child acting out the character, another suggesting a solution, and a third evaluating if it fits the character's traits.

Setup: Groups at tables with access to research materials

Materials: Problem scenario document, KWL chart or inquiry framework, Resource library, Solution presentation template

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Decision-Making
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Problem-Based Learning

⏱ 25 min·Whole Class

Whole Class Discussion: Solution Evaluation

Project a familiar story. As a class, list the problem and original solution. Vote with thumbs up or down on effectiveness, then brainstorm improvements considering character traits.

Prepare & details

Evaluate the effectiveness of a character's solution to their problem.

Facilitation Tip: For Whole Class Discussion, use turn-and-talk before sharing to give all students time to process their ideas.

Setup: Groups at tables with access to research materials

Materials: Problem scenario document, KWL chart or inquiry framework, Resource library, Solution presentation template

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Decision-Making
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Problem-Based Learning

⏱ 20 min·Individual

Individual Draw: My Solution

Students draw the character's problem and their own solution page. Include why it works based on the character's traits. Share in a gallery walk.

Prepare & details

Analyze the central problem faced by a character in a story.

Facilitation Tip: With Individual Draw, provide a template with two boxes labeled 'Problem' and 'Solution' to structure their thinking.

Setup: Groups at tables with access to research materials

Materials: Problem scenario document, KWL chart or inquiry framework, Resource library, Solution presentation template

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Decision-Making
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Teaching This Topic

Experienced teachers introduce problem and solution by starting with familiar scenarios before moving to stories. Use picture books with clear problems and solutions to model the process. Avoid rushing to abstract definitions; instead, let students discover these elements through guided activities. Research shows that students grasp narrative structure better when they analyze problems and solutions in contexts they understand, like friendship challenges or small mishaps.

What to Expect

Successful learning shows when students can identify the main problem a character faces, connect it to the character's traits, and propose a solution that fits those traits. They should also explain why a solution works or needs adjustment.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

During Pair Mapping, watch for students who circle every small issue they find in the story as the main problem.

What to Teach Instead

Prompt pairs to discuss which problem is the biggest one the character faces throughout the story and to cross out less important problems on their maps.

Common Misconception

During Small Group Role-Play, watch for students who suggest solutions without considering the character's traits.

What to Teach Instead

Ask groups to pause and review the character's traits before proposing solutions, using the story text as evidence.

Common Misconception

During Whole Class Discussion, watch for students who assume the first solution mentioned is always the best one.

What to Teach Instead

Guide the class to evaluate each solution's fit with the character's traits and the story's outcome before deciding which works best.

Assessment Ideas

Quick Check

After Pair Mapping, collect maps to check if students identified the main problem and a solution that matches the character's traits.

Discussion Prompt

After Small Group Role-Play, ask each group to share one solution they tried and why it did or did not work based on the character's traits.

Exit Ticket

During Whole Class Discussion, use the sentence starter 'The character's problem was ____. They tried to solve it by ____. This worked because ____.' to assess individual understanding.

Extensions & Scaffolding

• Challenge students who finish early to create a second solution that does not fit the character's traits and explain why it would not work.
• Scaffolding for students who struggle: provide story excerpts with highlighted problem and solution sentences before they attempt the mapping activity.
• Deeper exploration: invite students to write a short story where the character tries two different solutions before finding one that works.

Key Vocabulary

Problem	A situation in a story that causes difficulty or trouble for a character.
Solution	An action or idea that resolves a problem for a character.
Character Trait	A quality or characteristic that describes a character, such as being brave, kind, or shy.
Conflict	The main struggle or disagreement in a story that the character must face and try to overcome.