Foundations of Literacy and Expression · 1st Class

Active learning ideas

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.

• NCCA Curriculum Specifications
• NCCA: Primary - Reading
• NCCA: Primary - Comprehension

• 20–45 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 4 activities

Activity 01

• 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.

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.

What to look for

After reading a short story, ask students to write or draw the main problem the character faced on one side of a paper and a solution they tried on the other. This checks their ability to identify and recall key plot points.

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

Activity 02

• 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.

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.

What to look for

Present students with a scenario: 'A character is too shy to ask a friend to play.' Ask: 'What is the problem here?' Then, 'If the character is shy but also very kind, what could they do to solve this problem?' This prompts them to connect traits to solutions.

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

Activity 03

• 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.

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.

What to look for

Provide students with a sentence starter: 'The character's problem was _____. They tried to solve it by _____. This worked because _____.' Students complete the sentences to demonstrate their understanding of problem, solution, and effectiveness.

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

Activity 04

• 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.

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.

What to look for

After reading a short story, ask students to write or draw the main problem the character faced on one side of a paper and a solution they tried on the other. This checks their ability to identify and recall key plot points.

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

A few notes on teaching this unit

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.

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.

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

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

  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.

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

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

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

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

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Methods used in this brief

• Problem-Based Learning