May/June 2008
The theme of the month for May/June is “Problem Solving and Decision Making”. Help children learn some simple, clear cut steps to solving a problem:
- Identify the problem. (This is not always as simple as it would seem)
- Brainstorm several solutions.
- Try the best solution.
- If it doesn’t work, try another.
These steps can also be helpful in the decision making process. Kids make simple decisions every day, i.e. what to wear, what to eat, who to sit next to at lunch. Guiding them to learn how to make good decisions now will make all the difference when they are faced with peer pressure which may influence their decisions in a negative way.
In addition to the steps to problem solving, teaching this four- step technique may be helpful in “pressure situations”.
1. Find out what’s really going on.
- Consider the situation – where you are, who you’re with, what they’re doing.
- Trust your senses.
2. Think about the consequences.
- How will you feel, could you get in trouble, will you disappoint other s or yourself?
3. Make your own decision based on:
- Possible consequences.
- Effect on your self-esteem.
4. Tell others your decision, it will be less difficult if you:
- Look and act confident.
- Just say “no”.
- Walk away.