Problem Solving Lesson

I do a problem solving lesson in 4th grade about 3 frog friends who develop a plan to try and solve their problems. They come up with 3 steps: 1) What is the problem 2)Think about what to do 3) Try an idea. Throughout the lesson I read the story of how the frogs use their plan. The picture below shows the 3 steps on stepping stones, a variety of ideas on lily pads (take deep breaths, talk it out, compromise, use an I message, walk away), a life preserver as a reminder to use calming strategies when you get angry and a beware of the alligator sign that has these 3 rules: do not hurt others, do not hurt yourself, do not hurt property. Students should brainstorm calming strategies when you talk about the life preserver. When discussing the 3 anger management steps, place the alligator on the board and talk about how our choices have consequences.