Verbal Problem Solving in Social Situations

Ages 9 through 16. This pragmatic language problem solving activity book challenges students to describe how they would react in various types of social situations in which specific problems are encountered. In addition to considering topics related to children's social interactions, problem-solving activities relating to protecting the environment, cultural differences, rights of individuals with disabilities, etc. are included. As students participate in the activities, they learn strategies for solving problems and learn to respect differences in how others might react in similar situations.

The book is divided into three sections:

Strategies for Effective Problem-Solving. The activities in this section are designed to increase students' awareness of the many situational variables that influence communication. Students learn the importance of being flexible in their use of language so that they can achieve personal goals in a variety of situations.
Problem-Solving Topic Worksheets. Each of the activities in this section focuses on a specific problem-solving topic. Students are asked to respond to questions relating to problems presented in short stories. The stories can be used to stimulate discussions about students' experiences in similar situations.
Open Forum. Students are asked to pretend that they are attending an open forum with the mayor of their city. Each worksheet in this section focuses on an issue introduced by a student during the open forum. Crime, the environment, and other issues are included.

The worksheets and language activities have direct relevance to the everyday life experiences of students. By providing students with feedback and suggestions, they will acquire new ways of responding when confronted with difficult situations.