Activity Overview
Problem solving is the ability to identify and solve problems using appropriate skills in a systematic manner. There are five main steps to take when working on solving a problem: Identify the problem, brainstorm solutions, analyze each possible solution, choose and try a solution, and evaluate the outcome. Problem solving is an ongoing process that should be taught at a young age.
For this activity, the teacher will read Stuck by Oliver Jeffers aloud, while asking questions and engaging students in the story. After a class discussion about the book, students will create a cell illustrating and describing what Floyd could’ve done to get his kite out of the tree, instead of throwing several things into the tree and getting them stuck as well!
Other Picture Books for Teaching Problem Solving
- What Do You Do With a Problem? by Kobi Yamada
- Going Places by Peter and Paul Reynolds
- Papa’s Mechanical Fish by Candace Fleming
- Solutions for Cold Feet (and Other Little Problems) by Carrie Sookocheff
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a cell that illustrates and describes a different way that Floyd could have solved his problem.
Student Instructions
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Create an illustration that represents your alternate solution using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short description of the scene in the space below the illustration.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
Problem solving is the ability to identify and solve problems using appropriate skills in a systematic manner. There are five main steps to take when working on solving a problem: Identify the problem, brainstorm solutions, analyze each possible solution, choose and try a solution, and evaluate the outcome. Problem solving is an ongoing process that should be taught at a young age.
For this activity, the teacher will read Stuck by Oliver Jeffers aloud, while asking questions and engaging students in the story. After a class discussion about the book, students will create a cell illustrating and describing what Floyd could’ve done to get his kite out of the tree, instead of throwing several things into the tree and getting them stuck as well!
Other Picture Books for Teaching Problem Solving
- What Do You Do With a Problem? by Kobi Yamada
- Going Places by Peter and Paul Reynolds
- Papa’s Mechanical Fish by Candace Fleming
- Solutions for Cold Feet (and Other Little Problems) by Carrie Sookocheff
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a cell that illustrates and describes a different way that Floyd could have solved his problem.
Student Instructions
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Create an illustration that represents your alternate solution using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short description of the scene in the space below the illustration.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about Stuck: Problem Solving
Set clear expectations for collaborative problem solving
Explain to students how working together respectfully helps everyone find better solutions and builds a positive classroom community.
Model effective team roles during a group activity
Assign roles like facilitator, recorder, and reporter so each student has a responsibility and learns how to contribute to group problem solving.
Guide students to brainstorm as a team
Encourage students to share ideas aloud and build off each other's suggestions, emphasizing that all ideas are valued in the process.
Help groups select and test their best solution
Support each team as they decide together which solution to try, and remind them to reflect on what works and what could improve next time.
Celebrate teamwork and problem-solving successes
Recognize and praise how students worked together, highlighting specific examples of collaboration and creative thinking.
Frequently Asked Questions about Stuck: Problem Solving
What is a simple way to teach problem solving to 2nd or 3rd graders?
Reading picture books like Stuck by Oliver Jeffers and guiding students through discussion and creative activities helps young learners grasp problem solving in a fun, accessible way.
How can I use the book 'Stuck' to teach problem-solving skills in class?
Read Stuck aloud, pause to ask students questions, and discuss Floyd's choices. Then, have students illustrate and describe an alternative solution to get the kite down, encouraging creative thinking and reflection.
What are the five main steps of problem solving for kids?
The five steps are: Identify the problem, brainstorm solutions, analyze each solution, choose and try one, and evaluate the outcome. Teaching these steps helps students approach challenges systematically.
What other picture books are good for teaching problem-solving?
Great books include What Do You Do With a Problem? by Kobi Yamada, Going Places by Peter and Paul Reynolds, Papa’s Mechanical Fish by Candace Fleming, and Solutions for Cold Feet by Carrie Sookocheff.
How does creating alternate endings help students learn problem solving?
Designing alternate endings encourages students to think creatively, analyze choices, and practice applying problem-solving steps to real or fictional situations, deepening understanding.
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