No-Glamour Problem-Solving Cards

These cards teach students to recognize problems, apply past experience, and use goal-directed skills to solve problems successfully.

The 200 cards are divided into three levels of difficulty:

• Level 1 Students are introduced to simple problems. Each card shows a picture depicting an obvious problem. Students gather clues from each picture to answer questions. How does the girl feel? Why is the girl crying? Why are the broken glasses a problem for the girl? What should the girl do to solve this problem?
• Level 2 Tasks require more advanced reasoning skills, such as making predictions and inferences, taking others’ perspectives, and analyzing outcomes. Students learn to think metacognitively and flexibly about problems. What does Caitlin think of the present from her grandmother? Why might Caitlin not like the necklace? What should Caitlin tell her grandma?
• Level 3 Students listen to a short narrative paired with a picture and then answer questions. Students integrate verbal and visual information to solve problems. Common responses are provided for most questions. Extend the teaching by asking students to explain their answers, discuss similar situations, analyze new problems using prior knowledge, and generate multiple solutions to problems. What caused Peter’s problem? Why is it unsafe to let the stranger in the house? What could Peter do to stay safe? How could Peter prevent this problem the next time he’s home?

Ages: 6-11

Grades: 1-6