Teach kids and teens (or adults too!) the steps to solving a problem with this free printable ABCs of problem solving poster chart.
Knowing how to solve a problem is just one of many social skills kids, teens, and adults need to learn.
There are a few steps involved in problem solving so it's always good to have a visual cue that breaks down the different steps, especially for autistic and hyperlexic individuals who find visual supports particularly helpful.
And, since the alphabet is kind of our thing around here, I want to share the ABCs of problem solving with you. Well, actually it's more like the ABCDE of problem solving, but whatever, close enough.
Regardless, this is an example of how you can take your hyperlexic child's interest (letters) and use it to teach new skills (problem solving). Something I discuss here.
5 Steps to Solving a Problem
Here's how to use the ABCs of problem solving:
Step 1: Ask
This step is all about asking yourself the following questions:
If you ask the first question and determine that there really isn't a problem, then there's nothing you need to do.
But, if you do determine there is a problem, then you need to clearly identify what the problem is and determine the size of the problem. Knowing the size of the problem will help you determine, in later steps, if it's a problem that can be tackled on your own or if you might need some help.
Step 2: Brainstorm
For this step, you need to come up with different possible solutions and ideas for how to best solve the problem. Write down everything you can think of.
Step 3: Choose
This step is all about picking one solution to try. Ask, "What solution will best solve my problem?" Then go through the list of ideas you came up with in the brainstorming stage and pick one that you want to try or that you think makes the most sense for the problem.
Step 4: Do it
Here's where you actively attempt to solve the problem. This is where you take the solution you picked in step 3 and use it.
Step 5: Evaluate
Now it is time to evaluate your results. Did your strategy or solution work? If yes, then celebrate!
If not, then you need to evaluate why it didn't work. Then use that information to help you pick a new strategy or solution from step 3. This step isn't about quitting when one solution doesn't work. It's about asking yourself, "What can I try next?"
Remember, there is a free problem solving printable available below.
Download the Free Printable Problem Solving Chart
This one page printable outlines the five problem solving steps from above. It includes a colorful letter for each step, a title, and a short description of what to do. I highly recommend laminating for durability.
To get a copy of this free printable, click the link below:
>> Click here to download this free printable
