What's the Problem?: A Story Teaching Problem Solving

Winner of the 2021 Counselor's Choice Award!

Problem solving involves many other executive functioning behaviors, including reasoning, attention, planning, initiation, working memory, and self-monitoring.

The one thing all of us have in common is that we have to solve problems and challenges of various degrees and complexities. A lucky few among us always seem to resolve complex problems successfully by thinking critically and logically. Still, even the most talented problem solvers need practice (and experience!) to develop and perfect this skill.

Blake thinks the solution to his problem is to sell his brother, Braden, to another family. Savannah wants to fight Mary over an insult. Braden sooo wants to sneak out of class to play kickball.

The characters in this fast-paced story face conundrums that make each of them consider solutions that are inappropriate, ill-advised or irresponsible.

Fortunately, some good old-fashioned fatherly advice coupled with a tried-and-true strategy for solving problems keeps everyone safe and satisfied. This story introduces and encourages readers to use SODAS (Situation, Options, Disadvantages, Advantages, and Solution) as a way to logically and thoughtfully figure out how to solve any problem, from the silly to the serious. Using SODAS, Blake and Braden are able to solve problems between themselves, among friends, and Braden is even able to avoid poor choices that would get himself into more trouble than he’s already in.  

Award-winning author and school counselor Bryan Smith's teaching style come through in this insightful tale from his wildly popular Executive FUNction book series. The series skillfully weaves skill teaching into humorous story-lines to help readers become flexible thinkers, problem solvers and self-managers. Tips for parents and educators are included at the end of the storybook to help children learn how to become problem-solving pros!

The Executive FUNction book series also includes:

• What Were You Thinking?
• My Day is Ruined!
• It Was Just Right Here!
• Of Course It's a Big Deal!
• Time to Get Started
• How Did You Miss That?
• I'll Never Get All of That Done!
• Fix It with Focus
• How Do I Remember All That?

 

Bryan Smith has worked in the education field for more than 15 years, first as an elementary school teacher, then as a school counselor. He excels at teaching students life skills that will take them far and help them succeed. He is also a popular children's author whose other titles include What Were You Thinking?, Kindness Counts, and Mindset Matters.