How big is my problem? And How big is my reaction?

We all encounter problems. Some are caused by our mistakes, some are caused by others. We need to, however, manage our problems. This involves our reactions and emotions when the problems arises. Many primary school children have not yet learned how to control their emotions. A problem that is perceived by one person as ‘small’ could cause ‘big reactions’.

Figuring out the size of the problem is the first step in being able to match reactions. We have to teach our students that small problems can be solved easily on our own. e.g. a lost toy, broken pencil… medium problems may often require the help of an adult. Kids are also capable of solving these… e.g. solving a problem, forgetting lunch at home… Big problems are when someone is really scared, worried, hurt or upset. They are generally solved by adults. e.g. if someone is sick, being bullied.

Our aim at St Paul’s is to teach our students how to recognise the size of their problem and to examine the size of their reaction. This is an important part of teaching social problem solving. One way we are intending to teach this at St Paul’s is to teach them - How big is my problem / How big is my reaction.

Through the implementation of a visible display students will learn that we all have feelings and that our feelings are okay. They will be taught to stop and think about their reaction and learn that not all problems are big problems and how to better control their emotions.