Planning

Fairy Tale Problem Solvers

Author: Tim Taylor l Suitable for: Early Years, Planning

Suitable For: Early Years

Theme: Fairy Tales

Fairy Tale Problem Solvers Lesson Plan

Background

Curriculum Area(s)

U – To understand that you can make a difference to people’s lives. That problems have to be seen from all POV
S – Problem solving, communication, negotiation, questioning, working as a team, empathy
K – How o make a plan, how to make that plan understandable to others

Developing the Situation

Inquiry Question(s)

How can we mediate between apparently opposite points of view?

Situation

A very distressed mother is standing outside the offices of the famous Problem Solvers. She is upset because her three boys are leaving home. One, she is happy knows how to look after himself. The other two, she is less sure about… Perhaps the Problem Solvers can help.

Designing the Expert Frame

Field of Expertise

A Team of Experts – who have past experience and expertise in solving apparently irreconcilable problems, through active listening & careful negotiation. The team are known for being fair and trying to work with all parties, regardless of their past.

Client(s)

Characters from fairy-tales who have a problem that needs solving, often involving conflict resulting from holding a different POV to another character.

Commision(s)

Their first commission is to design homes that will be safe and comfortable for the sons of Mrs Pig.
Their second commission will be to resolve the problem of the Big Bad Wolf in a way that will satisfy all parties, including the wolf.

Steps In

  1. Introduction: The children as themselves watch an adult representing someone who is very upset: “I’d like you to look over here Mrs. B. is going to be someone in a story, watch her and see what she does.” The lady in the story takes a handkerchief out of her handbag and starts crying profusely. “Oh. She looks upset” etc.
  2. “We could ask what the matter is. Excuse me, you seem very upset…” “Its my boys. They’re all leaving and home and they don’t know how to properly look after themselves etc…” “Oh I see, can you tell us where you are?” “I’ve come to see the Problem-Solvers, I’ve heard they are very good. I hope they can help me.”
  3. Teacher draws the door in the air. If the lady is out there and the door is here, then we might be… We could try that for a while etc…” Lady is brought into the office.
  4. “So how can we help you?” “Well its my boys… Would you like to see a picture?” Lady reaches into her handbag and brings out a picture of the 3 Little Pigs…
  5. Problem-solver set about designing homes for the boys. Show the finished plans to Mrs Pig. “Now lets watch her face… How does she feel now… We did that… that must mean… etc.”
  6. “But there’s one more problem we haven’t solved…” Slowly draw a picture of a paw (with claws) on the board. “Yes, there is still the wolf to think about.” NOTE: If they want to trap and kill the wolf, then I think the best move is to call Mrs Pig and tell her the plan. “Oh, no I don’t want you to hurt the wolf. Is there a way of keeping him away without hurting him? That would be much better. Etc.”
  7. Second commission – dealing with the wolf in a way that doesn’t hurt and makes him happy.

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