SOLUTIONARY
WINNING BEHAVIORS: LESSON 2
Quick Reference
Students warm up responding to quotes about problem solving. Following a discussion,
students generate qualities Solutionaries possess during the mini lesson. In the
workshop, students read and discuss scenarios in pairs, extracting key characteristics of
Solutionaries from these examples. The lesson closes with a share out.
CCSS:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1.A
SEL IL State Standards:
Students Will Be Able To:
1C.4b. Apply strategies to overcome obstacles to
 Describe the attitude and skills Solutionaries
goal achievement.
possess
1B.5a. Implement a plan to build on a strength,
 Distinguish between Solutionary and nonmeet a need, or address a challenge.
Solutionary problem solving
Essential Question of the Day:
What strategies can I use to successfully overcome a personal challenge?
Materials:
Preparation:
 Problem Solving Quotes (1 set/class)
 Tape Problem Solving Quotes on each of the 6
poster papers
 7 poster papers
 Mount Super Solutionary on 7th poster paper
 Tape
or, if possible, blow up to poster-size (this
 Super Solutionary (1/class)
poster will be used throughout the unit)
 Solutionary Scenarios (1 set/class)
 Cut Solutionary Scenarios
Abstract:
Warm Up
Mini
Lesson
Step-by-Step Procedures
Silent Discussion
1) Share the objectives of the lesson with students (see SWBATs above). Ask
students if they need clarification.
2) Explain: “In our last session, we began our unit about Solutionism with an
activity where you worked as a team to cross an imaginary river. Today, we
will think about some of the everyday problems Solutionaries face. To warm
up, spread out among the quotations around the room. There will be several
people at each poster. You will have 1 minute to write your response
individually and then I’ll signal you to rotate and respond to the next poster.
When responding, decide whether you agree or disagree with the quote, and
briefly explain why. This means you should write ‘agree’ or ‘disagree’ and a 1
sentence explanation. You may not speak, just write! Any questions?”
Facilitator’s Note: A non-movement variation is to position tables in a circle,
with students sitting at their desks, passing sheets clockwise every minute.
Students can respond to the quote and the other students’ comments on the
page but no one may speak.
3) After the final rotation, ask students to stay where they are and have one
student from each “group” read the quote aloud.
Qualities of a Solutionary
1) Review “Solutionism” as a new (invented) term for their shared language
around problem solving. Place emphasis on the root word and suffix
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42 Min
10 Min
10 Min
(“Solution”-way of resolving difficulty; “ism”-system of belief). A Solutionary
finds productive ways to solve problems.
2) Post Super Solutionary and explain: “Together, let’s list as many
characteristics of Solutionaries as we can. I’ll capture our answers on this
image of a Solutionary, and we will continue to refer to this Solutionary
throughout the unit.”
3) Facilitate a discussion using some or all of the questions below. The objective
of this discussion is to highlight a Solutionary’s attitude and skills. Record
students’ ideas on the board.
 Pointing to the quotes, what key words/phrases communicate important
messages about Solutionism? Why?
 Why do you think all these famous, wise people spent so much time
talking about solving problems?
 What are these quotes saying about the personal qualities of a
Solutionary? Do these people agree or disagree? Explain.
 What specific attitudes or behaviors might a Solutionary practice?
 What personal qualities help Solutionaries solve problems?
 Are there any people you know personally or who are famous that you
would say are “Solutionaries”? What qualities do they have?
 What might it look and feel like to practice Solutionism?
Facilitator’s Note: Guide students to the positive aspects of solving problems
rather than the negative impact obstacles can have on one’s life.
Workshop Solutionary Scenarios
1) Distribute Solutionary Scenarios.
Facilitator’s Note: Solutionary Scenarios are written in pairs, two ways—one in
which the person applies Solutionism and the other in which he/she does not. If
you do not directly pair students as you distribute Solutionary Scenarios, direct
students’ attention to the name at the top of each scenario card to find their
partner.
2) Invite students to read their scenario cards out loud to the class, finding their
partner. If there is not time for all students to read, select 3-4 pairs to read
so the class has an understanding of the other scenarios.
3) When all groups finish reading, explain: “Together with your partner, your
task is to decide which card is an example of Solutionary thinking and which is
not. Then, come up with 1 brief statement about the general qualities that a
Solutionary should possess, based on your scenario. Create positive, rather
than negative statements to explain what Solutionaries do rather than what
they shouldn’t do. Write your statement on the back of the card with the
Solutionary thinking and be prepared to share your statements with the class.
Any questions?”
Facilitator’s Note: To best support students, it might be helpful to model the
thought process and actions necessary to complete this cooperative task.
Closing
Check Out
1) Invite pairs to share their statements and tape them up on Super
Solutionary.
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17 Min
5 Min
PROBLEM SOLVING QUOTES
“We can't solve problems
by using the same kind of
thinking we used when
we created them.”
- Albert Einstein
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“Hot heads and
cold hearts never
solved anything.”
-Billy Graham
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“How you think about a
problem is more
important than the
problem itself - so always
think positively.”
-Norman Vincent Peale
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“Most people spend
more time and energy
going around problems
than in trying to
solve them.”
-Henry Ford
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“You don’t drown by
falling in the water; you
drown by staying there.”
-Edwin Louis Cole
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“I am only one, but still I am
one. I cannot do everything,
but still I can do something;
and because I cannot do
everything, I will not refuse to
do something that I can do.”
-Helen Keller
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SUPER SOLUTIONARY
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SOLUTIONARY SCENARIOS
Sarah
Sarah is new at school. She’s very shy and is
having a hard time speaking to other students.
Her Mom, however, is very social. She decides
to imagine what her mom would do to be
more out-going. She tells herself she’s not
afraid to talk to students around her and acts
confident. Sarah ends up making a new friend
in her Geometry class.
Sarah
Sarah is new at school. She is worried about
not making any new friends and feels very
alone. She sits alone at lunch. She walks
down the halls quietly, hoping no one will
notice her. When anyone talks to her, she
answers looking down in one-word answers.
Sarah tells herself that she’s a loser and knows
that no one will want to be her friend, so why
try?
Brian
Brian has been offered a job at Subway. The
only problem is that it’s at the same time as
basketball practice after school. He doesn’t
want to give up basketball, but he also really
needs to make some money to save up for
college. He’s so happy that he got a job!
Brian knows there must be some way to both
work and play basketball. He decides to join
pick-up games on the weekends when he’s not
working, and work at Subway during the week
after school. It’s a win-win situation!
Jamal
Jamal missed the bus on his way to work
today, so he has to take the next one. He feels
really bad and is worried that his manager will
be angry that he’s late. While sitting on the
bus on his way to work, he sees a homeless
man in the seat in front of him who looks cold.
Jamal thinks, “Man, at least I’ve got a place to
call home.” When he gets to work, he
apologizes to his boss and makes sure to come
early or be on time for the rest of the month.
Brian
Brian has been offered a job at Subway. The
only problem is that it’s at the same time as
basketball practice after school. He doesn’t
want to give up basketball, but he also really
needs to make some money to save up for
college. Oh well, he thinks, “This is just my
luck. I never get what I want.” He decides to
turn down the job so that he can keep playing
basketball. He’s bummed he doesn’t have a
job.
Jamal
Jamal missed the bus on his way to work
today, so he has to take the next one. He feels
really bad and is worried that his manager will
be angry that he’s late. While sitting on the
bus, he continues to get more and more
anxious and worried about what his boss will
think and say. Jamal thinks, “It’s not my fault
that I missed the bus, they’re running ahead of
schedule today!” When he gets to work and
his boss asks him why he’s late, Jamal yells,
“Look I’m sorry! I can’t control the bus, back
off!” His boss says, “You have an attitude
problem,” and fires him.
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Vanessa
Vanessa and Mariana are best friends. After
school, Vanessa asks Mariana to come over to
her house and hang out. Mariana tells her she
can’t. When Vanessa tries to convince her to
hang out, Mariana yells back, “I already told
you I can’t. Do we have to spend every
second together?” Vanessa is hurt and wants
to yell back. But then she remembers that
Mariana’s mom and dad are going through a
divorce. Even though Vanessa feels hurt, she
knows that Mariana is not mad at her and so
she doesn’t take it personally. She backs off,
gives Mariana a hug, and tells her she’s there
for her if she needs to talk.
Vanessa
Vanessa and Mariana are best friends. After
school, Vanessa asks Mariana to come over to
her house and hang out. Mariana tells her she
can’t. When Vanessa tries to convince her to
hang out, Mariana yells back, “I already told
you I can’t. Do we have to spend every
second together?” Vanessa is hurt and yells
back, “What’s your problem?” Soon it turns
into a huge fight, both girls yelling at one
another and saying things they regret later.
They walk off. They haven’t been able to
speak to one another this week.
Dante
Dante realizes that his mother’s birthday is
coming up, but he doesn’t have any money for
a gift. He’s worried that no one in the family is
going to do anything for his mom’s birthday,
and his mom needs a celebration- she’s been
really stressed lately. One afternoon when
she’s at work, he gets his brothers and sisters
together and they create a dance routine in
honor of his mom. On her birthday, they
perform the routine, and she’s so happy she
cries.
Dante
Dante realizes that his mother’s birthday is
coming up, but he doesn’t have any money for
a gift. He’s worried that no one in the family is
going to do anything for his mom’s birthday,
and his mom needs a celebration- she’s been
really stressed lately. He feels bad, but there’s
nothing he can do. Oh well, his mom will
understand.
Angela
Angela is not doing well in her Spanish class.
She failed the last test, and the student who
sits next to her in class is constantly talking to
her and distracting her from being able to
listen. After class, she asks the teacher if she
could move her to a different desk so that she
won’t be distracted by the other student.
Angela tells the teacher she really wants to do
well in the class and asks her how she can
improve her grades.
Angela
Angela is not doing well in her Spanish class.
She failed the last test, and the student who
sits next to her in class is constantly talking to
her and distracting her from being able to
listen. As the teacher is handing back their
quizzes, Angela says angrily, “I’m just not good
at Spanish. It’s boring. You make this class so
boring!” Her teacher stares at her and then
walks away.
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Chris
Chris and his girlfriend, Kate, have been dating
for 2 months. He really likes her a lot, but at
times she comes on too strong. She wants to
spend every afternoon and weekend with him,
but he needs some space for himself and his
friends too. He’s worried that if he tells her
this, she’ll be hurt and want to break up. One
afternoon, he tells her, “I feel bad when I
don’t get to spend time with my friends
shooting hoops. It would help if we could
spend Saturday afternoon together, but
Sunday is reserved for time with my boys.”
Kate nods and says, “I know what you mean, I
need time just with my girlfriends too.”
Chris
Chris and his girlfriend, Kate, have been dating
for 2 months. He really likes her a lot, but at
times she comes on too strong. She wants to
spend every afternoon and weekend with him,
but he needs some space for himself and his
friends too. He’s worried that if he tells her
this, she’ll be hurt and want to break up. One
afternoon he tells her, “Don’t you have any
other friends besides me? I feel like you’re
smothering me. My boys need me, you
understand don’t you?!” Kate is confused.
She feels hurt and doesn’t understand why all
of a sudden Chris doesn’t want to spend time
together.
Jasmine
Jasmine has been fighting with her Dad a lot
lately. When her Dad tells her she must finish
her homework before she can go out with
friends, she replies, “Whatever,” in a sarcastic
voice. She sees her Dad immediately start to
get angry. Jasmine decides to check her tone.
She says, “Sorry Dad. I know I need to finish it.
I’ll make sure it’s done.” Her Dad relaxes.
Jasmine
Jasmine has been fighting with her Dad a lot
lately. When her Dad tells her she must finish
her homework before she can go out with
friends, she replies, “Whatever,” in a sarcastic
voice. She sees her Dad immediately start to
get angry. Jasmine says, “You always try to
control me. I’m not stupid; I know how to
manage my own life.” Her Dad yells back,
“Don’t talk to me in that tone of voice. And,
you can forget going out tonight.”
Jonathan
Jonathan hates his English class. He thinks it’s
boring, and he isn’t doing very well in the
class. His teacher is giving out progress report
grades today. She calls Jonathan up to her
desk and tells him that he’s in danger of failing
her class. He looks her in the eye and says, “I
really want to do better, but I just don’t really
understand what we’re doing.” She gives him
a couple of suggestions, and he smiles.
Jonathan knows that with a tutor 3 days a
week, he’s going to improve his grade.
Jonathan
Jonathan hates his English class. He thinks it’s
boring, and he isn’t doing very well in the
class. His teacher is giving out progress report
grades today. She calls Jonathan up to her
desk and tells him that he’s in danger of failing
her class. He crosses his arms and looks down,
not making eye contact. When she asks him
why he’s not doing his homework, he shrugs
his shoulders. His teacher thinks he doesn’t
care about the class and doesn’t seem to want
to do better. She doesn’t offer any
suggestions.
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Alejandra
Alejandra is angry at her best friend, Jackie.
She’s mad because she wants to talk to Jackie,
and she can’t get a hold of her. Alejandra has
left messages and texted Jackie, who hasn’t
texted her back. When she sees Jackie next,
she notices she’s crying. Alejandra says,
“What’s wrong?” Jackie says, “My mom and I
got in a fight, and she suspended all my phone
privileges.” Alejandra thinks she knows what
happened and says, “So your mom took your
phone away?” Jackie nods and Alejandra no
longer feels mad since she’s cleared up the
misunderstanding.
Alejandra
Alejandra is angry at her best friend, Jackie.
She’s mad because she wants to talk to Jackie,
and she can’t get a hold of her. Alejandra has
left messages and texted Jackie, who hasn’t
texted her back. When she sees Jackie next,
she notices she’s crying. Alejandra says, “Why
won’t you answer my texts? I’ve been trying
to talk to you for days, and I can never get a
hold of you.” Jackie says, “You’re not the only
one with problems.” Alejandra blows up and
says, “I don’t know why I’m friends with you.
I’m always there for you, but you are never
around when I need you.” They both walk off,
angry and hurt by the other friend.
Mrs. Anderson
Mrs. Anderson is a Spanish teacher. Her
fourth period student, Daniel, is failing
Spanish. Often she notices him day dreaming
in class. She’s irritated that he would be so
disrespectful. Mrs. Anderson decides to talk
to Daniel after class. She asks him why he’s
gone from all A’s to failing. Daniel admits that
he isn’t getting much sleep. When she asks
him why, he tells her that his mother is in the
hospital, and he’s the only one that can take
care of his siblings at home. He’s so worried
about losing his mom that he has a hard time
concentrating on school. Mrs. Anderson asks
if he’d like to take an incomplete and re-do
class in the Spring. She realizes that she’s
misjudged him.
Mrs. Anderson
Mrs. Anderson is a Spanish teacher. Her
fourth period student, Daniel, is failing
Spanish. Often she notices him day dreaming
in class. She’s irritated that he would be so
disrespectful. Mrs. Anderson decides to talk
to Daniel after class. She tells him that he’s
failing her class. She says, “You had better get
your act together. Why don’t you care about
this class? Don’t you know it’s important?”
Daniel nods his head. He tells her that he will
try harder.
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Carrie
Carrie just found out that her boyfriend has
been cheating on her. She’s steaming mad.
He comes up to her after class. Carrie wants
to punch him in the face. She takes a deep
breath and tells him, “Back off. I know what
you did, and I deserve better. I don’t want to
talk to you right now.” She walks away and
knows that she needs a girlfriend’s shoulder to
cry on.
Carrie
Carrie just found out that her boyfriend has
been cheating on her. She’s steaming mad.
He comes up to her after class. Carrie wants
to punch him in the face. She’s normally not a
violent person, but something just comes over
her, and she smacks him. The vice principal
comes walking by at the time and pulls her off
of him. The VP escorts Carrie to his office and
threatens to suspend her. As she is walking
off, she sees her ex smiling.
Aaron
As Aaron is leaving for school this morning, his
Mom says, “I told you to wash those dishes,
and you didn’t do it. No basketball today;
come straight home to finish your chores.”
Aaron is irritated and thinks, “She doesn’t
appreciate anything I do. She thinks I’m her
personal maid.” Then, when he gets to class,
he realizes that because he woke up late, he
forgot to put his homework in his bag. He gets
even madder and thinks to himself, “That’s
just great. I always forget stuff at home. I’m
going to fail this class.” Just then, he realizes
that his thoughts and feelings are getting out
of control. Aaron reminds himself that he’s
doing fine in the class and that one missed
homework assignment is not going to affect
his grade very much.
Aaron
As Aaron is leaving for school this morning, his
Mom says, “I told you to wash those dishes,
and you didn’t do it. No basketball today;
come straight home to finish your chores.”
Aaron is irritated and thinks, “She doesn’t
appreciate anything I do. She thinks I’m her
personal maid.” Then, when he gets to class,
he realizes that because he woke up late, he
forget to put his homework in his bag. He gets
even madder and thinks to himself, “That’s
just great. I always forget stuff at home. I’m
going to fail this class.” When his teacher
comes around and asks for his homework he
blows up, “This class blows!” The teacher tells
him to head to the principal’s office.
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Erick
Erick is walking home from school with his
friend, Andrew. A guy from school
approaches from the other direction. He
pushes past and bumps Andrew’s shoulder
pretty hard. Andrew says, “What’s your
problem, man?” The other guy laughs and
says, “You think you’re tough #$@#%?” Erick
can see this is turning to a fight quickly. He
sees their friend, Anna, walking on the other
side of the street and says, “Hey man, there’s
Anna. She’s sweatin’ you.” Erick then grabs
Andrew’s arm and crosses the street towards
Anna.
Erick
Erick is walking home from school with his
friend, Andrew. A guy from school
approaches from the other direction. He
pushes past and bumps Andrew’s shoulder
pretty hard. Andrew says, “What’s your
problem, man?” The other guy laughs and
says, “You think you’re tough #$@#%?” Erick
can see this is turning to a fight quickly and
says to Andrew, “You gonna let him talk to you
like that?” Andrew throws down his bag and
so does the other guy. They get into a fight.
Lara
During lunch, Lara sees a girl from her English
class being made fun of. The girl is
overweight, and a boy across the table is
telling, “Yo mama is so fat...” jokes to the guys
around him. Lara can tell that the girl is trying
to play along, but is turning red and looks as if
she might cry. Lara walks over and says to the
boy, “Hope you’re not planning on comedy for
a career. No one thinks you’re funny.” She
takes the girl’s arm and walks out with her.
Lara
During lunch, Lara sees a girl from her English
class being made fun of. The girl is
overweight, and a boy across the table is
telling, “Yo mama is so fat...” jokes to the guys
around him. Lara can tell that the girl is trying
to play along, but is turning red and looks as if
she might cry. Lara doesn’t want to get
involved. She’s afraid that the boy will make
fun of her too. She walks away.
Oscar
Oscar likes to joke around with his friend,
Nancy, who sits next to him in class. He enjoys
teasing her about her taste in music, clothes
and high pitched laugh. Today he realizes he
may have gone too far. He got carried away
teasing her about the vein that pops out on
her forehead when she laughs. He notices
she’s not laughing at his jokes anymore. After
class as they’re packing up their books, Oscar
says, “Listen Nancy. I’m sorry. I took the joke
too far. I like joking with you, and I apologize
if I hurt your feelings.” Nancy smiles and looks
relieved. “It’s OK, I like joking with you too.”
Oscar
Oscar likes to joke around with his friend,
Nancy, who sits next to him in class. He enjoys
teasing her about her taste in music, clothes
and high pitched laugh. Today he realizes he
may have gone too far. He got carried away
teasing her about the vein that pops out on
her forehead when she laughs. He notices
she’s not laughing at his jokes anymore. After
class as they’re packing up their books, Oscar
says, “Don’t be so sensitive!” Nancy looks at
him and walks away. Oscar doesn’t get what
the big deal is.
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Nick
Nick’s Mom and Dad are divorced. His Dad
hasn’t been in his life for some time. Nick’s
Dad has recently begun visiting the family
again and has asked Nick to forgive him for
being absent in his life. Nick is very angry at
his Dad and wants to hurt his Dad the way that
his Dad has hurt him. However, he also wants
to have a relationship with his Dad and knows
that this could be an opportunity to build it.
He decides to take the risk. He tells his Dad
that he can slowly forgive him, but that it will
take some time to build back trust.
Nick
Nick’s Mom and Dad are divorced. His Dad
hasn’t been in his life for some time. Nick’s
Dad has recently begun visiting the family
again and has asked Nick to forgive him for
being absent in his life. Nick is very angry at
his Dad and wants to hurt his Dad the way that
his Dad has hurt him. He tells his Dad that he
doesn’t want anything to do with him. He
says, “I don’t consider you my Dad. You’ve
never been in my life, and you never will be.”
It seems safer to Nick to keep his Dad at a
distance.
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