Problem and Solution Anchor Chart and Activities

Problem and Solution Anchor Chart

Time-Saving Tips for Creating Anchor Charts

Students use this anchor chart as a quick reference for the definition and signal words. Here are five tips to create it faster:

Print clipart from your favorite artist and cut about half an inch outside the lines — on white flipchart paper, no one notices the extra white space.
Outline pictures with bold markers and color with crayons rather than markers — crayons are easier to control and don't streak.
Make a quick sketch first. It's frustrating to be halfway done and realize you can't fit a key rule or example on the chart.
Use lined flipchart paper — counting lines helps you plan sections quickly.
Print blacklined clipart and place it under the page to trace — the lines show through well enough to copy.

Signal Words

the problem is the solution is one answer is a solution resolved solved in order to

Teaching Problem and Solution

Problem Solution Text Structure Blog Post

Problem-Solution Text Structure — Video Lesson

A video lesson teaching students to identify problems and solutions in various texts, with a blog post covering strategies, activities, and a downloadable handout.

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Using Animated Shorts

The animated short Taking the Plunge provides compelling problem-and-solution situations. Includes graphic organizer handouts to help students think critically about what they watch.

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Teaching Problem and Solution with Songs

Teaching with Songs

The final post in a four-part series on text structures with music. Includes song suggestions and printable organizers covering all four text structures in the series.

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Teaching Writing with Animated Shorts

The creative short film On the Same Page follows a news reporter who finds himself on a surprise adventure. Students use a graphic organizer to track the film's problem-and-solution structure.

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Real-World Writing Project: Create a Problem-Solution Guide

Ask students to create a guide or pamphlet that outlines steps to identify and solve a real-world problem — combining writing and design skills in an authentic, meaningful task. Here are eight high-interest topics to get started:

Combating Climate Change — strategies for global cooperation
Addressing Ocean Pollution — innovative methods to reduce plastic waste and protect marine ecosystems
Deforestation — reforestation and sustainable forestry practices
Urban Air Pollution — policy changes and technology for cleaner cities
Endangered Species — conservation strategies for animals and habitats
Plastic Waste Management — creative ways to reduce pollution and promote recycling
Sustainable Agriculture — methods for responsible food production and distribution
Renewable Energy — strategies to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels

Exemplary Picture Books for Teaching Problem and Solution

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires — a girl faces many challenges in her attempt to make something magnificent. A great model of perseverance and iterative problem-solving.
Enemy Pie by Derek Munson — a boy learns to deal with his enemy with help from his dad's secret "enemy pie" recipe. A story about friendship and conflict resolution.
The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds — a girl discovers the power of creativity and problem-solving from a single dot. Excellent for inspiring students to think outside the box.
Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts — a boy learns to prioritize the needs of others over his own desires, exploring empathy and real-life problem-solving.
A Bike Like Sergio's by Maribeth Boelts — a boy faces a moral dilemma when he finds money to buy the bike he's always wanted. A story about honesty and making difficult choices.
What Do You Do with a Problem? by Kobi Yamada — embracing problems as opportunities for growth. A great way to encourage a positive mindset toward challenges.
The Warlord's Puzzle by Virginia Pilegard — a young Chinese boy uses math skills to solve a puzzle for a warlord. Problem-solving in a rich historical context.

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Problem and Solution Text Structure — Lessons & Activities

Step-by-step lessons help students learn the process of writing effective problem-solution essays, with a wide variety of engaging activities for both fiction and nonfiction texts.

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Problem & Solution

Anchor Chart, Activities & Resources