A lesson plan on problems and solutions in short nonfiction texts for grades six, seven, and eight English learners that can be adapted for students of all strata.

1. Problem and Solution
An Introduction
RRMS / ESOL Concepts / 1st Period

2. 1.
Warm - Up
[10 min. 08:15 - 08:25]

3. Bell Ringer Journal
How has the Internet
changed dating? Explain.
Write at least 6 sentences
and review your grammar.

4. 2.
Schedule
[1 min. 08:25 - 08:26]

5. MON. 11th FEB.
Snow Day
TUES. 12th FEB.
Compare and Contrast: Key Words and Phrases
WED. 13th FEB.
Compare and Contrast: Reading and Writing
THURS. 14th FEB.
Problem and Solution: An Introduction
FRI. 15th FEB.
Problem and Solution: Reading and Writing
Schedule

6. 3.
Objective(s)
[2 min. 8:26 - 8:28]

7. Concept Objective(s):
Today, we will identify and evaluate
the problem and the solution within
short nonfiction texts by …
Standards:
CCSS.ELA-LR & W 6.9, 7.9, 8.9
VA SOL 6.6(f)(g), 7.6(b), 8.6(a)

8. Language Objective(s):
... exploring a scenario within a mix-pair-share exercise,
commenting on the scenario with a partner, diagramming
nonfiction texts, and by concentrating on
the message of a video.
Standards:
CCSS.ELA-LR & W 6.9, 7.9, 8.9
VA SOL 6.6(f)(g), 7.6(b), 8.6(a)

9. 5.
Activation
[3 min. 8:28 - 8:31]

10. Mix – Pair – Share
Stand up. Walk around the room.
When, I call “freeze”, stop. Give the person closest to you a high-five.
This is your partner.
I will give you a problem. Read it together with your partner aloud.
Raise your hand when you are finished.
Then think of two solutions to the problem. Share with your partner.
Write down your solution on an index card.

11. The
Problem
You have been waiting all day
for lunch to come
because you are starving.
Finally class is finished,
and you get to go to lunch.
Except when you go
to get your lunch, it's not there.
You probably left it at home.
What could you do?

12. What’s a
Solution?
Share your solutions
with the class.

13. 6.
Presentation
[9 min 8:31 - 8:40]

14. What Is…?
Listen to the video
and ask yourself,
“What is a problem?”
“What is a solution?”
“How do problems
and solutions relate?”

15. What’s
Your Problem!
“Houston, we’ve had a problem!” –
James Lovell, Apollo 13 Moon Flight
A problem is an event or situation that
is unwanted or undesirable. It might be
harmful. It certainly needs to be dealt
with right away. People often ignore them
hoping they will go away. They never do.
Some problems are obstacles.
They can be overcome.

16. Every Problem
Has a Solution!
“It’s all in the way you look at things.” – modern proverb
A solution is one or more actions
taken to correct a problem. We are
tempted to look for the quick fix, but
solutions require creative thinking
and much effort. Whatever you do,
do not ignore a problem. They grow when
no one is looking. Ask for help. Get more
information and a positive perspective.

17. 6.
Practice
[10 min 8:40 – 8:50]

18. Heavy rains
Heavy rains can cause flooding in small streams.
For weather forecasters and local authorities,
this flooding can be difficult to predict.
Fortunately, the United States Geological Survey
(USGS) has more than 7,000 stream gages that
measure water flow. These stream gages help
scientists to monitor water levels
in good and bad weather.

19. 8.
Production
[10 min. 8:50 - 9:00]

20. Stinkbugs
Brown marmorated stinkbugs have caused
many problems since they were accidentally
introduced into North America. They damage fruit,
bother people, and harm crops. Scientists are trying
to find a solution. One promising possibility is a
species of wasp that originates from Asia.
This wasp is a predator of stinkbugs. Scientists
hope that this wasp will solve the stinkbug problem.

21. 9.
Assessment
[10 min. 9:00 - 9:10]

22. Test Your
Knowledge
Complete the Exit Ticket.

23. 10.
Closure
[8 min. 9:05 - 9:13]

24. What Did
You Learn?
1. What is a problem?
2. What is a solution?
3. How does a problem and solution relate?