As part of a recent lesson, Shipley first graders shared problems they've encountered and how they solved them. These are their tips!
1. Practice Makes Perfect
In dance class, I have a difficult dance move that I must learn. I have to go the opposite way as the other lines. I solved my problem by practicing a lot. My problem is teaching me to work hard and never give up!
2. All Tied Up
My problem is I don’t know how to tie my shoes. I must learn how to tie my shoes. I am going to solve my problem by asking my parents to teach me how to tie my shoes. My problem teaches me to ask for help and try my best.
3. Work Hard, Play Hard
My problem was learning how to read musical notes without numbers when I play my instrument. I solved my problem by practicing. My problem taught me to work hard and never give up.
4. Taking Turns
My sisters and I were arguing about my necklace. They wanted my necklace. I solved the problem by saying that we should take turns wearing the necklace. I learned to work things out calmly and together.
5. Copy Cat
My problem was that I had to share a picture. I made a drawing. Tia asked for it. I said yes. Then Chloe asked for it. I solved the problem by making copies of the picture for both girls. I learned to be creative and ask a grown-up for help.
6. Ask and You Shall Receive
My problem was I wanted a play date with my friend but she lives really far away. I solved my problem by asking my parents if I could have a play date with her. They said yes. They would drive me. I learned that nothing is impossible. All you have to do is ask nicely.
7. Never Give Up
My problem was I went ice skating and at first it was so hard. 
Then it got easier and easier. I learned to keep trying and never give up. I love ice skating!
8. Marley & Me
I was playing with my dog. The laundry room door was open. Marley went into the laundry room and took a dirty sock. I couldn’t catch Marley. I couldn’t get the sock! I solved the problem by getting my dad to help me. He caught Marley and got the sock. My problem taught me to always close the laundry room door and not to be afraid to ask for help!
9. Everything in Its Place
My problem was I couldn’t find my Junior Post Office badge. It was very important to me. I solved my problem by asking a grown-up to help me find it. It worked! I found it. It was in a book. I learned that I should keep it in a special place.
10. Working on Working Together
My problem was I wanted to play a Lego game, but my brother was already playing the game that I wanted to play and he would not share. I solved my problem by talking to Sean and asking him to share and play together. I learned to work things out and work together with Sean.
11. Never Give Up
I want to take cello lessons. I can solve my problem by asking my parents about it. Hopefully they will say yes! My problem is teaching me to work things out and never give up.
12. Plan Ahead
I was biking. I came to a dead end. I didn’t know what to do. I solved my problem by dragging my bike to the nearest road so that I could see where to go. My problem taught me to plan my route before riding my bike.
13. Asking for Help
My sister and I had an argument. I was watching TV. I picked up the remote. All of a sudden…my sister started to shout, “Ben! I want the remote!” I solved my problem by asking for my mom’s help. I learned that it’s a good idea to ask a grown-up for help if I can’t figure it out on my own.
14. Making Choices
My problem was that there were two classes that I wanted to take on Friday at the same time. There is dance class and chess club. I solved my problem by choosing the class that I liked best. I chose dance. My problem taught me that sometimes you have to make a hard decision.
15. Scheduling
I have two classes after school on the same day and had no time to eat dinner. The classes were Pokémon club and karate class. And in karate, it was my favorite night, sparring night. I solved my problem by eating dinner in the car between both events. It taught me to think. And work stuff out with my parents. I was able to go to both classes! And eat dinner!
