Gretchen CarlsonWhen I was in middle grade, I begged to have my ears pierced. My parents’ response? No.
But I didn’t drop the issue and continued to question: Why not?
“Problem-solving and thinking develop a lot during the middle grade years,” blogs Amanda Morin, author and educator. As a result, middle graders begin to question authority. It’s a normal part of the maturing process.
Tired of my badgering, my parents gave me an assignment. Write a paper on the pros and cons of pierced ears. It was the first time I remember having to analyze and use critical judgment for something that was important to me. I worked hard on the paper.
The Other Side of Freedom is a perfect book for discussing problem solving with middle graders and young teens. This coming-of-age story centers around Sal Scaviano and the difficult choices he faces when mobsters threaten his father and uncle, and his family is changed forever.
Middle graders enjoy talking about “what if” scenarios and imagining themselves as characters. Discuss the difficult situations Sal must handle. Talk through Sal’s choices. Should Sal obey his father and keep a secret or tell the police? Why?
There are many facets to problem solving, but understanding these basic steps will help your middle grader deepen this life skill. Apply these steps to the Sal’s actions and choices.
- Define the problem.
- Gather information.
- Think of possible solutions.
- Evaluate which is best.
My parents read my paper and allowed me to get my ears pierced. It was a hard-earned victory, and it deepened my awareness of the pros and cons of choices. It was another step towards maturity in problem-solving and decision making.
If you’re a busy parent who doesn’t have time to read all your middle grader’s books, there are questions at the end of The Other Side of Freedom to help you discuss the book. Plus, you and/or your middle grader can interact with the author and other readers throughout May at the Story Teller Squad book club this month.
Books are crucial to helping your middle grader their deepen problem-solving skills. And it’s far more fun to read, than write a pro and con paper.
We’d love to hear from you!
Gretchen Carlson website: http://gretchen-carlson.com email: carlsons@gmail.com
Candice Yamnitz
Kristen Gwen
Gosh! My parents didn’t allow me to pierce my ears until age sixteen. Wish I’d had your four-step list to problem solving back then!
Isn’t it interesting how children through the teen years can’t wait to grow up? Then as adults we don’t want to get older.
Great insight! I love the way you took problem-solving skills from your past and created a how-to list for parents.
Too often I learn by the method of making mistakes! But the topic of problem-solving skills is fascinating to read about. Thanks for your comment.
Great post! I apply that four-step method as an adult. It never fails when I take the time to use it.
I agree. It’s too easy to jump for quick solutions which aren’t always the best. Again – we love your book!