Size of the Problem Sorting Cards: 36 Cards and Sort Headers, High School

Some kids react to a broken pencil the same way they would react to a fire alarm. Sorting problems by size on a calm day gives them a way to check themselves when it counts.

What's included:

• Small, medium, and big sorting headers with what each size usually needs

• 36 problem cards from school and home

• A "match my reaction" page

• "Talk about it" questions

• Blank cards for your students' real problems

How I'd use it:

Sort on a calm day so the skill is there on a hard one. Let kids argue about where a card goes, because that is the good part. Add their own problems on the blank cards. Point to the headers later instead of giving a speech.

The problem cards use everyday situations kids recognize: a broken pencil, losing a game, someone taking your seat, a mean word, a tablet that died. The headers explain what each size usually needs, from a deep breath to getting a grown up right away. Use the blank cards for your class's real problems. Kids buy in faster when the problems are theirs. The "match my reaction" page asks kids to pick a reaction that fits each size, which is the real skill. Sorting is easy. Matching your reaction to the problem in the moment is the hard part, and practice on a calm day is how it gets easier.

Who it's for: Teachers, counselors, families, and students. Grades K 6.

What you download: one printable PDF, 3 pages, US Letter.

Made by Jeremy D. Gooch, special education teacher and transition coordinator. Drafting and layout had AI assistance; every page was checked by me.