Thought Box

The Thought Box is a place where you can anonymously share any problems that you are struggling to solve, and we can work together as a class to problem-solve and brainstorm solutions to challenges at school.

1. Set norms for what kind of challenges should be submitted. You can get more specific if there is something your class particularly struggles with. (e.g., arguing during lunch, getting off task during math, issues with friends, etc.)
2. Ask students to write down and submit any issues they are struggling with to the Thought Box. Assure them that their names will stay anonymous in the class conversation. Let them know that if there is any indicator that someone might get hurt, you might have to share the information with other adults for safety reasons.
3. Pre-select one of the issues from the Thought Box that feels particularly relevant or pressing and present it to the class by either reading it out loud or putting it up on the board. Make sure to de-identify any names or specific descriptions to preserve the anonymity of any students mentioned.
4. Open up a class conversation that allows students to brainstorm ideas-featuring different SEL strategies they have learned-to mitigate or solve the problem.

• Was it easy or hard to think of challenges? Why?
• Was it easy or hard to brainstorm solutions? Why?
• What sills or strategies did you use to brainstorm solutions?
• What are some other times when you have to ask for help with a problem, or work as a team to solve a problem?

For primary school students:

• Invite students to discuss and act out ways to solve problems in pairs or teams.
• Instead of writing, students can draw images that represent the conflicts. As younger students develop their writing skills, encourage students to label parts of their drawing.

For students in grades 5-6:

• Older students may feel hesitant about writing about personal challenges. Model problem-solving solutions to challenges which impact many students across the classroom or school. For example, students could share ideas to help decide where to sit in the lunchroom. As the year progresses and as trust builds within the community, students may feel more confident sharing their own challenges.