3.4 Problem solving

Life orientation

Grade 6

Personal development

Module 14

Problem solving

This is a fun exercise where learners can also put their talent for art and drama to good use.

Activity 1:

To present a puppet show on problem solving

[lo 3.6]

Group Assignment

Each group presents a puppet show to the rest of the class. Puppets are easy to make by painting a face on an old sock, using fabric paint or Koki pens. Add ears, some hair or a hat by sewing these onto the sock. Basic items of clothing such as a tie or cape could be tied around or sewn onto the “neck”. A big cardboard box makes a fine puppet theatre and stage. Curtains could also be added. Be creative!

Learners will need preparation time for bringing items from home, and perhaps re-reading the story.

Remember:

In each group there is a narrator to tell the story. The other characters are also allowed to speak or produce sounds. At the end of the show the narrator explains the “moral” of the story to the audience. The narrator must highlight the problem and how it had been solved. Commentary on whether the story characters managed to deal with the issue effectively or not, could serve an excellent purpose.

Each group draws one “story” from the paper bag:

• The Seven Kids and the Wolf
• Red Riding Hood
• Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
• The Three Little Pigs
• Goldilocks and the Three Bears
• Cinderella
• Sleeping Beauty

• Jack and the Beanstalk

The teacher might even want to use different stories. African and other legends could work equally well.

Assessment