Problem Solving maps are an essential tool that take abstract concepts (i.e., metacognitive/metalinguistic concepts) and puts them into concrete visuals (i.e., maps). They can be used to process real-life situations, or they can be used to process hypothetical situations with students independently, or in a group.

Students will be asked a variety of questions throughout the "mapping" process, including:

1. Describe the main problem

2. Who was impacted by this problem?

3. How could this problem impact them?

4. Rate the size of the problem

5. What is your body feeling? What zone are you in? What "emotion" words can you use to describe how you are feeling?

6. Describe a minimum of two thoughts you are thinking

7. How should you respond verbally/physically?

8. Rate the size of your reaction

9. Was your reaction equal to or smaller than the size of the problem?

10. How might your reactions cause others to feel? What might they be feeling or thinking?

11. Determine alternate solutions

12. Explain the pros/cons of each brainstormed solution

13. Determine the correct solution

14. Identify other choices that could have been made