Author, Speaker and Educational Consultant Dr. Michele Borba

Problem Solving: Helping Kids Develop Brainstorming Techniques
by Michele Borba, Ed.D.

Author of Esteem Builders: A K-8 Self Esteem Curriculum for Improving Student Achievement Behavior and School Climate

Brainstorming is a way of finding possible solutions to problems. In brainstorming, you let your imagination flow. You try to come up with as many ideas as possible in a short time.

Wild ideas count - let your creativity go!
No criticism or evaluation of ideas.
It's okay to add on to someone else's idea.

First, list some problems you'd like to consider.

Pick one of the above problems and brainstorm solutions to it.

PROBLEM:

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS	I'd Consider	Won't Consider	Rank Order
1.	a	a	a
2.	a	a	a
3.	a	a	a
4.	a	a	a
5.	a	a	a
6.	a	a	a
7.	a	a	a
8.	a	a	a

Now, go back and check which possible solutions you'd consider doing. Rank order only the ones you'd really do something about and mark them in order of your first, second and third choice.

Dr. Michele Borba is an educational consultant and author who has conducted parent and teacher seminars to over half a million participants. Her latest book is Building Moral Intelligence: The Seven Essential Virtues that Teach Kids to Do the Right Thing (Jossey Bass Publishers). Information on her publications and seminars can be accessed through her Web site, www.moralintelligence.com.

© 1989 by Michele Borba. Esteem Builders, Jalmar Press. Please contact for permission to reprint.