National Read A Book Day is such a great day to read with your kids--- what an opportunity to share that reading is so special it has a National Day! Kobi Yamada's book (click to purchase) What Do You Do With A Problem offers another great learning opportunity while you read... instilling problem solving skills. Of course such skills take much practice and repeated opportunity to truly build the tools, but a simple effort as parents to have communication about the subject over a great book, will certainly get the ball rolling in the right direction! Partnered with an educator's focus (achieved most successfully through SEL-social emotional learning strategies), on this very important skill set for your child to thrive in school, career and life will gain your little one a mark in the required skill set list of those prepared for the workforce of the future.

In fact, nationally representative surveys in the United States show that over half of manufacturers and business CEOs have serious problems finding workers with the skills they need for workplace success. According to them, the number one skills deficiency is problem solving. (CASEL & Committee For Children Congressional Brief 2016). Just another reason why social emotional learning  and workforce skills should be prioritized in education, communities and at home. 

Some Discussion Tips we use while reading, What Do You Do With A Problem:

1. Did you notice how the little boy didn't really know how his problem came, just that it was there? Sometimes life is like that, handing us problems to solve.
2. How does it make you feel when you have a problem? How do you usually try to solve them?
3. Sometimes our problems can't be solved with our most ideal solution, but there is always a way to come back to center when we have to face a problem and find a solution that will work.
4. I will be here to answer any questions you have when you have problems to solve. But if you have to solve them on your own, I've found that pausing, taking some deep breathes, then listening to my inner voice before acting really helps me make GOOD CHOICES.

Read the full congressional briefing by CASEL and the Committee For Children, information that will aid all parents and educators to help our children thrive in life, learning and the future workforce.