Got a Problem? Solve It!

This thoroughly charming self-help tape for children in grades 2-4 has good advice for anyone needing to improve their problem-solving skills. "Super-Heroine Super Solver," an eighth grader, helps out her younger charges by teaching them five important problem-solving steps: stop and think, brainstorm for solutions, consider what would happen with each one, choose the best, and try it out. Not all of the situations presented offer easy solutions, as in the case where a girl has to work mowing lawns to make up the money she owes a friend after losing the friend's walkie talkies. The teacher's guide is truly outstanding, complete with bulletin board ideas, guidelines for discussions, related activities with age appropriateness indicated, and a bibliography for further reading. The only flaw in this otherwise super presentation is the scripted remark in two different skits that "[So-and-so] will KILL me!" Using that level of hyperbole, even in pretend is not desirable. Having children realize that their mother will NOT kill them because they accidentally broke five eggs might be the first step in problem solving before looking at the other five. Otherwise, this is highly recommended. Aud: E, I. (R. Reagan)