United South Central School District

Our third-grade students had an engaging and insightful session with our school counselor, Mr. Wimmer. Together, they explored the differences between "rock problems" and "pipe cleaner problems" as part of their social-emotional learning. Through thoughtful discussions, students learned to identify problems that are large, fixed, and unchangeable, like a rock, and those that are smaller, flexible, and solvable, like a pipe cleaner. They also practiced strategies for tackling each type of challenge by using "I" messages for pipe cleaner problems and when to ask an adult to help with rock problems, equipping them with valuable tools for problem-solving both in school and in life.