A Schoolwide Conflict Resolution System That Reduces Disruptions and Strengthens Emotional Regulation
Thinking Mats is a structured social-emotional learning (SEL) and behavior support tool designed to help elementary schools reduce peer conflict, support all 3 tiers of MTSS implementation, and empower students with a simple, repeatable problem-solving process.
Used in classrooms, on the playground, and in Expanded Learning programs, Thinking Mats give students the language and structure to help solve problems independently.
Schools implementing Thinking Mats use a consistent, structured conflict resolution process that supports measurable behavior goals across campus.
Thinking Mats helps schools:
Reduce repeated peer conflicts by teaching a repeatable problem-solving framework Decrease classroom disruptions by strengthening emotional regulation skills Support Tier 1 universal behavior expectations with consistent language Provide a Tier 2 and 3 intervention structure for students who need additional small-group or one-on-one support Reinforce restorative practices during real-time conflict Increase student accountability and independence
Because the process is visual, structured, and consistent across settings, students build the skills needed to:
• Identify emotions accurately
• Communicate respectfully
• Generate solutions
• Take responsibility
• Repair relationships
It is a daily-use implementation tool that strengthens the systems your school already has in place.
Problem Solving Mats are a visual and physical guide to help kids process their feelings, practice solution-based thinking. It supports teachers’ classroom management, counselor interventions, speech and language development, and yard duty at recess time.
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The Problem Solving Mat is a designated place in the classroom for students to work out their differences. It gives students a space that can help guide them as they are learning to develop their own voice with one another.
This 3-step structured process is simple to implement and is aligned with all 5 SEL Frameworks of CASEL. These mats put any learning into practice so kids can put work into play!
Check out the 2-minute video and see just how the Problem Solving Mat works.
The classroom tool creates a sense of belonging right from the start. It allows children to connect and build healthy relationships with one another. It turns problems into teachable moments.
Thinking Mats provide:
No guessing. No inconsistency. Just a simple, shared approach.
It’s a real game-changer for all of us!
The Problem Solving Mat creates a designated place in homes for sibling-to-sibling, parent-to-child, or parent-to-parent interactions. Families can come together to find solutions. Families will be able to internalize learning and build coping skills.
The best part is that kids love it because it helps them feel heard.
Place your mat in an area that will be designated as your classroom Problem Solving space. This will allow your students to have access to the mat anytime a conflict arises for their self directed use. Once the mat is integrated into the class, the goal is for students to use it with little to no teacher direction.
(Your mat should be unrolled left out at all times so your students can easily access it. )
Take some time as a whole class to teach the Problem Solving process below. This will encourage students to use the mat independently amongst their peers.
Each student will take a turn stating what they believed happened. Once each child is able to say their side of the story, they will step over to the heart square titled
In this step they will get to share their feelings. They can do this by pointing at the colorful emojis or stating how the situation made them feel.
Lastly, they will make their way over to step 3 the light bulb step. This is where they will work together to come up with a solution to their problem that they both agree on. Once they’ve done that, they have both solved their problem by working together.
