I Can Problem Solve [ICPS], Intermediate Elementary Grades : An Interpersonal Cognitive Problem-Solving Program

The award-winning, evidence-based violence prevention and intervention program for children. I Can Problem Solve (ICPS) is a universal school-based program designed to enhance the interpersonal cognitive processes and problem-solving skills of children in preschool through grade 6. Developed by Myrna B. Shure for three age groups and supported by 25 years of meticulous research, ICPS is proven to prevent and reduce early high-risk behaviors such as impulsivity and social withdrawal and to promote prosocial behaviors such as concern for others and positive peer relationships. ICPS for Intermediate Elementary GradesStructured Lessons: A total of 77 lessons, each with an easy-to-follow teacher script, guide children’s learning of essential ICPS vocabulary and concepts and problem-solving skills (alternative solutions, consequences, solution-consequence pairs, means-end thinking). Interaction in the Classroom: Teachers and students learn a whole new way to communicate, using ICPS dialoging, a special technique of problem-solving talk.

The result is an improved classroom climate with less conflict and more cooperation. Integration into the Curriculum: Children practice ICPS problem-solving concepts as they work on math, reading, science, social studies, and other academic subjects. Lessons speak to children on their own level, using games, stories, puppets, illustrations, and role-plays.

A key program principle is that the child, not the teacher, must solve the problem at hand.

In other words, ICPS teaches children how to think, not what to think.