Mrs T's Musings

Problem-solving is such an essential skill for children to learn, as it is relevant to so many areas of life. It is often taught within the context of mathematics, although I don’t believe that it should only be taught in that context. If you are a teacher or a parent, you may be wondering how you can approach teaching your children problem-solving skills. Below is a list of ideas that can help you get started.

Boost Problem-solving Skills with Vocabulary Lists

I have talked about how much vocabulary matters when teaching grammar in a previous post, but what does vocabulary have to do with problem-solving, especially during mathematics? Well, one of the first steps in becoming confident with solving a problem is understanding the problem itself.

The image below shows an example of a page of vocabulary words related to maths. Before showing children any maths problems, I would use this page to talk through each word, going through the relevant definitions. This helps them to better understand the problems, and hence feel more confident in finding solutions.

Set a Problem-Solving Challenge

Setting challenges is a great strategy to use to build problem-solving skills in any subject area. Using open-ended questions, like the examples in the image below, allows children to work at their own pace and encourages them to persist with the task to find as many solutions as they can. You can find your own copy of the resource pictured, along with a selection of other maths challenges here.

Make Problem-Solving Interactive

Giving children the opportunity to solve problems through ‘hands on’ activities is a great way to keep them engaged. It also helps them to visualise the scenario. For older children, try letting them do a science experiment or deconstruct something to see how it works. For younger children, it can be as simple as asking them to work out how to equally share some objects amongst their teddies. Alternatively, you can use this ready-made printable version of the ‘bear and lollipop’ task.

Try Fun Logic Puzzles

Logic puzzles are so valuable for developing problem-solving skills, but unfortunately, they don’t seem to be used in teaching very often. A logic puzzle involves using rational reasoning and deduction to figure out the most logical solution to a problem. In these simplified logic puzzles, for example, children are given a set of numbers and need to figure out where they would most logically fit into the story. These sorts of tasks work well as they allow children to start at any point and slowly work through to the end at their own pace. 

Connect Problem-Solving to Real-Life Situations

If you want your children to take an interest in problem-solving, then it helps to relate things to experiences they will have in the real world. For example, try asking them to help you solve a problem with a recipe. You could ask them to help you work out how much of each ingredient you will need for a batch of vanilla cupcakes if you want to double the recipe. Then, of course, you can try making the cupcakes with the adjusted measurements. Children will feel successful when they can see that their calculations were correct based on the way the cakes turned out!

If you want to try this activity, I have a set of maths resources involving recipes that you can find here.

Resolve Magical and Fantastical Scenarios

If you’ve already tried using real-life problem-solving situations, it might be time to create some imaginative ones. Creating fantastical problem scenarios for kids to solve helps them to dive deep into their critical thinking and practise problem-solving skills without any real time pressure or discomfort. The low stakes can even make them think outside the box more rather than simply going with the easiest, most comfortable option they can think of.

Here’s an example of a scenario you could give your kids to problem solve: Imagine you are stranded on a desert island. Plan how you would escape the island if all you had with you were the items that are currently in your schoolbag.

This problem-solving scenario is one of the activities included in the Decision Making Choice Board pictured below. Click here to view all of the Social Emotional Learning Choice Boards available in my store.

Use Technology

Do you know what activity involves a ton of problem-solving? Coding! Coding is a valuable skill to learn today in and of itself, but it can also help to encourage the development of problem-solving skills in general. Hour of Code is just one of the many websites now available to introduce children to coding, and from my experience kids are so engaged in these types of activities! 

Play Chess

Let’s say you’ve been working on problem-solving all day and it’s time for everyone to take a break. What should you do? Why not play chess? Chess is a complex problem-solving strategy challenge in the form of a game. So next time you have a games night – bring out the chess board and allow your children to keep those problem-solving skills strong. 

I hope these tips help you to solve the problem of how to teach problem-solving skills to your children! Use the links to buy your own copies of the resources I’ve referenced.

Have a question or a request? You can contact me at blueskydesignsbymrst@gmail.com.