THINK
Problem-Solving with Tasks
With hints and guidance, preschoolers can learn to solve challenging problems on their own
At A Glance
There are many skills involved in being an effective problem-solver. Children must analyze a problem, come up with creative solutions, and try them out until they are successful. For example, a child may be building a bridge with blocks. They will stack and re-stack blocks each time they fall until they figure out how to balance them just right!
While it’s important that children see adults as a resource during challenging tasks, it’s also important that we do not solve the problem for children. We can help preschoolers develop problem-solving skills by encouraging them to think deeply and creatively and by providing intentional, but minimal, support so they can solve problems as independently as possible.
What It Looks Like
A quick glance at ways you can support preschoolers' problem-solving skills
Acknowledge Effort
Applaud and highlight children’s problem-solving skills, like this educator does when a child figures out she can use two triangles to make a square. Comments like this encourage children to be persistent and creative thinkers.
Encourage Brainstorming
Make comments and ask questions that prompt children to brainstorm new ideas and solutions. Notice how this educator invites children to think by saying, “I wonder what we could do.”
Ask Open-Ended Questions
Encourage children to think flexibly as they encounter problems. Note how this educator’s comments and open-ended questions get children to think about different ways to make the water move.
SUPPORTING THINKING SKILLS THROUGH BOOKS
Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao
SUPPORTING THINKING SKILLS THROUGH BOOKS
Saturday
TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE
Childhood Resilience
FAMILY CONNECTION
Problem-Solving at Home
CONSIDERING EQUITY
We Are Engineers!
This article from NAEYC promotes inclusive teaching and learning using the Engineering Design Process – a series of steps that engineers use to find a solution to a problem.
Activity Cards for Preschool Classrooms
Part of the STREAMin3 curriculum, these activity cards provide simple and fun ways to support children's problem-solving skills
Build It
Prompt children to complete building challenges, like building a long bridge or a home for animals of different shapes and sizes.
Follow the Code
Encourage children to follow arrow cards to get from one place to another as they pretend to be a robot.
Let's Solve It
Let children help you solve a problem like organizing a messy corner of the classroom or finding a missing item.
Make a Maze
Encourage children to go through a maze and try different paths to get from one side to another.
Get Our Resource Guide
Includes questions and activities to guide your use of the videos, book suggestions, and activity cards featured for each of the Core Skills
