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Mastery Motivation: Persistence and Problem Solving in Preschool

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Mastery motivation is persistence—continuing to do or to try to do something that is difficult—at mastering challenging tasks or activities.

Problem solving is natural for preschoolers. As teachers know, everyday routines can bring difficult challenges, like learning how to zip up a coat or ask for help before frustration sets in. Each challenge builds children’s skills in different areas of development: language, social and emotional, cognitive, and physical. But sometimes a problem can seem too challenging.

You may have seen this scenario play out in your classroom: Two preschoolers are trying to solve the same puzzle. Both make a mistake, but while one child gives up, the other child keeps trying different ways to solve the puzzle. Early childhood researchers call this persistence at mastering challenging tasks  mastery motivation , and it plays a key role in children’s learning and in their later academic achievement. Early childhood teachers are in a great position to help children foster this important skill.

Here are five ways to support mastery motivation:

• Provide lots of different types of challenging activities, like math games that have more than one way to solve a problem.
• Support children’s independence and let them make their own choices in activities or during play.
• Try to resist the urge to fix the problem—it can take away children’s sense that they are capable problem solvers.
• Do provide gentle guidance when frustration starts to set in, such as holding the puzzle board steady while a child adds a puzzle piece or offering a well-timed, “What if you turned that piece the other way?”
• Give children positive feedback by praising the problem-solving process and encouraging them to keep trying.

We know that children who are not provided with challenging activities or who receive negative or harsh feedback tend to show less mastery motivation. The same holds true for children receiving praise like “You’re so smart” and children whose environment is overly controlling.

When teachers appreciate children’s efforts, children learn that working hard and persisting are positive behaviors. As children grow, they will face more and more difficult problems. They need to know that it’s okay to struggle—it’s part of the learning process.

Photo © EDC

Jessica Mercer Young  is a research scientist and developmental and educational psychologist specializing in early learning at Education Development Center.

Kristen E. Reed,  project director at EDC, has worked as a teacher, curriculum developer, professional development facilitator, and researcher. For more ways to make math engaging, challenging, and fun, visit ym.edc.org .  [email protected]

Vol. 11, No. 1

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Importance of Problem Solving Skills  and How to Nurture them in your Child

We all face problems on a daily basis. You, me—our kids aren’t even exempted. Across all different age groups, there rarely is a day when we don’t experience them.

Teaching our kids to develop resilience can help as they face these challenges. Practical problem solving skills are just as necessary to teach our kids. The methods needed to resolve problems may require other skills such as creativity, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, teamwork, decision making, etc.

Unlike with math problems, life doesn’t just come with one formula or guidebook that’s applicable to solve every little problem we face. Being adaptable to various situations is important. So is nurturing problem solving skills in your child. 

Here we’ll take a look at the importance of problem solving skills and some ways to nurture them in your child. 

Why do we need problem-solving skills?

One thing that always comes up when we speak of problem-solving skills are the benefits for one’s mental health .

Problems are often complex. This means that problem solving skills aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution to all problems.

Strengthening and nurturing this set of skills helps children cope with challenges as they come. They can face and resolve a wider variety of problems with efficiency and without resulting in a breakdown.

This will help develop your child’s independence, allowing for them to grow into confident, responsible adults. 

Another importance of problem-solving skills is its impact on relationships . Whether they be friendships, family, or business relationships, poor problem solving skills may result in relationships breaking apart.

Being able to get to the bottom of a problem and find solutions together, with all the parties involved, helps keep relationships intact and eliminate conflicts as they arise. Being adept at this skill may even help strengthen and deepen relationships.

What steps can you take to nurture your child’s problem-solving skills?

Nurturing problem-solving skills in your child requires more than just focusing on the big picture and laying out steps to resolve problems. It requires that you teach them to find and focus on a problem’s essential components.

This may challenge your child’s critical thinking and creativity, among other things. 

Critical Thinking

This refers to the ability of breaking down a complex problem and analyzing its component parts.

The ability to do that will make it easier to come up with logical solutions to almost any problem. Being able to sort through and organize that pile of smaller chunks of information helps them face problems with ease. It also prevents your child from feeling overwhelmed when a huge barrier is laid out in front of them. 

Help your child practice critical thinking by asking them questions. Open-ended questions specifically help them think outside the box and analyze the situation.

Teach them to look into possible reasons why something is the way it is. Why is the sky blue? Why are plants green? Encourage them to be curious and ask questions themselves. 

Creative thinking is being able to look at different possible reasons and solutions in the context of problem-solving. It’s coming up with ideas and finding new ways of getting around a problem. Or being open to different ways of looking at an object or scenario.

Creative thinking is best nurtured with activities that involve reflection.

Try getting your child’s viewpoint on topics that may have different answers or reasons for taking place. Get them in the habit of brainstorming ideas, doing story-telling activities, and reading books. All of these help broaden a person’s thinking and flex their creative muscles.

Encourage Independence 

It’s important to retain your role as an observer, supporter, or facilitator. Step back and let your kids try out their own solutions. Watch what happens while ensuring their safety and well-being.

As an observer, you encourage independence by stepping back and watching how your child resolves the problem in their own way. It may take longer than it would if you jumped in, but leaving them to their own devices can do a lot for nurturing their skills at problem solving. 

Support your child by appreciating and acknowledging their efforts. Create a space where they can freely and effectively express their ideas without fear of judgement. Present them with opportunities to play and solve problems on their own. Encourage them to express themselves by brainstorming activities that they might want to do instead of telling them what to do.

These simple steps of overseeing your child can help them become more independent and be resilient enough to tackle problems on their own. 

Here at Early Childhood University , we value the importance of enhancing problem solving skills, creativity and critical thinking. Send your little ones to a school that focuses on a child’s holistic development. Give us a call for more information. 

The Importance of Problem Solving and How to Teach it to Kids

Teach your kids to be brilliant problem solvers so they can shine.

We get so lost as parents with all the demands to do more for our children—get better grades, excel at extracurricular activities, have good relationships—that we may be overlooking one of the essential skills they need: problem-solving.

More: A Parent’s Guide to Conscious Discipline

In a Harvard Business Review study about the skills that influence a leader's success, problem-solving ranked third out of 16.

Whether you want your child to get into an Ivy League school, have great relationships, or to be able to take care of the thousands of frustrating tasks that come with adulting, don't miss this significant super-power that helps them succeed.

Our kids face challenges daily when it comes to navigating sibling conflict, a tough math question, or negative peer pressure. Our job as parents or teachers is not to solve everything for them —it is to teach them how to solve things themselves. Using their brains in this way is the crucial ability needed to become confident, smart, and successful individuals.

And the bonus for you is this: instead of giving up or getting frustrated when they encounter a challenge, kids with problem-solving skills manage their emotions, think creatively and learn persistence.

With my children (I have eight), they often pushed back on me for turning the situation back on them to solve, but with some gentle nudging, the application of many tools, and some intriguing conversations, my kids are unbeatable.

Here are some of the best, research-based practices to help your child learn problem-solving so they can build smarter brains and shine in the world:

Don’t have time to read now? Pin it for later:

1. Model Effective Problem-Solving

When you encounter a challenge, think out loud about your mental processes to solve difficulties. Showing your children how you address issues can be done numerous times a day with the tangible and intangible obstacles we all face.

2. Ask for Advice

Ask your kids for advice when you are struggling with something. Your authenticity teaches them that it's common to make mistakes and face challenges.

When you let them know that their ideas are valued, they'll gain the confidence to attempt solving problems on their own.

3. Don't Provide The Answer—Ask More Questions

By not providing a solution, you are helping them to strengthen their mental muscles to come up with their ideas.

At the same time, the task may be too big for them to cognitively understand. Break it down into small steps, and either offer multiple solutions from which they can choose, or ask them leading questions that help them reach the answers themselves.

4. Be Open-Minded

This particular point is critical in building healthy relationships. Reliable partners can hold their values and opinions while also seeing the other's perspective. And then integrate disparate views into a solution.

Teach them to continually ask, "What is left out of my understanding here?"

High-performing teams in business strive for diversity—new points of view and fresh perspectives to allow for more creative solutions. Children need to be able to assess a problem outside of immediate, apparent details, and be open to taking risks to find a better, more innovative approach. Be willing to take on a new perspective.

5. Go Out and Play

It may seem counter-intuitive, but problems get solved during play according to research.

See why independent play is vital for raising empowered children here .

Have you ever banged around an idea in your head with no solution? If so, it's time to get out of your mind and out to play.

Tech companies understand this strategy (I know, I worked at one), by supplying refreshing snacks and ping pong tables and napping pods. And while they have deadlines to meet, they don't micromanage the thinking of their employees.

Offer many activities that will take your child’s mind off of the problem so they can refuel and approach things from a fresh perspective.

Let them see you fail, learn, and try again. Show your child a willingness to make mistakes. When they are solving something, as tricky as it may be, allow your child to struggle, sometimes fail and ultimately learn from experiencing consequences.

Problems are a part of life. They grow us to reach our highest potential. Every problem is there not to make your child miserable, but to lead them closer to their dreams.

Tami Green, America’s most respected life coach, has received magical endorsements by experts from Baylor University and the past president of the American Psychiatric Association. She received her coaching certification from Oprah's enchanting life coach, Dr. Martha Beck. She is a brilliant coach who has helped thousands achieve an exhilarated life through her coaching, classes, and conferences. To see more tips like these, visit her website and join her self-help community here .

About FamilyEducation's Editorial Team

10 Ways to Strengthen Your Preschooler’s Problem-Solving Skills

As an adult, you make many decisions throughout your day without even thinking twice about some– from setting up the coffee machine at home to avoiding the long line at the drive-thru that can make you late to work to having a difficult but necessary conversation with your partner about finances. These are just a few examples of problem-solving skills and how you adapt to the situations around you and use your skills to exist on personal, professional, and social levels. 

While some problem-solving skills are innate, your ability to access a situation and take a course of action is based on the fact that when you were a child, the adults around you taught you problem-solving skills. Our Raleigh early-childhood development center is sharing our best advice for anyone looking to strengthen their pre-schoolers problem-solving skills. 

What is Problem Solving in Early Childhood?

Problem-solving refers to the ability to find a solution to a problem. For preschool-aged children, this can be difficult to learn if not modeled for them through the appropriate ways to react to the issues they face. 

For instance, if two children are playing with a toy and one pushes the other in an effort to take the toy, this is clearly an inappropriate way to react to the problem. Furthermore, screaming or yelling for the child to give them the toy is also not a proper way to solve the issue. To model mature and proper problem-solving skills, adults around the child should be practicing the concept of sharing, patience, and communication while avoiding physical and emotional reactions when they don’t get what they want.

When the child learns that they can ask the other child, “Can I play with the toy next?” or understand the concept that another child was playing with the toy first, they are exhibiting the ability to problem solve. 

Why is it Important to Develop Problem Solving Skills in Early Childhood?

Children aged 3 to 5 are developmentally experiencing growth in the following areas: 

• Cognitive 
• Emotional 
• Language 
• Sensory 
• Motor 

Because this time for preschoolers is so substantial to their intellectual, emotional, and social development, the world around them can seem overwhelming, unfair, intimidating, and even confusing. By modeling and teaching problem-solving skills to preschoolers , they can learn how to react logically, think creatively, communicate their needs, and assess how best to react to a situation at hand. 

How Can You Teach Problem Solving Skills to Your Children?

It is the responsibility of the adults who raise and teach children to provide kids with opportunities to strengthen their problem-solving skills in early childhood. If you are a parent, guardian, childcare provider, or early-childhood educator, it’s important to consider the best strategies for helping little ones adapt to the world around them and learn problem-solving skills. And remember, it can be frustrating when things do not work out as expected for anyone at any age, particularly for preschool-aged children who are just learning to adapt to their surroundings. 

When teaching your preschool-aged child how to problem solve, consider these four steps that are used in early-childhood classrooms : 

• Identify the problem
• Brainstorm solutions to the problem
• Choose and implement one of the solutions
• Evaluate how that solution resolved the problem

Following this four-step guideline can help the adults in a preschooler’s life address how a child acquires problem-solving techniques to help them navigate through the difficult and everyday situations that arise. 

When teaching problem-solving, focus on developing these key skills that relate to problem-solving: 

• Lateral thinking
• Decision-making
• Communication
• Persistence
• Negotiation
• Logical thinking
• Analytical thinking

10 Problem-Solving Activities for Preschoolers

You know that you want to guide your child through developing and strengthening strategies for problem-solving, but where do you begin? Our early-childhood development school is sharing some of our favorite ways to incorporate problem-solving activities into your life so that you can teach your child to grow on a personal and social level. 

#1 – Use Everyday Moments

You do not need a textbook or outline of how to teach your preschooler problem-solving. Simply using everyday moments to demonstrate problem-solving techniques is more useful than any “how to” book or homework assignment can teach your child. 

Going to the grocery store, driving in the car, making dinner at home, and cleaning the house are all everyday opportunities to present your child with decisions related to problem-solving. Having your child put ingredients away in the pantry while you cook, asking your child what aisle at the supermarket they think you can find a particular item, or seeing that there is a mess of toys and supplies and directing the child to initiate where they should be placed prior to starting a new activity are ways to integrate problem-solving into everyday moments. 

#2 – Look to the Child for the Solution

As your child grows up, they will not always have you by their side to solve each and every problem that arises. From issues with friends, future relationships, and future careers, the child you raise will one day become an independent adult who needs to problem-solve on their own. 

Asking children to weigh in for solutions to problems as they arise is one way to get them thinking critically early on in life. When a child is taught to not only assess an obstacle but to trust their own decision-making abilities to resolve a problem, they will be better equipped for success as they get older. 

#3 – Solve Mathematical Problems

Mathematics is a great way to engage children at an early age in problem-solving and solution-making activities. Math is logical and non-emotional, having very clear set rules and boundaries with a single solution is one prime example of problem-solving. When children are given age-appropriate mathematical problems and math word problems, they are given opportunities to troubleshoot and follow an order of operation that leads to a solution.

#4 – Ask Open-Ended Questions

As adults, we often find that the most convenient way to get through the day when caring for a preschooler is to complete tasks for them so that we can get on with our busy day. However, it’s important to pause and present your child with the opportunity to find their own solutions to problems they are faced with by using open-ended questions. 

For instance, your child cannot find their favorite pair of shoes. Rather than tear the house apart on your own looking for them, present the child with a question: “Where did you last wear those shoes?” or “When did you last see your shoes?” This requires your child to consider where they last may have placed them. Additionally, a question like, “If we can’t find those shoes right now, you’ll need to choose a different pair to wear so we aren’t late.” guides them toward finding an alternative solution to the problem. 

Giving children the opportunity to find their own solutions to issues that arise by asking open-ended questions equips them with problem-solving skills they will need throughout life when things do not always go as planned. 

#5 – Puzzles and Board Games

Puzzles and board games, much like math equations, allow children to use their cognitive problem-solving abilities to complete tasks in a fun and unique way. Pre-schoolers are often drawn to images and visual learning components as well as interactive play. Putting puzzles together allows for pattern recognition, while board games allow for interactive problem-solving techniques to be utilized through a set of rules. Incorporating puzzles and games into the lives of children are excellent ways to get them to think critically and find solutions that offer immediate results. 

#6 – Read Books and Tell Stories

Books and storytelling are always exceptional ways to build vocabulary and introduce kids to characters and situations outside of their own. When children are given the opportunity to relate to characters and situations, and then address how those characters can react and engage in their conflicts and interpersonal relationships, it not only fosters imagination and creativity but also problem-solving skills. 

#7 – Center Emotions

As adults we understand that while reacting emotionally to a situation is sometimes natural, it does not get us very far when it comes to solving a problem. Children should be taught how to center those emotions, without shame or guilt by providing an alternative to emotional responses. This is often in the form of learning communication and language. 

If your son’s best friend hurt his feelings, he should not be made to feel that he shouldn’t feel how he is feeling. Having your feelings hurt, particularly by a friend, is, well, hurtful, and there should be no shame attached to that feeling. However, when it comes to addressing those hurt feelings to the friend, it would be inappropriate to shout, “I hate you!” or “I don’t want to be your friend anymore!” Rather, providing your preschool-aged child with words and phrases for when their feelings are hurt is essential to emotional and social development. 

Teaching your son to tell his friend, “It hurts my feelings when you say that” or “I get sad when you are mean to me” are great ways to help children not only process their emotional feelings but express them in appropriate ways that lead to a resolution. 

#8 – Model Problem-Solving Behaviors

Children look to the adults in their lives for how to handle the problems they face in the world. If your child sees you politely ask a waiter to return a plate of food that was incorrectly served, they will learn that proper communication, respect, and patience lead to resolution. In contrast, if a child sees their parents speak rudely and blame a waiter for an incorrect order, they will learn that emotional reactions are the way to address problems. As a parent and caretaker, it is your responsibility to use mistakes, obstacles, and hardships as learning opportunities passed on to your preschool-aged children, demonstrating first-hand that non-emotional responses, kindness, and communication are the keys to getting most issues resolved. 

#9 – Break Down Problems into Chunks

As an adult, one of the ways to get through major projects at work is to set up a schedule that breaks down a large-scale project into smaller portions. Using this technique in childhood education and development is a successful way to teach children how doing one small task can lead to an overall greater, larger picture in the long run. Since a large task can seem overwhelming or even impossible, breaking it down into smaller, easily achievable pieces that will eventually lead to the full, complete picture is a wonderful way to help children of any age, but particularly preschool-aged, tackle large issues without feeling the weight of the big picture.

#10 – Utilize Natural Curiosities and Interests 

Using natural, organic opportunities for learning and problem-solving is always one of the best ways to foster creativity as well as logical and analytical thinking. All children are naturally drawn to some interest– whether it’s unicorns, dinosaurs, airplanes, trucks, or the color blue… every child has something that they become naturally drawn to, often to the surprise of their parents. 

For example, maybe every time your daughter sees the mailman drop off the mail, she is fascinated. Maybe her face lit up with interest and excitement to check what was left in the mailbox today. This is an opportunity to ask questions that lead to analytical thinking and problem-solving. Inquiring, “what does the mail carrier drop off at other houses?” or teaching the concept of writing a letter to grandma and how it goes through the mail can continue to foster interests while teaching logical steps, planning, and problem-solving techniques. 

Enroll Your Child in an Interactive Preschool Care System 

It’s no secret that when a child is at preschool age they are naturally curious and soak up all the information around them. By teaching your child problem-solving skills, they are better equipped to handle the everyday struggles the world has to face. However, the professionals at our preschool development center understand that busy working schedules, multiple children, and life’s responsibilities do not always make it easy for parents to dedicate time to fostering and strengthening problem-solving skills in their children. 

If you have a preschool-aged child who will benefit from emotional, social, and personal development related to problem-solving, contact Primary Beginnings to enroll your child in our 5-star preschool program in Raleigh. 

Contact us today at 919-790-6888 for our Spring Forest Rd. location or 919-785-0303 for our North Hills Dr. location, or fill out our contact form below. 

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Problem solving is challenging for young students (and many adults too)! To support my little friends, I teach them problem solving strategies that they can use when they encounter a problem. We want our students to become independent thinkers who can solve problems, control their emotions, express empathy, and help others.

I introduce the problem solving techniques a few at a time during a class meeting. Each week, I introduce three new problem solving techniques.  We then end up with nine to twelve techniques total based on what my students need that year.  I explain the technique to the students in concrete terms so they will understand what the technique is and what it can look/sound like.

We usually start with these four skills:  “please stop”, ask, get help, and say how you feel.  Many problems can be solved with those solutions, which is why I always start with those. Then, the following week, I introduce take turns, play together, trade, and share. Then, the last four solutions the next week.

Problem Solving Techniques

Singing with puppets is a fun and active way to practice the problem-solving techniques .  Preschoolers LOVE puppets!  This technique also allows students to role play.  Some students will be more verbal if they can pretend to be someone else.  At the end of each verse, students act out the problem-solving technique with a buddy using the puppets!As a transition activity to lunch, students took turns sharing a way they have solved a problem. You can also play, “What would you do if….”. State a real problem that could happen and have students pick a problem-solving solution to solve the problem. Some examples would be, “What would you do if your friend took your book?”, “What would you do if you got sticky glue on your hands?”, or “What would you do if you needed the red marker and your friend was coloring with it?” Once they have learned the strategies, stand back and let students try solving their own problems independently. Just a warning: this can take some time with lots of practice and support. As long as the student isn’t frustrated, let them try before you jump in to help. You will be amazed at the problems your child can solve given the opportunity to.

At first, you will be giving students lots of support and giving them the words to use to solve a problem.

• Always approach students at their level, in a calm supporting way.
• Ask, “what’s the problem?” If they don’t respond, comment on what you see such as “I see you have glue all over your hands and it looks sticky.”
• Restate the problem. “So the problem is ….”
• Brainstorm solutions and choose one together. This is the perfect time to use problem solving card visuals! “How can we solve this problem?” Flip through the solution cards and ask “Could we ….?”
• Praise and observe! Cheer on the students for solving the problem and stay close just in case they need more support.

Throughout the day, try to make EVERYTHING a problem to solve.  Then model, talk through your thinking out loud, and use visuals to support students as they try to solve a problem. For example, I may put out a big ball of playdough in the center of the table as a small group activity. Students have to problem solve so each student has play dough to play with. It only takes few extra minutes to sneak in problem-solving situations throughout the day. Each time students help solve a problem or observe a friend solve a problem, they learn to self-regulate, express emotions appropriately, develop empathy, and develop problem-solving skills.

State problems for students who look stuck. If a student is just standing there, they need support, but don’t solve the problem for them! It’s so easy to do. Simply state their problem or what you see and ask a probing question. For example, if a student is standing with an empty bowl in their hand, you could say “Your snack spilled on the floor. How can you solve the problem?”

Problem-Solving Necklace or Mini Book!

I hole punched the small cards, put them on a book ring and keep them on a lanyard I wear every day.  This way I can support students’ solving problems without having to go to the safe place where they are posted.  I can just show the picture cards as a visual on my necklace.  The mini book in the safe place works the same way.

Safe Place!

I keep my techniques posted in my circle area at the beginning of the year AND in my safe place. My safe place is a small spot in my classroom where students can go when they are upset, need to calm down, want to be alone, or have a problem.

Once I see students using the problem-solving techniques independently, I remove them from my circle area.  They are posted in my safe place ALL YEAR LONG for students to use when they are struggling to solve a problem.  In my safe place, you will find a mirror, feeling chart, bean bag, sensory bottles, calm down choices, a stuffed animal, problem solving mini book and problem-solving techniques chart. You can read all about how to set up a safe place in your classroom HERE . Children’s Books!

These are some of my FAVORITE children’s books to teach all about problem-solving.  As we read the book, we talk about how the character is or isn’t solving the problem, how it makes the character and others feel, any natural consequences that could occur, and which one of our problem-solving strategies the character could use to solve the problem.

Do you want to use them in your classroom?  You can!  I did the work for you.  Grab them from my TPT store HERE .

LOVE it? Pin this image!

hey, i’m jackie!

I’m Jackie, your go-to girl for early childhood inspiration and research-based curriculum. 

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Problem Solving for Preschoolers: 9 Ways to Strengthen Their Skills

By Carrie Mesrobian on 12/20/2021

As an adult, you likely run into dozens of small issues every day that require problem-solving skills. While you might not give much thought to the process of figuring out the best way to put groceries away or how to run errands without backtracking all over town anymore, these basic problem-solving abilities weren’t always so simple. You refined these skills as a child with practice and guidance from adults.

Building problem-solving skills in preschool-age children is a foundational duty of all parents and early childhood educators. But it can be easy to lose sight of how to incorporate these skills, especially when family life gets hectic or classrooms become busy.

For some fresh perspective on how to look at problem solving from a preschooler lens, we asked several experts in the early childhood education (ECE) field how they teach skills in their own classrooms. Read on for some insight on helping the young ones in your life figure out creative and workable solutions.

9 Tried-and-true ways to develop problem-solving skills in preschoolers

1. use everyday moments.

The handy thing about teaching problem-solving skills at this age is that there are no textbooks, worksheets or special equipment involved. Every day, normal situations provide all the materials you’ll need to practice.

“Parents can help their children develop problem-solving skills through ongoing interactions with their children throughout their day,” explains Paula Polito, owner of Beary Cherry Tree Child Development Center. “At home, in the grocery store and in everyday routines, such as mealtime or bath time.”

Rebecah Freeling, parent coach and child behavior expert at Wits’ End Parenting ®, believes household chores are an excellent way to teach problem solving.

“Housework is a matter of solving one problem after another. All these things go wrong when you’re doing housework,” Freeling explains. “Kids get this idea that problems are no big deal. Problems happen all the time and we just solve them.”

That doesn’t necessarily mean making a chore chart, though Freeling says some kids respond well to them. Instead, she encourages parents to try to integrate kids into the everyday maintenance of the home, and when possible, work alongside them.

“Say, ‘What would you like to be in charge of today?’” Freeling advises. “It’s the difference between getting to do something versus having to do it.”

While a grocery store trip can sometimes be a stressful rush, there are infinite opportunities to practice problem solving, says Dr. Elizabeth DeWitt, senior curriculum and implementation specialist at Learning Without Tears . DeWitt suggests using a list or a recipe of ingredients and asking your child to help you find certain items.

“Say, ‘I have this recipe that says we need chicken, rice and soup. I see chicken and soup in our cart. What are we missing? What could we or should we add?’” DeWitt says.

Taking the time to simply talk children through the thought process—no matter how simple it seems—helps reinforce and show them how you came to that conclusion.

2. Ask open-ended questions

As in the grocery store situation, just asking questions is a powerful way to foster both problem solving and creativity in young children.

“When your child comes across a difficult task, like zipping their coat, it can often be faster and easier to stop what you're doing and zip it for them,” says Becky Loftfield, an ECE teacher at Community of Saints Preschool .

If a child says, “I can't do this,” Loftfield advises asking “how come?” This lets them answer in their own words. “Asking ‘how come’ usually works better than ‘why’ for young children,” Loftfield adds.

Pausing to listen to the child’s explanation of the problem in their own words guides what happens next.

“Perhaps they don't know how zippers line up at the bottom for the mechanism to slide,” says Loftfield. “Maybe the zipper itself is too small for them to grip. Encourage your child to explore what the problem actually is beyond ‘I can't zip my coat.’”

Polito also believes in the power of conversational questions to build problem-solving skills.

“For example, parents can ask a child to explain why they did something a certain way,” Polito explains. “Providing hints to children as opposed to giving them the answer is also another way for children to think deeper about a concept.”

“We promote more learning when we allow them to think through the question,” Polito says.

3. Center emotions

All problem solving involves emotions. In the zipping-up-the-coat situation, a child might act frustrated, get angry or start crying. Handling the emotion is often the key to the child sorting out the situation, as well as learning that they are capable of finding solutions.

“We are not born knowing how to solve problems or having the vocabulary to express our feelings,” says Torri Parker, a pre-K instructor at Aspen Academy . “Often I hear a student telling another child ‘You’re not my friend,’ when what the child is meaning is that they are hurt by something their friend did, or they would like some space.”

Parker suggests picture books that focus on emotions and offer multiple ways to express them can be a powerful way to help kids not only problem solve but also identify emotions in their peers and develop greater empathy.

“By providing the words needed to convey those feelings, a child learns what that feeling feels like and can then have the vocabulary in the future to solve a conflict like that,” Parker says.

4. Read books and tell stories

Sometimes, not having to tackle a problem that’s happening in the moment is a good way to practice these skills. This is where reading books and telling stories come into play.

“Books have the opportunity to build incredible social-emotional skills,” DeWitt says. Not only are kids looking for solutions to the characters’ problems, they’re also building vocabulary, narrative skills and critical thinking as well.

Nicole Evert, a pre-K teacher and ECE trainer at Creating Butterflies, recommends the use of “ social stories ” for preschool problem solving.

“A social story introduces a problem, then shows successful ways to solve the problem,” Evert explains. “Sometimes a social story will include silly pages that show how to not solve the problem.”

Social stories can be especially helpful for children with anxiety about certain activities or routines, as well as kids with disabilities.

“Parents and educators can even make their own social stories using pictures of the specific child and their environment, which can be so powerful,” adds Evert.

5. Take advantage of natural curiosities and interests

One approach to helping young children practice problem-solving skills is in the discovery of something they are authentically interested in learning about. Adam Cole, music director at The Willow School , explains his school’s Reggio Emilia -inspired philosophy where a teacher gives students “provocations.”

“Provocations are opportunities for them to encounter something for which they may then express further interest,” Cole explains. “For instance, a teacher may set up a drawing provocation, and the children may draw buildings. The teacher may pick up on this and talk with the children about buildings, asking how they are built and where they can find more. This may lead to research or trips to see buildings and will continue on until the thread plays itself out.”

Because the focus is centered on topics or activities that already capture the child’s interest, the problem-solving aspect is more meaningful and compelling for many children. Because the teacher works alongside the child to problem solve, it offers space for the teacher to ask questions and encourage further creativity.

“This is an organic way to learn to solve problems, bolstered by the intrinsic desire of the child to learn more,” Cole adds.

6. Model problem solving

Preschoolers are always observing our behavior as parents and teachers.

“Given that 90% of brain development occurs between birth and four years of age, we have an opportunity during these preschool years to set our children up for success,” says Polito.

It may seem obvious, but our strategies and methods provide kids with in-the-moment examples of how to handle life with things go wrong.

“From a teaching perspective, you can think, ‘I’m teaching this child how to be who they are, how to live life,’” says Freeling. “A spill derails you a bit. So, stop and ask the child, ‘How should I clean this up?’”

Loftfield agrees. “Parents and educators can act as guides for a child’s experience, demonstrating how they problem solve and modeling what they want to see.”

This doesn’t mean that the adult must do everything perfectly or without emotions, however. Managing feelings is all part of learning to problem solve. “Allow time for mistakes, time for meltdowns and time for celebration,” Loftfield advises.

7. Look to the child for the solution

This last one might seem counter to number six above, but Freeling believes that parents and teachers can help children learn to problem solve by removing themselves from the process.

“Moving past your instincts to fix or smooth over problems helps a lot,” Freeling says. “Project the kid’s age in your mind. Think of a 25-year-old graduating from college. I want them to be able to ask for a higher salary, to vocalize what they want. You’re not just getting kids to be obedient—you’re teaching them how to negotiate the world.”

This is why Freeling advises adults to try coming into a problem-solving situation with children without a ready-made solution. She offers an example: there’s only one red truck, and two children both want to play with it.

“You’re really looking to the child and trusting their thinking and intelligence for solutions you hadn’t thought of,” Freeling says. She recommends repeating questions until the kids come to a decision and as long as no one’s at risk of injury, standing by the children’s solution.

“They might say, ‘We have to paint all the trucks red, since everyone wants a red truck,’” Freeling says. This might seem odd to an adult. But the point is to make the children a vital part of the creative process instead of just getting them to comply with the adult’s idea.

Developing empathy also factors into this scenario, especially in situations where problems stem from hurt feelings or other emotional conflicts. Freeling believes that finding ways to make restitution to others they’ve hurt is a better practice than forcing kids to apologize. She suggests having a child draw a picture of something the upset child likes as a way to make amends and help them recognize the other’s individuality.

“We don’t want kids to feel guilt for hurting someone; we want them to feel compassion,” Freeling says. “And solving problems in a relationship requires empathy.”

Is an early childhood education career right for you?

Enjoying the process of seeing life through a little one’s eyes? Early childhood education is an exciting, dynamic field full of creativity and potential to positively impact the lives of children and their families. If helping kids learn and grow sounds like something you’d be good at, check out our article “9 Signs You Should Be Teaching Preschool.”

Wits’ End Parenting is a registered trademark of Wits’ End Parenting, Inc. This program does not prepare students for licensed teaching positions in elementary or secondary schools . A Bachelor’s degree and a state teaching license are typically required to work as a teacher in most school settings; however, states, municipalities, districts or individual schools may have more stringent licensing requirements. Childcare facilities and states establish qualifications for staff who work with children, and often implement guidelines regarding age, education, experience and professional development. Students must determine the licensure requirements for the state and facilities in which they intend to work.

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Carrie Mesrobian

Carrie is a freelance copywriter at Collegis Education. She researches and writes articles, on behalf of Rasmussen University, to help empower students to achieve their career dreams through higher education.

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10 Simple Activities to Teach Your Preschooler Problem Solving

By: Author Tanja McIlroy

Posted on Last updated: 29 March 2024

Categories Activities for Preschoolers & Kindergarteners

During the first years of a child’s life, an important set of cognitive skills known as problem-solving abilities are developed. These skills are used throughout childhood and into adulthood.

Find out what problem solving is, why it’s important and how you can develop these skills with 10 problem-solving games and activities.

What is Problem Solving in Early Childhood?

So, what exactly is problem solving? Quite simply, it refers to the process of finding a solution to a problem .

A person uses their own knowledge and experience, as well as the information at hand to try and reach a solution. Problem solving is therefore about the thought processes involved in finding a solution.

This could be as complex as an adult working out how to get out of a financial crisis or as simple as a child working out how two blocks fit together.

Problem Solving Skills for Kids

Problem-solving skills refer to the specific thinking skills a person uses when faced with a challenge. Some problems require the use of many skills, while others are simple and may only require one or two skills.

These are some examples of problem-solving skills for preschoolers , as listed by kent.ac.uk .

• Lateral thinking
• Analytical thinking
• Decision-making skills
• Logical reasoning
• Persistence
• Communication skills
• Negotiation skills

The Importance of Developing Problem-Solving Skills in Early Childhood

Problem solving is a skill that would be difficult to suddenly develop as an adult. While you can still improve a skill at any age, the majority of learning occurs during the early years.

Preschool is the best time for a child to learn to problem solve in a fun way. The benefits of learning early will last a lifetime and the beauty of learning anything at a young age is that it is effortless .

It is like learning to play an instrument or picking up a new language – it’s just much easier and more natural at an early age.

Of all the many things preschoolers need to learn , what makes problem solving so important?

There aren’t many situations in life, at work or at school that don’t require some level of problem resolution.

Child’s play itself is filled with opportunity upon opportunity to solve all kinds of tricky situations and come up with solutions to challenges.

Problem Solving in Preschool

During the foundational years, children are constantly solving problems as they play .

Here are just a few examples of problem solving in early childhood :

• Resolving a fight over the same toy
• Reaching a ball that’s stuck in the tree
• Forming a circle while holding hands
• Making a bridge to connect two block towers
• Tying or untying a shoe
• Making up rules for a new game
• Trying to get the consistency of a mud cake right so it stops falling over

The more creative play opportunities and challenges children are given, the more they get to exercise their problem-solving muscles.

During free play , there are non-stop experiences for this, and parents and teachers can also encourage specific problem-solving skills through guided activities .

Problem Solving for Older Children

During the grades, children experience problems in many forms, some of which may be related to their academic, social and emotional well-being at school. Problems may come in the form of dealing with life issues, such as:

• Problems with friendships
• Struggling to understand something during a lesson
• Learning to balance the demands of sport and homework
• Finding the best way to study for a test
• Asking a teacher for help when needed

Problems will also form a large part of academic life as teachers will be actively developing this skill through various activities, for example:

• Solving a riddle or understanding a work of literature
• Working on projects with a friend
• Finding solutions during science experiments
• Solving mathematical problems
• Solving hypothetical problems during lessons
• Answering questions and completing exam papers

Children who have had practice during preschool will be a lot more capable when facing these challenges.

Solving Problems in Mathematics

Mathematics needs to be mentioned separately as although it is part of schooling, it is such a huge part and it depends heavily on a child’s ability to solve problems.

The entire subject of mathematics is based on solving problems. Whether you are adding 2 and 3, working out how many eggs will fit into each basket, or solving an algebraic expression, there is a problem in every question.

Mathematics is just a series of problems that need to be solved.

What we refer to as problem solving in Maths is usually answering word problems .

The reason many children find these so difficult to answer is that the question is presented as a problem through a story, rather than just numbers with symbols telling you what operation to use (addition, division, etc.)

This means a child is forced to think carefully, understand the problem and determine the best way to solve it.

These problems can involve various units (e.g. mass, capacity or currency) as well as fractions, decimals, equations and angles, to name a few. Problems tend to become more and more complex over the years.

My experience in the classroom has shown that many, many children struggle with solving word problems, from the early grades right into the senior years.

They struggle to analyze the question, understand it, determine what information they’ve been given, and what exactly they are required to solve.

The good news is that exposing a child to regular problem-solving activities and games in preschool can greatly help him to solve word problems later on in school.

If you need one good reason to do these kinds of activities, let it be for a smoother experience in mathematics – a subject so many children unnecessarily fear.

Problem Solving in the Workplace

Adults in the workplace seldom thrive without problem-solving skills. They are required to regularly solve problems .

As adults, employees are expected to independently deal with the frequent challenges, setbacks and problems that are a big part of every working environment.

Those who can face and solve their own problems will go further and cope better than those who seek constant help from others or cannot show initiative.

Some  career websites even refer to problem solving as a universal job skill. They also mention that many employees are not good at it. 

Again, although it may seem far removed, learning this skill at a young age will help a child cope right into adulthood and in the working world.

How to Teach Children Problem-Solving Skills

If early childhood is the best time to grow these skills in your young children, then how does one go about teaching them to toddlers, preschoolers and kindergarteners?

Problem solving can be taught in such a way that you expose your child to various opportunities where they will be faced with challenges.

You would not necessarily sit your 3-year-old down and tell or “teach” him all about fixing problems. Instead, you want to create opportunities for your child to grow this skill .

Using the brain to think and find solutions is a bit like working a muscle over time. Eventually, your muscle gets stronger and can handle more “ weight. ” Your child will learn to problem solve in two ways:

• Incidentally – through free play
• Through guided opportunities provided by a parent or teacher

If you make a point of encouraging thinking through games and activities, your child will develop stronger skills than if you let it all happen incidentally.

Problem-Solving Strategies and Steps

If we take a look at the steps involved in solving a problem, we can see that there are many layers involved and different types of skills. Here are the problem-solving steps according to the University of Ken. 

Step 1: Identify the problem

Step 2: Define the problem

Step 3: Examine the options

Step 4: Act on a plan

Step 5: Look at the consequences

Therefore, activities at a preschool level need not present complicated high-level problems.

• A simple activity such as identifying differences in a picture can work on the first skill needed – identifying a problem.
• Playing with construction toys can develop a child’s ability to try various solutions and examine the options when faced with a problem such as trying to find the best way to build something.
• Playing Tic-Tac-Toe would make a child predict the consequences of placing their mark in a particular square.

The most basic of activities can work on all these skills and make children competent solution finders.

How to Teach Problem Solving with Questions

The language you use around your child and your questioning technique will also greatly affect their understanding of a problem or challenge as merely something waiting for a solution to be found .

While your child is playing or when she comes to you with a problem, ask open-ended questions that will guide her in finding a potential answer independently. Use the steps listed above to formulate your questions.

Here are some examples of questions:

• What do you think made the tower of blocks fall down?
• If we build it again, how can we change the structure so that it won’t fall down next time?
• Is there a better way we can do it? If you think of a different way, we can both try it and see which works better.
• Did that work? The tower fell again so let’s try another solution.

Resist the temptation to fix every one of your child’s problems, including conflict with friends or siblings. These are important opportunities for children to learn how to resolve things by negotiating, thinking and reasoning.

With time, your child will get used to seeing a problem, understanding it, weighing up the options, taking action and evaluating the consequences.

Problems will be seen as challenges to be faced logically and not “problems.”

This post contains affiliate links for educational products that I personally recommend. If you purchase through one of them, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Read the terms and conditions for more details.

10 Problem-Solving Activities for Preschoolers

Here are 10 simple, easy games and problem solving activities for kids at home or at school. Many of them are the kinds of activities children should have daily exposure to.

Puzzles are one of the best thinking activities out there. Each puzzle is basically one big set of muddled-up things to be sorted out and put back together again. Find out why puzzles are important for development .

Children should have regular exposure to puzzles. They are great for developing thinking skills.

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2. Memory games

Memory games will develop your child’s memory and attention to detail.

Get your own memory game cards by downloading the FREE set of printables at the end of the post.

Use pairs of matching pictures and turn them all face down, shuffled, on a table. Take turns choosing any two cards and turning them face up on the table. If you turn over a matching pair you keep the cards and if the pair doesn’t match, turn the cards back over until it is your turn to try again.

Encourage your child to concentrate and pay attention to where the pictures are and try to find a matching pair on each turn. 

3. Building with Construction Toys

Construction toys such as engineering blocks, a proper set of wooden blocks or Legos (shown below) should be a daily staple in your home.

Everything your child builds is a challenge because it requires thinking about what to build and how to put the pieces together to get a design that works and is functional.

Leave your child to construct freely and occasionally set a challenge and ask him to build a specific structure, with conditions. For example:

• Make two towers with a bridge joining them together
• Build a creature that stands on its own and has 3 arms.

Then watch your child wracking his brain until he finds a way to make his structure work.

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• Special pieces encourage imaginative building with endless possibilities

4.  Activity Books

These activity books are really fun and develop a child’s ability to identify problems and search for information.

• Pomaska, Anna (Author)
• English (Publication Language)

• Handford, Martin (Author)

• Books, Webber (Author)

5. Following Patterns

This simple activity can be played with a set of coloured blocks, shapes or counters.

Simply make a pattern with the blocks and ask your child to continue it. Vary the pattern by changing the colours, shapes or sizes.

This activity will train your child to analyse the given information, make sense of it, recognise the pattern and re-create it.

6. Story Time Questions

Get into the habit of asking questions during your daily story time that develop higher-order thinking skills . Instead of just reading and your child passively listening, ask questions throughout, concentrating on solving problems.

Here are some examples:

• Why do you think the bear did that?
• Do you think his friend will be happy? Why?
• What would you do if you were the monkey?
• How do you think Peter can make things better with his friend?
• If the crocodile had decided not to eat the rabbit, how could the story have ended?

7. Board Games

Board games are an excellent way to develop problem-solving skills.

Start off with simple games like Ludo and Snakes and Ladders to teach the skill of following rules and moving in a logical sequence.

• Double-Header: Enjoy two classic games in Ludo and Snakes and Ladders on this double-faced game board
• Old Classic For A New Generation: Share timeless family games with a new generation of fun, dice rolling...

Card games like Go Fish are also great for teaching young children to think ahead and solve problems.

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8.  Tic-Tac-Toe

This is a perfect game to teach decision-making skills , thinking before acting and weighing up the possible consequences.

Use a Tic Tac Toe Board or d raw a simple table like the one above on paper or a chalkboard.

• Wooden tic-tac-toe game board with eye-catching red, orange, blue, and green color pattern
• Includes white-framed wooden board with indented squares for mess-free play, 10 colored x and O game tiles,...

Take turns to add a nought or a cross to the table and see who can make a row of three first.

Your child will probably catch on in no time and start thinking carefully before placing their symbol. This game can also be played with coloured counters or different objects.

9. Classifying and Grouping Activities

This activity can be done with a tin of buttons or beads or even by unpacking the dishwasher. The idea is to teach the skill of classifying and categorizing information by learning with physical objects. Here are some other ideas for categorizing:

• Separate the washing – mom’s clothes, dad’s clothes, etc; or socks, tops, shorts, etc.
• Empty out the cutlery drawer for cleaning, mix all the utensils up and then sort into knives, tablespoons, teaspoons, etc.
• Classify and sort out the toys in your child’s bedroom together – all books, construction toys, soft toys, etc.
• Play category games .

Here are more button activities for kids .

10. Building a Maze

This activity is lots of fun and suitable for any age. It is also going to be way more fun than doing a maze in an activity book, especially for younger children.

Draw a big maze on the paving with sidewalk chalk . Make passages, including one or two that end in a dead-end. Teach your child to find her way out .

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As your child gets better at figuring out a route and finding the way out, make the maze more complex and add more dead-end passages.

Get FREE access to all the Exclusive Content, which includes short stories, songs, games, puzzles & matching cards, fine motor, gross motor, early literacy and numeracy activities.

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Friday 3rd of June 2022

hi maam , This Is Uma from India,Can i get this in pdf format or a book. Thank You

Tanja Mcilroy

Monday 6th of June 2022

Hi Uma, thanks for your message. These articles are not available in PDF, but you are welcome to copy and paste them from the website, as long as you add the reference: https://empoweredparents.co/problem-solving-activities-preschoolers/ Thanks for reading!

Wednesday 20th of May 2020

Very very useful content. Good work. Thank you.

Friday 22nd of May 2020

Thanks Ann.

Tuesday 19th of May 2020

Would like to download the free activity pack please.

Hi Kelly, Please download the activity pack on this page: www.empoweredparents.co

Conflicts and problem-solving: How to help preschoolers help themselves

• AZ Early Childhood Network
• March 31, 2017

Conflicts and problems are normal in early childhood classrooms—but what’s the best way to solve them? Maybe you shouldn’t. When children disagree or grapple with difficult feelings, the teacher’s first instinct is often to suggest a solution so that order can be restored and classroom learning can continue. However, the “quick fix” might not help children in the long run. Problem-solving is an essential skill that becomes more and more important as children grow older and the challenges of life grow more complex.

Giving preschoolers the tools to think problems through (at their level) and suggest possible solutions will lead to greater social success and enhanced independent thinking. Rather than stepping in, teachers can use constructive strategies when children have problems and suggest ways the children themselves can effectively resolve those issues.

Continue reading here.

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How Your Child Learns to Problem-Solve

Your preschooler is figuring out what things are, why things are, and how things work..

In the course of your child's day, dozens of questions like these arise: "What's inside this box?" "How can I get into it?" "How far can I throw this ball?" "What will happen if I spill all of the crayons out of the box?" "I wonder if my teddy bear floats?" "How can I get these pieces of paper to stick to that piece of paper?" "Why does my block tower keep falling over?"

By asking these questions, your child is identifying and figuring out ways to solve them, and trying out her ideas. Every time she experiments with and investigates things in her world, such as how far water will squirt from a sprayer and what's inside a seedpod, for example, she is building her ability to solve problems. This is also true when she selects materials for building or when she learns to resolve an argument with a friend or sibling over a toy.

If we look at this process more closely, we discover that problem solving involves both creative and critical thinking. Both are necessary to figure out the solutions to problems of all kinds.

Creative Thinking

Creative thinking is the heart of problem solving. It is the ability to see a different way to do something, generate new ideas, and use materials in new ways. Central to creative thinking is the willingness to take risks, to experiment, and even to make a mistake. Part of creative thinking is "fluent" thinking, which is the ability to generate or brainstorm ideas. So ask your child "wide-open" questions! For instance, ask him to:

• imagine all the different ways to get to school (walking, flying, driving, swimming!).
• name everything he can think of that's red.
• name everything he can think of that's round.
• imagine all the things he could make out of clay or paper bags or even an empty box.

These are good examples of thinking problems that have many right answers. Research has shown that the ability to think fluently has a high correlation to school success later on. Another part of creative thinking is "flexible" thinking, which is the ability to see many possibilities or to view objects or situations in different ways. The next time your child pretends a pot is a hat or a spoon is a microphone or speculates on all the reasons that a child in a picture might feel sad, he is practicing his flexible thinking.

Critical Thinking

Critical, or logical, thinking is the ability to break an idea into its parts and analyze them. The math skills of sorting and classifying, comparing similarities and differences, are all parts of critical thinking. Whenever your child looks at, say, two glasses of juice and tries to figure out which one holds more, he is practicing this kind of thinking. To encourage it, ask your child:

• how many different ways he can sort his blocks.
• how many different ways he can make a building out of the blocks.
• how the building would be different if he used blocks of only one size.
• how a bottle of juice and his lunch box are alike and how they are different.
• how family members' shoes are alike and how they are different.

Asking questions about things that don't seem to make sense is another way children think critically. Questions such as "Why do I have a shadow on the playground but not inside?" or "Why can't I see the wind?" are examples of critical thinking. You don't need to have one right answer, but do encourage your child to express his ideas. There's one other thing to remember about problem solving: It's fun! So make room for spontaneity and prepare yourself to be surprised and delighted as you discover your child's unique way of thinking.

Discovery Play with Littles

2:01 pm ·

15 Powerful Problem Solving Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers

I looked over to her table and she’s crying. Again. While everyone else is happily working away, she sat there, unable to move, just crying. 

Not asking for help.

Not trying to solve her problem.

Just crying.

I took a deep breath before heading over. We’ve already been at this for several months…isn’t it about time the problem-solving has kicked in yet?

One glance and I could tell what her problem was. She didn’t have her pencil.

Know how I knew?

It laid on the floor beside her. In plain sight.

As a kindergarten teacher, I don’t jump right in and solve problems for kids. It’s good for them to try to solve the problem themselves. This is something she struggled with. 

I reminded myself of the need for patience and empathy as I walked up to her. “What’s wrong, Amanda?” 

“I…can’t…find…my…pencil….” she sputtered out between sobs. 

“Ok, that’s a problem we can solve. What have you tried?” 

“I don’t know.” 

After a long time trying to first, calm her down, and second, come up with some strategies she could try, she finally found her pencil. At that point, everyone else had finished the project. 

What is Problem Solving?

Problem-solving is the process of finding a solution to your problem . This can be quite tricky for some young children, especially those with little experience in finding more than one way to solve a problem.

Why is Problem Solving Important? 

Problem-solving skills are used throughout childhood into adulthood. As adults, we solve problems on a daily basis. Some problems we solve without thinking much- I wanted to make tacos for dinner but forgot to buy the ground beef. What are we going to have for dinner now?

Other problems are significantly more complicated. 

Problems for kiddos can be problems with friendships, the inability to find something that’s needed, or even what to do when things don’t go your way. 

Kids who lack problem-solving skills struggle to maintain friendships or even begin to attempt to solve their own problems. 

Children who lack problem-solving skills are at a higher risk for depression as well.

What Are Problem-Solving Skills?

Problem-solving skills are:

• Breaking Down a Problem into Smaller Parts
• Communication
• Decision-making
• Logical Reasoning
• Perseverance

That’s a big list to teach toddlers and preschoolers. Where do you begin?

The Problem-Solving Steps

Sometimes kids are so overwhelmed with frustration that it affects their ability to solve problems.

Kids feel safe in routines, and routines help them learn and grow. After a few times of repeating this routine, you’ll find your kiddo starts to do this on their own. 

It’s important not to skip straight to solving the problem , because your kiddo needs to be in a calm state of mind to solve the problem, and also they need to know their feelings are valid. 

• The first thing to do when your kiddo is struggling with problem-solving is to validate their emotions.

In doing this, they will feel more understood and learn that their emotions are okay. There are no bad feelings, and we must learn how to manage our emotions. 

This might sound something like “Oh, I can see you are really frustrated that the block won’t fit on there right. Let’s take some deep breaths to help us calm down before we think about what to do next.”

• Next, work through your calm-down process . This may be taking some deep breaths together, hugging a stuffie, or giving your kiddo some quiet time to calm down their heart and mind.
• Identify the problem . This sounds like something you may have already done (before the meltdown) but it’s important to be very clear on the problem you’re solving. Have the child tell you their problem out loud.
• Move on to solution-finding . When your kiddo is ready, talk about what the problem is and three possible solutions. When possible, let your kiddo do all of the talking. This allows him to practice his problem-solving skills. It’s important to remind him that the first thing he tries may not work, and that’s ok. There’s always another way to solve the problem. If he’s prepared for this, solutions that don’t work won’t be such a frustrating experience. 
• After you’ve done that, test your solutions one by one. See what works. If you haven’t found a solution yet, go back and think of different ways you might be able to solve your problem and try again.

Are you tired of hearing “It’s TOO HARD!” followed by a meltdown?

Using this one simple phrase you’ll get in this powerful lesson, you’ll not only be able to help your kiddo not give up but you’ll:

>Activate their superpower of perseverance so that they can turn around a meltdown and keep trying

>Inspire them to use perseverance …even when it’s hard

>Teach them to recognize the warning signs of giving up , and how to turn it around by taking control of their choices.

Grab your powerful FREE video lesson to teach your kiddo one of the most powerful keys to perseverance.

Powerful Activities that Teach Problem-Solving Skills to Toddlers & Preschoolers

These activities below may look simple, but don’t let that deter you from trying them. A lot happens in little developing brains and these powerful activities help toddlers and preschoolers make connections and develop {many} essential skills-more than just problem-solving.

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Puzzles are fun and a great way to encourage cognitive development in children. They are great for spacial reasoning and strengthening problem-solving skills. They also develop memory skills, critical thinking, and the ability to plan and execute the plan. Toddlers will enjoy the simple puzzles, and preschoolers will do great with floor puzzles with larger puzzle pieces.

Doing Simple Chores

Doing simple chores is a great way to teach children problem-solving skills, and it strengthens responsibility and perseverance as well. 

During the toddler years , you may start with just picking up their toys, or helping you put their dirty clothes in the hamper. 

Preschoolers can take their dirty dishes to the sink (or load them in the dishwasher), collect the trash, dust, wipe baseboards, and do their own personal care items like making their bed, taking care of their dirty clothes, and putting clean clothes away.

Stacking Rings

When watching a toddler play with stacking rings it doesn’t look like much is happening, but playing with these toys is full of ways to encourage development. It helps with visual and spacial perception and planning ahead, but it also with balance control, crossing the midline, creative play, and gross motor skills. Not to mention it’s a great opportunity to practice problem-solving. 

Playing Hide-and-Seek

Hide and seek has many surprising benefits for kids. Playing hide and seek is like a treasure hunt that helps develop gross motor skills and encourages physical development, as well as problem-solving skills. It also helps young children develop visual tracking, working memory, and social-emotional skills.

Imaginative Play

Imaginative play (also called role-play) builds important skills. Through pretending to be in different situations, kids develop social skills, emotional skills, better communication, and problem-solving skills. Imaginative play is a great idea for young toddlers all the way to older children.

Free Play 

Many young children don’t have {enough} time for free play. Free play is important for healthy brain development , not only developing imagination, cooperation, physical skills, and independence but also providing a great opportunity to strengthen problem-solving skills. 

Playing with Wooden Blocks

Building blocks are a fun way for children to develop creative thinking, imagination, problem-solving, fine motor skills, and if working with others, cooperation, communication, and friendship.

Playing Memory

Memory games improve attention, focus, visual recognition, and concentration. It helps children recognize details and of course, strengthens problem-solving skills. 

Ask Questions

When I see my son struggling with something, my first instinct is to give him choices or at least lead him in the right direction. The better thing to do is to ask very open-ended questions that lead his process, not his thoughts.

Questions like “What’s one way to solve your problem?” are much more effective in teaching problem-solving skills than “Well, where did you last see your stuffy?” 

Read Books and Social Stories

Reading books is one of my favorite ways to teach any skill. It’s extremely effective at teaching, and it’s also an amazing bonding time with kids.

When we read stories, our brain reacts as if we’re living in the story. This is why reading books about skills such as problem-solving is so effective. 

Kids of all ages learn from the people they love . (Yes, even those older kids who you don’t think are paying attention.) Often as adults, we’re too busy going through our daily routine to think about talking about the way we solved the problem at work that day.

Talking about how you use skills such as problem-solving, perseverance, and integrity is a great way to set an example, and an expectation that this is how we do things, and it will provide encouragement for your kiddo to do the same.

Scavenger Hunts

Scavenger hunts are a great group activity that can strengthen your child’s logical thinking and problem-solving skills.

When Your Kiddo is Ready, Add These Activities

Preschoolers would benefit from all of the fun activities on the list above and when they’re ready, feel free to add in the following activities.   

Mazes are great for problem-solving and perseverance, but your kiddo will need to have decent fine motor skills to do these activities. Mazes are one of our favorite activities. We love to take our activity book of mazes in the car with us for road trips. 

Board Games  

Board games are a good way to strengthen problem-solving, teamwork, planning skills, patience, sportsmanship, and communication skills. They also strengthen family relationships by providing some intentional time of connection .

Any board game can also be turned into an academic game with just a deck of cards for whatever skill you’re working on. If you’re working on the alphabet, put one letter on each card. Before each player’s turn, they draw a letter card and say the letter’s name. (You may accidentally forget the name of a letter every now and then to see if your kiddo is really paying attention!) 

Allow Opportunities for Hands-On Investigations

Kids are tactile. They love to touch and explore things with their hands. This is a good activity for toddlers also, as long as they are out of the putting everything in their mouth stage. Hands-on exploration is great for language development, sensory exploration, and problem-solving.

Allowing kids to investigate with their hands allows them to see how the world works up close. It also gives them time and space to try to make things work…and problem-solve when it doesn’t go as they think it should.

The Most Difficult Way (and Most Important Way) To Strengthen Problem-Solving Skills

Watching our kids struggle is hard ! We don’t want to see them having a hard time…and most of the time we don’t want to deal with the impending meltdown. Standing back and giving our kids time and space to work through even simple problems is hard to do. It’s also the most important way to strengthen problem-solving skills. 

As parents, we’re like frogs in boiling water. When our kids are infants, they need us to recognize their needs and solve them immediately. As they get older, they can point to what they want, but we still have a lot of interpreting and problem-solving to do on our own. If we aren’t careful, we stay in this stage and don’t teach our kiddos the steps to problem-solving for themselves. 

The next most difficult thing? Allowing natural consequences to happen. (As long as your child is safe of course.) If your child saves their money for a long time to buy a new toy, but walks down the toy aisle and picks up something you know they’ll be disappointed with, let it happen. It will teach a valuable lesson that will last for years to come.

Another Essential Part of Problem-Solving

Perseverance is a big part of problem-solving. We are rarely able to solve problems the first time, and it’s essential that kids can find more than one solution to a problem. Studies have found that perseverance is actually the biggest predictor of success, even more than aptitude or raw talent. 

An entire module is dedicated to perseverance in our course for kids, Super Kid Adventures . Your kiddo will get 25 teacher-led lessons on character traits (perseverance, empathy, friendship, responsibility, and wellness) and activities that take their learning further. 

Want a free preview? Grab a FREE Perseverance video lesson that teaches your kiddo one of the most important secrets that help them use perseverance.

Want More? 

If you like this, you’ll love: 

The Ultimate List of Books that Teach Perseverance

7 Simple Ways to Encourage Independence in Young Children

How to Help Your Child Develop Self-Help Skills

Your Turn 

What are your favorite ways to teach problem-solving skills?

About Elizabeth

Elizabeth is a mama of two boys, a former teacher, and the founder of Discovery Play with Littles. Her mission is to make raising kids with character simple and fun. Join us for our best learning through play ideas, character growth activities, and family connection ideas so you can watch your child thrive.

Reader Interactions

As a SLP trying to guide parents as I work with their child. I would like to know what toys to recommend to my parents as I assist in guiding their child’s development in cognition and expressive language.

Perseverance is the biggest predictor of success, even more than raw talent or aptitude.

Grab a FREE lesson to teach your kiddo one of the keys to perseverance...which is how we talk to our brains.

They'll learn what to say when they encounter something difficult, and why it's so important.

PLAY is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood. -Mr. Rogers

• Promoting Problem Solving from an Early Age: Practical Tips for Preschoolers

Promoting problem-solving skills in preschoolers is crucial for their overall development and future success. During the early years, children's brains are highly receptive to learning and developing cognitive abilities. By focusing on problem-solving, we can stimulate their thinking, reasoning, and decision-making skills.

Research has shown that problem-solving skills not only contribute to cognitive development but also have a significant impact on academic and social success. Preschoolers who can effectively solve problems are better equipped to handle challenges, adapt to new situations, and communicate with their peers.

In this article, we will discuss the importance of problem-solving skills, strategies for parents to promote problem-solving at home, engaging activities for fostering problem-solving, effective teaching techniques for educators, expert advice for developing problem-solving abilities, and valuable educational resources. By understanding the significance of problem-solving skills and implementing practical strategies, we can empower preschoolers to become confident problem solvers.

The Importance of Problem-Solving Skills for Preschoolers

Creating a problem-solving environment at home, modeling problem-solving skills as a parent, encouraging independent problem solving, problem-solving through play, puzzles and brain teasers, artistic and creative problem solving, incorporating problem-solving activities in lesson plans, using real-life scenarios for problem solving, promoting collaboration and communication skills, the role of cognitive development in problem solving, building a foundation for future problem solving, nurturing a growth mindset for problem solving, creating a supportive classroom culture, integrating technology for problem solving, incorporating project-based learning, breaking down problems into smaller steps, encouraging reflection and self-assessment, providing frequent opportunities for problem solving, books and literature for problem solving, online resources for problem solving, educational toys and games for problem solving, handling challenges and mistakes, encouraging curiosity and creativity, supporting metacognitive skills.

Problem-solving skills play a crucial role in early childhood development. They contribute to cognitive development, academic success, and social growth. When preschoolers develop problem-solving skills, they become better equipped to tackle challenges, make informed decisions, and think critically.

According to research, problem-solving skills are linked to higher academic achievement and improved social interactions in preschoolers. By honing their problem-solving abilities at a young age, children are more likely to succeed in school and beyond. Developing these skills early on lays the foundation for future success and equips children with the tools they need to tackle challenges throughout their lives.

Moreover, problem-solving skills are crucial in both academic and social settings. In school, children are faced with various academic tasks and challenges that require problem-solving. Whether it's a math problem, a science experiment, or a language arts assignment, children need to apply their problem-solving skills to find solutions. In social settings, problem-solving helps children navigate conflicts, collaborate with their peers, and communicate effectively.

Given the importance of problem-solving skills, it is essential to integrate problem-solving activities in preschool education. Research has shown that engaging children in problem-solving exercises fosters critical thinking abilities and leads to better academic outcomes. By providing opportunities for problem-solving, teachers can enhance children's cognitive abilities and set them up for success.

Strategies for Parents to Promote Problem Solving

As parents, we play a crucial role in nurturing our children's problem-solving skills. By creating a supportive environment, modeling problem-solving behavior, and encouraging independent thinking, we can help our preschoolers develop their problem-solving abilities.

A supportive environment is essential for children to feel safe and confident in their problem-solving endeavors. By creating a designated problem-solving area, providing age-appropriate puzzles and activities, and encouraging open-ended questions, we can foster a problem-solving mindset in our preschoolers.

Setting up a designated problem-solving area: Dedicate a specific area in your home where your child can engage in problem-solving activities. This area should be equipped with materials such as puzzles, games, and books that promote critical thinking and decision-making. Make sure the area is comfortable, well-lit, and free from distractions.

Providing age-appropriate puzzles, games, and activities: Choose puzzles, games, and activities that align with your child's developmental stage. For younger preschoolers, start with simple jigsaw puzzles and matching games. As they grow older, introduce more complex puzzles, problem-solving games, and logic activities.

Encouraging open-ended questions and discussions: Engage your child in conversations that promote critical thinking and problem-solving. Ask open-ended questions that encourage them to explore different possibilities and consider various solutions. Encourage them to describe their thought processes and reasoning behind their solutions.

Nurturing a growth mindset and resilience in children: Help your child develop a growth mindset by emphasizing that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort and practice. Encourage them to embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and persist in finding solutions. Instilling resilience will help them navigate difficulties and approach problem-solving with confidence.

Parents are powerful role models for their children. By demonstrating problem-solving skills and sharing personal experiences, we can inspire and teach our preschoolers effective problem-solving strategies.

Demonstrating how to approach and tackle problems: Let your child observe how you approach and solve problems in your everyday life. Talk aloud about your thought process and decision-making as you face challenges. This will help them understand that problem-solving is a process that involves analyzing the situation, brainstorming solutions, and making choices.

Sharing personal experiences of problem-solving: Share stories of challenges you faced and how you overcame them through problem-solving. This personal touch helps children understand that problem-solving is a universal skill that everyone can develop and apply. Encourage your child to share their problem-solving experiences as well.

Engaging in problem-solving activities together: Spend quality time engaging in problem-solving activities with your child. This could include solving puzzles, playing strategy games, or working on household tasks together. By collaborating and discussing solutions, you can introduce and reinforce effective problem-solving techniques.

Encouraging step-by-step problem-solving strategies: Teach your child step-by-step problem-solving strategies, such as breaking down problems into smaller parts, identifying possible solutions, and evaluating their effectiveness. Encourage them to approach problems systematically and celebrate their progress along the way.

Developing independent problem-solving skills is essential for preschoolers' growth and autonomy. By providing opportunities for independent problem-solving, we allow our children to develop their problem-solving abilities and build confidence in their decision-making.

Allowing children to try their problem-solving skills without immediate intervention: Resist the temptation to intervene immediately when your child faces a problem. Instead, give them space to think, analyze the situation, and come up with their own solutions. This independence fosters self-reliance and creativity in problem-solving.

Providing guidance and support when needed: While independence is important, there may be times when your child requires guidance or assistance. Be available to provide support but encourage them to come up with solutions on their own. Ask guiding questions to stimulate their critical thinking and assist them in exploring potential solutions.

Teaching children to seek alternative solutions and evaluate their effectiveness: Encourage your child to consider various solutions to a problem and evaluate the pros and cons of each. This skill empowers them to think critically and make informed decisions. By guiding them through the process, you help them develop analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Celebrating and praising independent problem-solving efforts: Acknowledge and celebrate your child's independent problem-solving efforts, regardless of the outcome. Praise their creativity, persistence, and critical thinking skills. This positive reinforcement reinforces their confidence and motivates them to continue seeking solutions independently.

Fun and Engaging Activities to Foster Problem Solving Skills

Problem-solving doesn't have to be a tedious task for preschoolers. By incorporating fun and engaging activities, we can make problem-solving an enjoyable and natural part of their everyday lives.

Play is a powerful tool for young children's learning and development. By using play-based activities that promote problem-solving, we can engage preschoolers' natural curiosity and foster their critical thinking skills.

Exploring the connection between play and problem-solving skills: Through play, children learn to solve problems, make decisions, and think creatively. Play provides them with real-world scenarios where they can experiment, take risks, and find solutions. Recognizing this connection, we can intentionally incorporate problem-solving into play activities.

Using building blocks or Legos to encourage spatial reasoning and problem-solving: Building blocks and Legos offer endless opportunities for problem-solving. Encourage your child to build complex structures, solve design challenges, and experiment with different arrangements. By working on these problem-solving activities, they develop spatial reasoning and critical thinking skills.

Creating scavenger hunts to foster critical thinking and decision-making: Organize scavenger hunts where your child has to solve clues and make decisions along the way. This activity promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. It encourages children to think creatively, analyze information, and collaborate with others.

Incorporating pretend play scenarios that require problem-solving: Encourage your child to engage in pretend play that involves problem-solving scenarios. For example, they can pretend to be a doctor and solve medical problems or a detective solving a mystery. These role-playing activities enhance problem-solving, decision-making, and imaginative thinking.

Puzzles and brain teasers are excellent tools for developing problem-solving skills in preschoolers. They challenge children to think critically, analyze information, and use logic to find solutions.

Discussing the benefits of puzzles and brain teasers for problem-solving: Puzzles and brain teasers stimulate critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. They require children to analyze patterns, think logically, and make connections. By engaging in puzzles and brain teasers, preschoolers develop skills that help them approach complex problems with confidence.

Recommending age-appropriate puzzles and brain teaser resources: Choose puzzles and brain teasers that are suitable for your child's age and skill level. Look for puzzles with varying degrees of difficulty to provide a challenging yet achievable experience. Books, websites, and apps offer a wide range of age-appropriate puzzles and brain teasers specifically designed for preschoolers.

Suggesting different types of puzzles (jigsaw, crosswords, sudoku) to target specific cognitive skills: Vary the types of puzzles your child engages with to target different cognitive skills. Jigsaw puzzles promote spatial reasoning, shape recognition, and problem-solving. Crosswords and word puzzles enhance language and critical thinking skills. Sudoku and logic puzzles strengthen analytical thinking and number sense.

Organizing puzzle-solving challenges as a family activity: Engage the whole family in puzzle-solving challenges. Work collaboratively to solve complex puzzles or compete in friendly competitions. This not only promotes problem-solving skills but also strengthens family bonds and creates memorable experiences.

Art and creativity offer unique avenues for problem-solving. By engaging in artistic activities that require decision-making and critical thinking, preschoolers can develop problem-solving abilities in a creative and expressive setting.

Exploring the relationship between creativity and problem-solving: Problem-solving and creativity are closely intertwined. By encouraging creativity, we can foster innovation, flexible thinking, and the ability to generate multiple solutions. Artistic activities provide opportunities for children to approach problems from different angles and think outside the box.

Encouraging children to express their creativity through arts and crafts: Provide ample opportunities for your child to engage in arts and crafts. Encourage them to express themselves creatively, make choices, and solve visual problems. The process of creating art helps children develop problem-solving skills, such as color mixing, composition, and creating three-dimensional structures.

Providing open-ended art projects that require problem-solving and decision-making: Offer art projects that have no predetermined outcome, allowing your child to make creative choices. For example, provide materials for building a structure and let your child decide how to assemble it. This type of open-ended art encourages problem-solving, decision-making, and imaginative thinking.

Incorporating storytelling and creating narratives that require problem-solving: Storytelling offers a wonderful opportunity for children to engage in problem-solving. Encourage your child to create stories that involve problem-solving scenarios. This could involve characters facing challenges and finding creative solutions. By blending creativity and problem-solving, children develop their storytelling abilities and critical thinking skills.

Effective Teaching Techniques for Educators

Educators play a vital role in fostering problem-solving skills in preschoolers. By integrating problem-solving activities into lesson plans, using real-life scenarios, and promoting collaboration and communication, educators can empower their students to become confident problem solvers.

Integrating problem-solving activities into lesson plans is key to nurturing problem-solving skills in preschoolers. By making problem-solving a part of the curriculum, educators can provide students with continuous opportunities to practice critical thinking and decision-making.

Importance of integrating problem-solving activities in preschool curriculum: Problem-solving is a valuable skill that supports cognitive development, academic achievement, and social growth. Integrating problem-solving activities in the curriculum helps children transfer their problem-solving skills to various subjects and real-life situations.

Providing examples of problem-solving activities for different subject areas (math, science, language): Incorporate problem-solving activities in different subject areas to highlight the versatility of this skill. For math, present word problems that require students to use mathematical concepts to find solutions. For science, engage students in inquiry-based experiments where they have to think critically and draw conclusions. For language, assign open-ended writing tasks that require critical thinking and creative problem-solving.

Encouraging cooperative problem-solving among students: Promote collaboration among students to solve problems together. Assign group projects that require teamwork, negotiation, and critical thinking. Encourage students to share their problem-solving strategies and engage in discussions to find the most effective solutions. This fosters cooperative problem-solving and enhances communication skills.

Relating problem-solving activities to real-life situations helps students understand the practical applications of problem-solving skills. By presenting scenarios or case studies, educators can encourage critical thinking, analytical skills, and decision-making.

Importance of relating problem-solving activities to real-life situations: Real-life scenarios provide context and relevance to problem-solving activities. They help students see the direct application of problem-solving in their everyday lives, making the learning experience more meaningful and engaging.

Providing scenarios or case studies that require critical thinking and problem-solving: Present students with real-life scenarios or case studies that require analysis and problem-solving. These scenarios could involve ethical dilemmas, community issues, or personal challenges. Guide students through the problem-solving process, encouraging them to consider multiple perspectives and evaluate potential solutions.

Facilitating class discussions to analyze and evaluate different solutions: Engage students in class discussions to evaluate different solutions to a problem. Encourage them to voice their opinions, present evidence, and respect diverse perspectives. This helps develop analytical thinking, empathy, and effective communication skills.

Collaboration and communication are integral to problem-solving. By promoting activities that foster teamwork and teaching effective communication techniques, educators can enhance students' problem-solving abilities.

Exploring the connection between collaboration and problem-solving: Collaboration enhances problem-solving by allowing students to pool their knowledge, skills, and perspectives. Effective collaboration fosters critical thinking, negotiation, and creativity.

Encouraging group activities that require problem-solving and teamwork: Assign group activities that require students to work together to solve a problem. Provide opportunities for cooperative brainstorming, shared decision-making, and the division of tasks. Collaborative problem-solving strengthens teamwork skills, communication, and problem-solving abilities.

Teaching effective communication techniques to articulate problem-solving strategies: Effective communication is essential for students to articulate and explain their problem-solving strategies. Teach students techniques such as active listening, asking clarifying questions, and using clear and concise language. This helps them express their ideas, collaborate effectively, and reflect on their problem-solving processes.

Expert Advice for Fostering Strong Problem-Solving Skills

Experts in the field provide valuable insights on different aspects of fostering problem-solving skills in preschoolers. From understanding the role of cognitive development to building a foundation for future problem-solving and nurturing a growth mindset, their advice offers guidance and inspiration for parents and educators.

Cognitive development plays a significant role in problem-solving abilities. Understanding the stages of cognitive development helps parents and educators tailor problem-solving activities to a child's developmental needs.

Discussion on the stages of cognitive development and problem-solving abilities: Cognitive development follows distinct stages, each characterized by different problem-solving abilities. From simple cause-and-effect relationships to abstract thinking, these stages provide a framework for understanding children's problem-solving skills at different ages.

Explanation of how cognitive development impacts problem-solving skills in preschoolers: As children progress through cognitive development stages, their problem-solving abilities become more complex and sophisticated. Understanding these changes can help parents and educators adapt problem-solving activities to match a child's developmental stage.

Providing expert insights on how to leverage these stages to promote problem-solving: Experts can offer advice on how to leverage a child's stage of cognitive development to maximize problem-solving potential. For example, providing concrete materials for hands-on exploration in the early stages can facilitate problem-solving through trial and error.

Creating a strong foundation for future problem-solving skills is crucial. Experts offer strategies and tips for nurturing curiosity, developing critical thinking skills, and supporting children in becoming confident problem solvers.

Strategies for laying a strong foundation for future problem-solving skills: Experts can provide strategies for parents and educators to lay a strong foundation for problem-solving. These strategies may include promoting curiosity, encouraging exploration, providing opportunities for decision-making, and supporting children in developing analytical thinking skills.

Encouraging curiosity and exploration: Experts emphasize the importance of nurturing curiosity and encouraging children to ask questions and explore the world around them. Curiosity fuels problem-solving by fostering a desire to discover, investigate, and find solutions.

Providing opportunities for decision-making and problem-solving: Allow children to make choices, solve problems independently, and experience the consequences of their decisions. This builds their problem-solving skills, decision-making abilities, and confidence in their problem-solving capabilities.

Supporting children in developing analytical and critical thinking skills: Critical thinking skills are fundamental to problem-solving. Experts can provide strategies and activities that develop critical thinking skills, such as analyzing information, evaluating options, and making informed decisions.

A growth mindset is essential for fostering problem-solving skills. Experts provide insights on how to cultivate a growth mindset and encourage perseverance and resilience in preschoolers.

Explanation of the concept of growth mindset and its impact on problem-solving: A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, practice, and embracing challenges. A growth mindset is crucial for approaching problem-solving with optimism, resilience, and a willingness to learn from mistakes.

Tips on how to foster a growth mindset in preschoolers: Experts offer practical tips on how to foster a growth mindset in preschoolers. These tips may include providing specific feedback that focuses on effort and improvement, reframing mistakes as learning opportunities, and modeling a growth mindset through problem-solving behavior.

Emphasizing the importance of perseverance in problem-solving: Perseverance is a key component of problem-solving. Experts can provide strategies for cultivating perseverance in preschoolers, such as encouraging them to keep trying, providing support when needed, and celebrating their accomplishments, no matter how small.

Providing examples of growth mindset language: Experts can provide examples of growth mindset language that parents and educators can use to promote a growth mindset in preschoolers. This language emphasizes effort, improvement, and the belief that challenges are opportunities for growth.

Best Practices for Promoting Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Promoting critical thinking and problem-solving requires creating a supportive classroom culture, integrating technology, incorporating project-based learning, and implementing practical teaching strategies.

The classroom environment plays a crucial role in fostering critical thinking and problem-solving. By creating a positive and inclusive culture, educators can cultivate an atmosphere where students feel safe to take risks and explore new ideas.

Discussion on the importance of a positive and inclusive classroom environment: A positive and inclusive classroom environment fosters trust, respect, and collaboration. It encourages students to engage in critical thinking, take intellectual risks, and contribute to class discussions without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Encouraging respect, collaboration, and open-mindedness: Set clear expectations for respectful behavior, collaboration, and open-mindedness. Teach students the value of listening to different perspectives, engaging in healthy debates, and respecting diverse opinions. This creates an environment conducive to critical thinking and problem-solving.

Fostering a sense of belonging and valuing diverse perspectives: Create an inclusive atmosphere where every student feels valued and accepted. Incorporate diverse perspectives and experiences into lesson plans and classroom discussions. Encourage students to share their unique viewpoints, enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving through diverse thinking.

Technology can be a powerful tool for promoting problem-solving skills. By leveraging age-appropriate educational apps and websites, educators can provide interactive and engaging problem-solving activities for preschoolers.

Exploring the use of technology to enhance problem-solving skills: Technology offers opportunities for interactive problem-solving activities that are engaging and motivating. It provides instant feedback, customization, and additional resources to support and challenge students at various skill levels.

Recommending age-appropriate educational apps and websites: Identify educational apps and websites that are age-appropriate and align with the curriculum. These resources should offer problem-solving activities that are engaging, challenging, and aligned with the preschoolers' developmental needs. Regularly assess the quality and effectiveness of these resources to ensure they meet educational goals.

Providing examples of interactive technology-based problem-solving activities: Highlight specific examples of how technology can be used to enhance problem-solving skills. This may include coding games, virtual simulations, or interactive problem-solving scenarios. These examples can inspire educators to explore technology integration in their classrooms.

Project-based learning offers an immersive and inquiry-based approach to critical thinking and problem-solving. By engaging students in meaningful projects, educators provide opportunities for authentic problem-solving experiences.

Explaining the benefits of project-based learning for critical thinking and problem-solving: Project-based learning encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. It helps students develop problem-solving skills in a context that is meaningful and relevant to their lives. Students engage in real-world problem-solving, investigate, make decisions, and reflect on their learning.

Providing examples of project-based activities that require problem-solving: Showcase examples of project-based activities that integrate problem-solving skills. For instance, students could design and build a sustainable structure, create a community solution to an environmental challenge, or develop a business plan based on market research. These examples can inspire educators to design their project-based activities.

Discussing the role of inquiry and investigation in project-based learning: Project-based learning promotes inquiry and investigation. Students learn to ask questions, conduct research, analyze data, and collaborate with others. These inquiry-based experiences foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and deeper understanding.

Practical Strategies for Teaching Problem Solving

Teachers can incorporate practical strategies into their teaching to enhance problem-solving skills in preschoolers. By breaking down problems into smaller steps, encouraging reflection and self-assessment, and providing frequent problem-solving opportunities, educators help students develop their problem-solving abilities.

Complex problems can be overwhelming for preschoolers. Breaking them down into smaller, more manageable steps helps them develop a systematic approach to problem-solving.

Importance of breaking down complex problems into manageable steps: Breaking down complex problems helps students understand the problem, analyze it effectively, and identify the necessary steps to find a solution. This approach promotes clarity, organization, and efficiency in problem-solving.

Providing examples of different problem-solving strategies (trial and error, brainstorming, etc.): Introduce students to various problem-solving strategies. Teach them that there is no single "right" way to solve problems and that different strategies can be used depending on the situation. Familiarize students with trial and error, brainstorming, creating diagrams or models, and using logical reasoning to approach problems.

Teaching children how to identify the root cause of a problem and work towards a solution systematically: Teach students the importance of identifying the root cause of a problem. By understanding the underlying issues, they can develop strategies to solve the problem more effectively. Teach them to approach problem-solving systematically by following step-by-step processes like identifying, analyzing, planning, implementing, and evaluating.

Reflection and self-assessment are integral components of the problem-solving process. By providing students with opportunities to reflect on their problem-solving strategies and outcomes, educators empower them to become self-directed learners.

Emphasizing the importance of reflection in the problem-solving process: Reflection helps students analyze their problem-solving process, identify strengths and weaknesses, and make adjustments for future problem-solving tasks. It promotes self-awareness, metacognition, and continuous improvement.

Teaching children to evaluate their problem-solving strategies and outcomes: Help students develop the ability to evaluate their problem-solving strategies and outcomes. Encourage them to think critically about the effectiveness of their solutions, consider alternative approaches, and reflect upon what they have learned. This reflective process helps them refine their problem-solving abilities and become more efficient problem solvers.

Encouraging self-assessment and identifying areas for improvement: Teach students how to assess their own problem-solving skills objectively. Provide criteria for self-assessment, such as organization, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Encourage students to reflect on their performance and identify areas for improvement. This practice promotes self-directed learning and a growth mindset.

Repetition and practice are essential for developing problem-solving skills. By incorporating problem-solving activities into everyday routines and providing authentic problem-solving opportunities, educators ensure students have regular practice and reinforcement.

Discussing the benefits of regular problem-solving practice: Regular practice helps students develop problem-solving skills and internalize problem-solving strategies. It builds confidence, enhances critical thinking, and improves problem-solving efficiency.

Incorporating problem-solving activities into everyday routines: Integrate problem-solving activities seamlessly into everyday routines. For example, encourage students to problem-solve during snack time by finding ways to divide a given amount of food equally among peers. By embedding problem-solving into daily activities, students learn to apply their skills in practical and meaningful ways.

Engaging children in real-world problem-solving experiences: Provide students with authentic problem-solving experiences that are meaningful and relevant to their lives. This could involve addressing school-wide issues, planning a community event, or conducting a small scientific investigation. Authentic experiences motivate students to apply problem-solving skills and see the direct impact of their efforts.

Engaging Educational Resources for Promoting Problem Solving

Educational resources, such as books, online platforms, and educational toys, can supplement classroom learning and provide additional opportunities for problem-solving. By recommending carefully selected resources, educators enhance problem-solving experiences for preschoolers.

Children's books offer valuable narratives and lessons that promote problem-solving skills. By recommending books that focus on problem-solving, educators can foster critical thinking and engage students in meaningful discussions.

Recommending children's books that encourage problem-solving skills: Curate a collection of children's books that highlight problem-solving skills and strategies. Look for stories that showcase characters facing challenges, making decisions, and finding creative solutions. These books can be used for read-aloud sessions, class discussions, and independent reading.

Discussing the themes and messages that promote problem-solving: Take time to discuss the themes and messages of the recommended books that promote problem-solving. Engage students in thoughtful conversations that connect the stories to their own lives and experiences. Encourage them to identify problem-solving strategies used by the characters.

Providing discussion questions and activities related to the books: Develop discussion questions and activities that extend learning beyond the books. Encourage students to share their thoughts, analyze the characters' decisions, and consider different solutions to the problems presented in the stories. These activities deepen understanding and encourage critical thinking.

The digital age offers a variety of online resources that can support problem-solving development. By recommending educational websites and apps, educators can provide students with engaging and interactive problem-solving experiences.

Recommending interactive online resources that promote problem-solving: Select age-appropriate educational websites and apps that offer interactive problem-solving activities. These resources should be engaging and provide immediate feedback. Look for platforms that align with the curriculum and provide challenging yet achievable problem-solving tasks.

Providing a list of educational websites and apps designed for preschoolers: Curate a list of educational websites and apps that encourage problem-solving for preschoolers. Include a brief description of each resource, its features, and how it supports problem-solving skills. Regularly review and update the list to ensure the resources remain relevant and effective.

Discussing the benefits and limitations of using technology for problem-solving activities: Engage students in conversations about the benefits and limitations of using technology for problem-solving activities. Help them understand the value of using technology for learning and support them in making responsible and informed choices when engaging with digital tools.

Educational toys and games provide hands-on experiences for problem-solving. By recommending specific toys and games that develop problem-solving skills, educators can enhance problem-solving engagement and facilitate skill transfer.

Recommending specific educational toys and games that develop problem-solving skills: Select educational toys and games that require problem-solving and critical thinking. Look for toys that promote logical reasoning, spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and strategic thinking. Consider puzzles, construction sets, manipulatives, and strategy-based board games.

Discussing the benefits of hands-on manipulatives for problem-solving: Hands-on manipulatives provide tactile and kinesthetic learning experiences that enhance problem-solving skills. Discuss the benefits of using manipulatives, such as improving spatial understanding, tactile problem-solving, and fine motor skills. Encourage students to discover different ways to use the manipulatives to solve problems.

Providing examples of problem-solving games and activities: Showcase problem-solving games and activities that students can engage in individually or collaboratively. This may include logic puzzles, problem-solving card games, or board games that require critical thinking and decision-making. Provide clear instructions and guidelines for each game or activity.

Expert Tips for Developing Problem Solving Abilities

Experts share valuable insights on handling challenges and mistakes, encouraging curiosity and creativity, and supporting metacognitive skills to develop strong problem-solving abilities in preschoolers.

Challenges and mistakes are an inherent part of the problem-solving process. Experts provide guidance on how to support preschoolers in facing challenges, learning from mistakes, and persevering in problem-solving.

Discussing the importance of embracing challenges and learning from mistakes: Experts emphasize that challenges and mistakes are opportunities for growth and learning. They help develop problem-solving skills, resilience, and a growth mindset.

Providing tips on how to support children in overcoming setbacks: Experts offer practical strategies for supporting children in overcoming setbacks and challenges. These tips may include providing emotional support, encouraging students to reflect on what they have learned from failures, and helping them develop problem-solving strategies to approach future challenges.

Encouraging a growth mindset and resilience in the face of challenges: Experts stress the importance of cultivating a growth mindset and resilience in preschoolers. By praising effort, focusing on the learning process, and providing opportunities to learn from mistakes, educators can foster a positive problem-solving mindset.

Curiosity and creativity are closely linked to problem-solving skills. Experts provide insights on how to cultivate curiosity, nurture creativity, and promote problem-solving in preschoolers.

Discussing the connection between curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving: Experts explain how curiosity and creativity foster problem-solving skills. Curiosity drives inquiry, exploration, and the desire to find solutions. Creativity enhances flexibility, innovative thinking, and the ability to generate multiple solutions to problems.

Providing tips on how to nurture curiosity and creativity in preschoolers: Experts offer practical tips on how to nurture curiosity and creativity in preschoolers. These tips may include providing opportunities for exploration, encouraging questions and curiosity, fostering an atmosphere of imagination, and supporting imaginative play.

Encouraging open-ended exploration and experimentation: Provide opportunities for open-ended exploration and experimentation to enhance problem-solving skills. By allowing preschoolers to freely explore materials, manipulate objects, and experiment with different solutions, educators foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.

Metacognition, or thinking about thinking, is instrumental in problem-solving. Experts provide strategies for developing metacognitive skills in preschoolers to enhance their problem-solving abilities.

Explaining the concept of metacognition and its role in problem-solving: Metacognition is the ability to think about one's thinking and regulate one's cognitive processes. Experts explain how metacognition enhances problem-solving by allowing children to reflect on their strategies, monitor their understanding, and adjust their approaches accordingly.

Providing strategies for developing metacognitive skills in preschoolers: Experts offer strategies for developing metacognitive skills in preschoolers. These strategies may include modeling metacognitive thinking, encouraging self-reflection through prompts and questions, and guiding students in setting goals and monitoring progress.

Encouraging children to reflect on their problem-solving processes: Teach students to reflect on their problem-solving processes by asking questions such as, "What strategies did you use?", "What worked well?", and "How could you improve?". Regular reflection fosters metacognitive skills, enhances problem-solving abilities, and encourages self-directed learning.

In conclusion, problem-solving skills are crucial for early childhood development. By promoting problem-solving skills, parents and educators empower preschoolers to become confident, independent, and effective problem solvers. Through a supportive environment, engaging activities, effective teaching techniques, and expert advice, we can lay a strong foundation for problem-solving skills early in life. By prioritizing problem-solving in early childhood development, we set the stage for future success and equip preschoolers with the essential skills needed to navigate challenges and succeed in academics and life.

Ashley Watts

I am Ashley Watts, a passionate math teacher with experience teaching preschool and middle school. As a parent, I understand the importance of early learning and the holistic development of children. My goal is to inspire curiosity and a love of math in my students, while balancing my professional life with my role as a dedicated mother.

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Mathematical Problem Solving in the Early Years: Developing Opportunities, Strategies and Confidence

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Top 10 Ways To Help Preschoolers BE A PROBLEM SOLVER

If you’d like to build your preschooler’s life skills, make sure that you don’t forget about helping them to be a problem solver.

WHY PRESCHOOLERS SHOULD BE A PROBLEM SOLVER

When your preschooler solves a problem on their own they build their self confidence, as well as learn something new. Children who learn to solve problems develop the skills they need to look at things from a different perspective, and overcome challenges. This ability can help your preschooler build healthy relationships, and be more likely to succeed when they try new things. Children who succeed when they try to accomplish a task tend to be happier, and more resilient.

For more information on the importance of your preschooler learning to be a problem solver click here.

5 ACTIVITIES TO HELP PRESCHOOLERS BE A PROBLEM SOLVER

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Problem Solving Activities for Preschoolers

Colleen beck otr/l.

• by Colleen Beck OTR/L
• October 22, 2021

It can be frustrating when children act without thinking of the consequences. In this blog post, you’ll learn about the development of problem solving in specific parts of our brain, discover important aspects of executive functioning that impact problem solving abilities, how to teach problem solving to preschoolers, and problem solving activities for preschoolers and young children so they can use words instead of the preschooler’s behaviors  or tantrums.

Best of all, many of our favorite fine motor activities for preschoolers support problem solving skills in early childhood.

Problem Solving Activities for Preschoolers

Before we get into the problem solving activities for preschoolers, and specific strategies to use in early childhood, it’s important to understand the development of the problem-solving process in kids. Supporting small children by giving them the skills to be problem solvers takes time and practice. We’ll get to those specific strategies below.

But first, does this scenario sound familiar at all…

I just don’t understand why Johnny keeps throwing the ball in the house. Doesn’t he realized that he could break the window? Johnny is three and he loves to play with his tennis ball in the house. Even though I have told him over and over again that we don’t throw them in the house, I still catch him sneaking them indoors at least once a week. 

Before we can address problem solving by helping kids look at the big picture and coming up with creative solutions for problem solving issues, we need to understand what is happening developmentally. Self-reflection is a challenging cognitive skill, and for young learners! 

Let’s take a better look at the development of problem solving skills…

Development of Problem Solving Skills

It’s through play, observation of others, and practice that young learners are developing problem solving skills in early childhood .

Problem solving, rational thinking and reasoning are all skills that are controlled by a part of our brain called the prefrontal cortex. Our brains grow exponentially over the first five years of life, but not the part of our brain that helps us with critical thinking and problem solving skills. This part of our brain, called the prefrontal cortex, isn’t fully developed until we turn 25 years old! 

As babies, we are exposed every day to new experiences, but at this age we don’t comprehend how these experiences affect us and those around us. If only children could think through their problems. This resource on executive functioning skills offers more information.

Have you noticed that it can be a bit scary when teenagers get their drivers licenses? They don’t always think of “what might happen.” This is due to their prefrontal cortex not being fully developed. 

But what about our three and four year olds? We know they can count, ask questions and get the cookie off the counter in a very sneaky way when we aren’t looking. In the Early Years study of 2011 called Making decisions, Taking action , they describe the prefrontal cortex entering a rapid period of development, making critical interconnections with our limbic system. (link: )

This study states “The prefrontal cortex pathways that underlie these capacities are unique to human brains and take a long time to mature. Early connections begin in infancy. Between age 3 and 5 years, the prefrontal cortex circuits enter a rapid period of development and make critical interconnections with the limbic system. During adolescence and early adulthood, the neural pathways are refined and become more efficient.”

What is so great about this part of the brain anyway? 

As the prefrontal cortex (that is located behind out eyes) develops over the years, we are able to engage with situations differently, assessing our surroundings in a new way. As we develop these new executive functioning skills, we are able to keep ourselves safe, build friendships and become successful in our careers.

Related, these friendship activities for preschoolers offers ideas and strategies to support social emotional development.

This peer reviewed report competed by Merve Cikili Utyun, called Development Period of Prefrontal Cortex, discusses how amazing this part of our brain is, and how each of the three sections control different aspects of our functioning. It states that: 

“ PFC includes the following Broadman Areas (BA): 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 44, 45, 46, 47. “The dorsolateral frontal cortex (BA) 9/46 has been functioned in many cognitive process, including processing spatial information, monitoring and manipulation of working memory, the implementation of strategies to facilitate memory, response selection, the organization of material before encoding, and the verification and evaluation of representations that have been retrieved from long-term memory. 

The mid-ventrolateral frontal cortex (BA 47) has implicated cognitive functions, including the selection, comparison, and judgment of stimuli held in short-term and long-term memory, processing non-spatial information, task switching, reversal learning, stimulus selection, the specification of retrieval cues, and the ‘elaboration encoding’ of information into episodic memory.

BA 10, the most anterior aspect of the PFC, is a region of association cortex known to be involved in higher cognitive functions, such as planning future actions and decision-making. BAs 44 and 45, include part of the inferior frontal and these regions’ functions are language production, linguistic motor control, sequencing, planning, syntax, and phonological processing.

Finally, the orbitofrontal cortex mostly (BA 47, 10, 11, 13) in the orbitofrontal cortex has been implicated in processes that involve the motivational or emotional value of incoming information, including the representation of primary (unlearned) reinforcers such as taste, smell, and touch, the representation of learnt relationships between arbitrary neutral stimuli and rewards or punishments, and the integration of this information to guide response selection, suppression, and decision making.” 

Wow! No wonder it takes so long for this part of our brain to fully develop. Problem solving skills in preschoolers take time to develop!

When Johnny is throwing the ball inside the house, he is thinking about what is happening now, in the present. Not what has happened in the past (when he broke the window at grandmas house a year ago) or that breaking a window might happen in the future. 

What are some problem solving techniques?

Solving problems is a skill that all preschoolers need support with. This critical skill doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and practice to become second nature.

It’s hard for us, as adults, to remember that children ages 3-5 (preschool-aged) don’t yet have the brain capacity to problem solve on their own, or remember what they learned from a situation a week ago. 

Just like when Andrew was painting at the easel and his paintbrush got stuck in the container. Instead of asking for help or trying to “unstick” the brush, he screamed.  Or when Sally and Samantha ran outside to grab the red bouncy ball, Samantha screamed when Sally grabs it first. She didn’t see the other red bouncy ball in the bucket next to the bikes. 

Try some of these problem solving activities for  kids :

Observation- Children need problem solving strategies that they can observe, and then practice in their everyday lives. Let kids see you talk through problems as you “figure out” a solution. This gives children a chance to see a problem-solving approach in real life situations. They get to see problem solving scenarios in action.

Repetition- Repetition supports brain growth in every area of development including problem solving, executive functioning, motor development, language skills and social development.

Multisensory Activities- Children learn best with multi-sensory cues, learning new skills through seeing, touching, hearing and experiencing the skills they are learning. In 2013, the US National Library of Medicine published an article titled  Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat.  stating “The prefrontal cortex acquires information from all of the senses and orchestrates thoughts and actions in order to achieve specific goals.” (link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3621648/)

Creative Activities- Solving problems is a skill that all preschoolers need support with. It’s hard for us, as adults, to remember they don’t yet have the brain capacity to problem solve on their own. The best way to teach children how to problem solve, it to create activities that support these new skills in a positive way, that their developing brain understands. This letter to future self is one activity to work on goal achievement even at a young age. Preschoolers can draw a picture of what they would like to do or be as an older child or as a teenager or adult.

Problem Solving Activities for Preschool

Here are 3 Simple Ways to Teach Preschoolers to Solve Problems

1.Teaching executive functioning and problem solving skills in everyday situations will support the growth of a child’s prefrontal cortex. For example, these activities that teach executive functioning at the beach show how much thought and preparation goes into building a simple sand castles.

• Children have to think about how much sand to use, how to keep it standing, how to prevent sand from getting into their eyes and how to create another one if the one they are building falls down.
• They must create, plan ahead, problem solve when things get tough and communicate to adults and peers for help.

What other activities does your child do on a regular basis that requires all areas of the prefrontal cortex to activate?

2.When children become upset, their emotions become so overwhelming that they can’t think. In order to calm down and problem solve, they need to access a multi sensory way to help them remember how to do that.

Soothing Sammy gives children tactile and visual cues that remind them how to calm down and problem solve in a developmentally appropriate way. They can be reminded of this positive reinforcement with two words “Sammy Time!”

By reading the book about the sweet golden retriever, who understands that everyone feels upset sometimes, children are encouraged to use all of the sensory strategies to calm down. They can talk to Sammy about what is happening and think through their problem to create a solution.

Ashlie’s four year old daughter did just this. She reports: “When Molly was having some big emotions about coloring a picture and needed to calm down, she visited Sammy and returned with a solution to the problem she came up with all on her own (well with Sammy’s help).”

Click here for more information on the Soothing Sammy resources .

3.Problem solving requires us to remember what just happened, what is happening now and what do we want to happen next. A preschoolers brain tends to blend all three of these situations together, not able to communicate any of them until prompted by an adult. And as an adult, we are left “guessing” what our children are thinking about. Visual cues are a wonderful sensory communication tool to support both children and adults in the realm of solving problems.

Using tools like “First/Then” cards to support routine and common situations like transitions and completing tasks. Using visuals clearly communicates what needs to be done, especially if using pictures of real children doing these tasks.

A Final note about problem solving skills in preschool

Solving problems are hard for young children, even teenagers, as their prefrontal cortex isn’t fully developed yet. Using multisensory teaching tools to support brain development, practicing tasks that teach executive functioning skills and using developmentally appropriate tools to help children calm down, will help even the most frustrating moments become a bit less stressful for children and adults. 

As we learn to be more patient with children, understanding that the part of their brain needed to solve problems is just beginning to develop, repeating the same directions over and over again may not be so frustrating. Our children are doing the best they can. It’s up to us to provide them with experiences to help their brains grow and develop. 

Jeana Kinne is a veteran preschool teacher and director. She has over 20 years of experience in the Early Childhood Education field. Her Bachelors Degree is in Child Development and her Masters Degree is in Early Childhood Education. She has spent over 10 years as a coach, working with Parents and Preschool Teachers, and another 10 years working with infants and toddlers with special needs. She is also the author of the “Sammy the Golden Dog” series, teaching children important skills through play.

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How Important Is Problem-solving Skill?

In today’s world, children have access to vast information on the internet. While this knowledge can be helpful, it can also be overwhelming, making learning more challenging than ever before.

To navigate this sea of information, children must develop problem-solving skills. As they encounter problems in their daily lives, they must learn to choose and evaluate possible solutions. Developing problem-solving skills early on can help them form good habits and thinking patterns.

Importance of Problem-solving skills from a young age

Here are several reasons why problem-solving skills are crucial for your preschoolers:

1. Critical Thinking: Problem-solving encourages critical thinking, or the ability to analyze and evaluate information logically. This skill helps children make rational decisions throughout their lives. It’s great that you don’t always have to be there to solve their problems.

2. Academic Success: Problem-solving skill is highly related to academic success. Children who solve problems are better equipped to excel in math, science, and language arts.

3. Life Skills: Problem-solving is essential for everyday life, from resolving conflicts with others to making decisions about personal health and safety. You can rest assured that your child is equipped with the necessary independence for their life.

4. Innovation and Creativity: Problem-solving fosters creativity and innovation. Children can think outside the box with proper solutions and find ways to succeed.

5. Adaptability: In a rapidly changing world, adaptability is crucial. Problem-solving skill helps children become more adaptable and open to change, which is essential for success in a dynamic society.

6. Confidence: Successfully solving problems boosts a child’s self-confidence. They learn to trust their abilities and become more willing to tackle new challenges.

Six ways Parents can help to reinforce Problem-solving skills for Preschoolers

It is essential to note that preschoolers often face difficulties when it comes to solving basic problems. Whether it’s toy-related conflicts, challenging math equations, or negative peer pressure, it can be challenging for them to navigate these situations. As responsible parents, it’s crucial to gradually guide and teach them basic problem-solving skills to help them develop and succeed.

1. Learn to manage your child’s emotions:

Children aged 3 to 5 often struggle with managing their emotions. It’s vital for them to learn emotional regulation before tackling problem-solving.

Teach your child that all emotions are valid, including anger, frustration, happiness, and sadness. However, it’s crucial to respond to these emotions appropriately.

Encourage your child to identify and express their emotions. When they’re upset, ask them what they’re feeling and validate their feelings.

Help your child find a calming space where they can process their emotions and relax their body. This will help them learn and grow.

Once your child is calm, work on problem-solving skills by brainstorming solutions together. Listen to their ideas and take notes without commenting. This will allow your child to practice their problem-solving skills and feel more invested in implementing the solutions they come up with. Don’t worry about mistakes – they’re a valuable learning opportunity for your child. 2. Understanding the problem-solving sequence: Parents must understand the problem-solving sequence to guide children to find solutions.

By applying this problem-solving diagram, parents can help children gradually get acquainted with problem-solving skills in all situations in life. You’ll be amazed by the unique solutions your child comes up with!

3. Use everyday moments As parents, you can help your children develop problem-solving skills in their day-to-day interactions. Whether at home, in the grocery store, or going through your daily routines, like mealtime or bath time, there are plenty of opportunities to teach your children how to solve problems.

Kids will encounter problems everywhere they go. For instance, they may have to figure out how to share one toy truck among several kids or decide how to arrange their sleeping area in the classroom so that their classmates can nap. You can also encourage your child to suggest ways to distribute the food package for their pet fish.

While these situations may seem easy to adults, children need to use trial and error to arrive at the correct solutions. By providing them with opportunities to practice problem-solving skills, you can help your children become more confident and capable of handling challenges they may face in the future.

4. Ask Open Ended Questions

Children always have problems that need to be solved immediately by their parents. But if parents constantly answer their child’s questions, it will prevent them from brainstorming to find solutions next time.

Instead of answering all of your child’s questions, you should delay for a while by asking your child open-ended questions.

Encouraging open-ended questions can stimulate children’s problem-solving skills and foster critical thinking. Here are open-ended questions to provoke your children’s problem-solving thinking:

“Why do you think happened?” “What do you think will happen if…” “What might happen if we tried a different approach?” “Can you come up with as many solutions as possible for this situation?” “What are the pros and cons of each option you’ve thought of?” “Why did you choose to…” “What tools could you use to help solve this problem?” “How would you explain this problem and your proposed solution to someone else?” “What do you think caused the change?” “How can we break this problem down into smaller parts?” “What are some creative ways to approach this challenge?” “How can we test your solution to see if it works?” “What might happen if we don’t address this problem?” “How can you involve others and collaborate to find a solution?” “What potential challenges or obstacles might we encounter along the way, and how can we prepare for them?”

5. Model problem solving Preschoolers often look to their parents as role models and learn by observing their behaviour.

It’s a great idea to involve your child in age-appropriate family decisions, such as planning outings, selecting meals, or budgeting for expenses. This will encourage your child to participate and share their ideas and thoughts on various issues, such as: How to pack luggages in the most compact and complete way? What meal should we prepare for the trip? Which destination and what fun activities should we choose?

Afterwards, explain your final choices to your child for reference. This helps them make better decisions for their future work.

6. Read books and tell stories. As a parent, you can share stories with your children by reading books together. These stories often present characters who face challenges and overcome them, providing valuable lessons for children on problem-solving in their own lives.

To reinforce the lessons in the book, discuss the story’s main problem with your child. Ask them to identify who solved the problem and why they chose that approach. By doing so, you are helping your child learn to analyze situations and develop strong problem-solving skills.

To foster problem-solving skills in children, parents, teachers, and caregivers can provide opportunities to tackle various challenges, ask open-ended questions, encourage creativity, and provide constructive feedback. By consistently implementing these tips, parents can help their children become confident and effective problem solvers, which will benefit them throughout their lives.

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Critical Thinking for Preschoolers

Written by: Kokotree

Last updated: April 26, 2023

A s a toddler parent, you might wonder if it’s too early to introduce your little one to critical thinking skills. The good news is, it’s never too early! Nurturing these skills in your preschooler can be crucial to their overall development. So, let’s jump in and explore how you can start developing critical thinking in your preschooler today, all while having a great time together!

The Importance of Critical Thinking in Early Childhood Education

Reading time, mealtime conversations, the “what if” game, puzzles and logic games, building and construction, finding the right learning app for toddlers, encourage curiosity and exploration, praise effort and improvement, create a safe space for questions and discussions, model critical thinking behaviors, attending parent-teacher conferences, communicate regularly, developmental milestones, adjusting expectations and activities, 1. what age should i start teaching my child critical thinking skills, 2. how can i tell if my preschooler is developing critical thinking skills, 3. are there specific activities or games that help develop critical thinking, 4. what role do parents play in fostering critical thinking skills, 5. how can i collaborate with my child’s preschool teacher or childcare provider, 6. can screen time contribute to critical thinking development, 7. why is curiosity important for critical thinking, 8. what is a growth mindset, and how does it relate to critical thinking, 9. is puzzle-solving the only way to promote critical thinking in preschoolers, 10. how can i support my child if they struggle with critical thinking activities, 11. how do i know if a learning app for toddlers is appropriate for critical thinking development, 12. how do developmental milestones affect my preschooler’s critical thinking abilities, 13. what should i do if i have concerns about my child’s critical thinking development.

Preschoolers can develop critical thinking skills through preschool age -appropriate activities and games that challenge them to solve problems, make decisions, and analyze information. Engaging in these experiences will teach them to ask questions, reason, and communicate effectively, building a solid foundation for their future education and overall development.

Early childhood education is a crucial period for developing a solid foundation of cognitive abilities. During this time, children are like sponges, absorbing information from their surroundings and interactions. By introducing critical thinking skills at this stage, you’re laying a strong groundwork for their future academic accomplishments and life success. Moreover, it will help your child adapt to various situations and solve problems creatively and effectively.

Incorporating Critical Thinking into Daily Routines

One of the best ways to cultivate critical thinking skills in your preschooler is by integrating them into your daily routines. This involvement can create a seamless learning environment where your child understands that problem-solving is a regular part of life.

Reading together is a quintessential activity for preschoolers. During this time, ask open-ended questions that encourage your child’s thought process. Pause and discuss the story, exploring alternative outcomes or what might happen next. This practice expands their imagination while also engaging critical thinking skills.

Mealtimes can be an excellent opportunity for developing communication and reasoning skills. Encourage your child to express their choices, preferences, and reasons for doing so. Talk about the recipe or meal preparation and how certain ingredients come together to create a final dish. This encourages your preschooler to think about cause and effect relationships.

Fun Activities and Games for Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Introducing critical thinking through playtime and hands-on activities is an effective approach for capturing your preschooler’s attention and promoting learning. Here are a few fun, engaging, and educational games and activities that will help them develop these essential cognitive abilities.

This simple, conversation-based game encourages your child to think creatively and consider alternative scenarios. Start by presenting a situation, and then ask your preschooler, “What if…?” questions related to it. For instance, “What if our pet could talk? What would they say?” or “What if cars could fly? How would that change our lives?” This activity promotes problem-solving and helps your child visualize different outcomes.

Puzzles and logic games are excellent tools for encouraging critical thinking. They require your child to analyze, strategize, and apply their reasoning abilities to solve problems. Choose age-appropriate puzzles and games that challenge your preschooler without causing frustration.

Activities that involve building and construction, such as using blocks, LEGO, or magnetic tiles, help sharpen problem-solving skills. These materials require preschoolers to plan, design, and adapt their constructions to achieve a complete structure successfully. The trial-and-error process fosters critical thinking and perseverance.

Exploring Educational Resources to Supplement Critical Thinking Learning

There are abundant educational resources available to enhance your preschooler’s critical thinking journey. From physical toys and books to digital platforms, you can find materials tailored specifically to their age and developmental stage. Among these resources, a learning app for toddlers can offer a comprehensive and engaging experience.

When looking for a learning app for toddlers, consider one that promotes critical thinking through age-appropriate, interactive activities. The right app will feature various game-based learning experiences focused on problem-solving, creativity, and reasoning. Moreover, it should be user-friendly, visually appealing, and offer a safe online environment for your child.

Reading reviews and requesting recommendations from other parents or educators can help you navigate this process and find the perfect match for your preschooler’s needs. Start by browsing apps that focus specifically on early childhood education and critical thinking development. With the right app, your child will be engaged and entertained, all while building the foundation for future success.

Supporting Your Child’s Critical Thinking Journey

As you introduce critical thinking activities and games to your preschooler, keep in mind that the learning process will be different for each child. Some children may quickly grasp concepts, while others may require more guidance and patience. Adapt your approach according to your child’s individual needs and celebrate their accomplishments, big or small.

Curiosity is an essential component of critical thinking. Encourage your preschooler to explore their surroundings and provide a variety of materials to spark their imagination. Start discussions about the world, ask questions, and listen attentively to their thoughts and ideas. Celebrate their curiosity as an essential part of their overall cognitive growth.

When acknowledging your child’s efforts or success in critical thinking activities, focus on their progress and improvement. Praising your preschooler’s hard work instead of their innate ability fosters a growth mindset and teaches them that they can improve their skills through practice and determination.

Introducing critical thinking skills during the preschool years is essential for your child’s cognitive development and prepares them for a lifetime of learning. By incorporating activities that promote problem-solving, reasoning, and decision-making into your preschooler’s daily life, you’re setting them up for success in their academic and personal future. With a variety of fun activities, educational resources, and supportive guidance, you can spark their critical thinking journey and help them grow into confident, capable individuals.

The Role of Parents and Family in Toddler Education and Critical Thinking

As the primary caregivers and role models, parents and families have a significant impact on the development of critical thinking in toddlers. By actively participating in your child’s learning process, you can provide a supportive and nurturing environment that fosters positive growth.

To promote critical thinking in toddler education, create a home environment where your child feels comfortable asking questions and engaging in discussions. Encourage them to express their thoughts and ideas, and actively listen to what they have to say. Show patience and understanding, and avoid dismissing or criticizing their questions, as this can discourage further exploration and curiosity.

Children learn a lot by observing the people around them. By demonstrating critical thinking behaviors in your everyday life, you set an example for your toddler to follow. When making decisions or solving problems, involve your child in the process and explain the reasoning behind your choices. This can help them understand the importance of thinking critically and empower them to use those skills in their own lives.

Collaborating with Educators and Childcare Providers

Collaborating with your child’s educators and childcare providers is an essential component of building a cohesive approach to critical thinking development. By working together, you can support your child’s learning both inside and outside the classroom.

Attending parent-teacher conferences is an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and gain insight into the critical thinking activities and strategies used in the classroom. You may learn about new techniques, resources, or experiences to incorporate into your home routine and build upon your child’s classroom learning.

Regular communication with your child’s educators and childcare providers is key to staying informed about their progress and addressing concerns or challenges that may arise. Share information about your child’s interests, accomplishments, and struggles so that they can tailor their approach and support your child’s critical thinking journey effectively.

Understanding the Development of Critical Thinking Skills

Recognizing that critical thinking skills develop gradually over time can help you set realistic expectations and adopt a patient, growth-focused approach. It’s also essential to be aware of developmentally-appropriate milestones and activities so that you can support your child’s cognitive growth effectively.

Even though each child is unique, understanding broad developmental milestones can give you a general idea of the progress your toddler should be making. From ages 3 to 5, children typically begin to develop the ability to organize and classify objects, understand cause-and-effect relationships, and ask “why” questions. Being mindful of these milestones can help you identify any potential issues and address them promptly.

As your child grows and develops, their critical thinking skills will evolve and deepen. Tailoring activities to their developmental stage will ensure that you continue to challenge and engage them in the learning process. By adjusting your expectations and offering age-appropriate critical thinking experiences, you provide the support and guidance necessary for your preschooler to thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions and concerns that parents often have regarding the development of critical thinking skills in preschoolers. We’ve compiled answers to help provide guidance and support as you embark on this exciting and essential aspect of your child’s early education.

There is no specific age when you should start teaching critical thinking skills to your child; however, the preschool years (ages 3-5) are a critical time for cognitive development. Introducing problem-solving, reasoning, and decision-making skills during this stage can help lay the groundwork for future learning and success.

Some indicators that your preschooler is developing critical thinking skills include their ability to ask questions, make connections between ideas or objects, consider different perspectives, and evaluate information. Keep in mind that every child develops at their own pace, and they may not exhibit all of these signs at once.

Yes, many age-appropriate activities and games can help promote critical thinking in preschoolers. These include puzzles, building and construction toys, imaginative play, and asking open-ended questions during reading time or everyday conversations.

Parents play a significant role in fostering critical thinking skills by creating a supportive learning environment, modeling critical thinking behaviors, and engaging their child in thought-provoking discussions and activities.

Collaborate with your child’s preschool teacher or childcare provider by maintaining open lines of communication, attending parent-teacher conferences, and discussing strategies for promoting critical thinking both at home and in the classroom.

Screen time can contribute to critical thinking development if it involves interactive, educational content designed for toddler education such as learning apps, games, or videos that promote problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Curiosity is essential for critical thinking because it drives children to explore their surroundings, ask questions, and seek new experiences. By nurturing their curiosity, you encourage a lifelong love of learning and help them develop the cognitive skills necessary for success in school and life.

A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and skills can be developed through hard work and determination. Encouraging a growth mindset in your preschooler promotes the idea that they can improve their critical thinking skills by practicing and persevering, which can lead to a more confident and resilient learner.

While puzzle-solving is an excellent way to promote critical thinking by challenging preschoolers to analyze, strategize, and apply reasoning, it is not the only approach. Engaging in imaginative play, asking open-ended questions, and promoting cause and effect discussions are also effective methods for developing young minds.

If your child struggles with critical thinking activities, offer guidance and support, adapt the activities to their developmental level, and encourage them to persevere in the face of challenges. Remember to praise their effort and progress rather than focusing solely on successful outcomes.

When selecting a learning app for toddlers, look for one that features interactive, age-appropriate activities designed to promote critical thinking skills. Additionally, ensure that the app is user-friendly, visually appealing, and safe for online use by young children.

Developmental milestones provide a general overview of the cognitive abilities your preschooler should be developing at their age. Being mindful of these milestones can help you identify any potential issues and address them in a timely manner. Keep in mind, however, that every child develops at their own pace.

If you have concerns about your child’s critical thinking development, consult with their preschool teacher, childcare provider, or a pediatrician for guidance and support. They can provide recommendations for further evaluation or intervention if needed.

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It's a Big Problem! Teaching Children Problem-Solving Skills

In this webinar, presenters discuss ways to help children in the problem-solving process and support them in becoming independent problem-solvers. Learn about the steps to problem-solving and watch videos of teachers demonstrating strategies they use to help children in their classrooms.

Note: The evaluation, certificate, and engagement tools mentioned in the video were for the participants of the live webinar and are no longer available. For information about webinars that will be broadcast live soon, visit  Upcoming Events .

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Last Updated: July 31, 2023

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Math Activities for Preschoolers

Teach basic math skills through hands-on and engaging activities.

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Preschool is a time when children are rapidly developing and learning early literacy and math skills that will support their future learning. Children are exposed to math concepts like numbers, counting, and recognizing shapes in everyday activities and begin to form ideas about math from a very early age.

This exposure is the foundation for more advanced math concepts they’ll learn as they grow and develop. As you guide your children through number sense, comparing sizes, identifying shapes, and sorting, you give them the knowledge and reasoning to understand future subjects like algebra, geometry, and more. Preschool mathematics is critical to cognitive development. It promotes creative thinking and problem-solving, and you can keep your children on the right track through hands-on and engaging lessons.

The importance of preschool math concepts

First, it’s important to understand why these math concepts are vital for increasing children’s mathematical skills. Not only do they assist preschoolers in developing their thinking and reasoning skills, but early experiences with important math concepts can also have lasting impacts on children, particularly on their brain architecture. These math concepts help build children’s basic math foundation as cognitive abilities develop.

The neural networks that give children the power to count from one to 10 are the same as those that help them solve complex mathematical concepts later in life. Teachers can easily lay the foundation for determination, logic, and problem-solving using different math-related activities during preschool and continually reinforce basic math concepts to young learners.

Math concepts for preschoolers and activities for teachers

Below are four important math concepts that preschool teachers should prioritize and some activities that can make learning these concepts easier and more fun for children. 

Recognizing numbers and counting

Number recognition, or the ability to recognize numbers by their names and how they look, is the basis for understanding more complex math skills. As children learn to identify numbers, they also learn how to write them and match them to their corresponding quantities.

In a traditional game of hopscotch, children hop through landing spaces numbered from one through 10. As they hop to each space, children should call out the number. While you can decide the final number for them, increase their engagement by allowing them to toss a small object into a space they can collect. 

Hopscotch supports math skills development by allowing children to focus on counting sequences. As they hop along, they see, recognize, and name the numbers. The activity also helps with number relations, reinforcing which number follows another. Additionally, the visual representation on the ground strengthens their understanding that a number, like seven, is closer to nine than one.

Counting dice

Dice are an efficient tool in helping preschoolers build their number recognition skills. For this activity, you need dice, crayons, bottle top lids, and a paper printout with numbers from one to six:

• Prompt your children to toss the dice on a flat surface.
• Ask them to count the dots on the dice’s top surface and move the bottle top to the corresponding number on the piece of paper; e.g., they should move it to four on the paper printout if they counted four dots.

Counting petals in flowers

This activity allows children to explore nature while practicing their basic counting skills. You only need real (or fake) flowers for this activity. Give each child a flower and ask them to count each petal.

Counting cereal

Counting colorful cereal is a simple preschool math activity that teaches one-to-one correspondence and doubles as a tasty treat. One-to-one correspondence is an early math skill that involves a child’s ability to count in ascending order while touching or transferring each object in a set, one by one, and only once. 

Set out a bowl of colorful cereal like Froot Loops and ask your children to count each color consecutively. For example, have them count the green ones, the red ones, etc. To cater to their skill set, ration out how many pieces of cereal you place in each bowl based on the number you’d like them to count to. As their skills improve, increase the number. While this activity teaches one-to-one correspondence, it also helps with another preschool concept—color recognition.

Learning the concept of big and small 

Preschoolers love to talk about how “big” they are. While they’re smaller than many people and things they interact with, they find joy in being bigger than younger siblings or a pet. Their learning and understanding of big and small are important for math readiness as it lays the foundation for understanding and comparing sizes. If a child has two small cookies and one huge one, this concept helps them realize that the latter is likely “more” than the former. It sets them up to learn the concepts of less vs. more, smaller than vs. larger than, and equal to. 

Here are some activities that will help you to teach children the concept of big and small.

Read picture books about size

As you’ve experienced, storytime is a big part of preschool. Reading picture books about size is one of the best ways to teach the concept of big and small. Additionally, the frequent use of terms like “big” and “small” help increase your children’s spatial language. Not only does this help in building their math skills, but it can also strengthen their visual-spatial intelligence.

Shoe size comparison

To enhance teaching new concepts, consider using items your preschoolers see daily. Comparing shoe sizes is a quick activity that requires little setup. 

Have three children volunteer to take off their shoes. Line the shoes on the floor from smallest to biggest. Identify the shoes by their owners and explain how the sizes compare. For example, you could say, “ John’s shoes are smaller than Peter’s, but bigger than Matt’s .” Feel free to add your shoes to the comparison, and have your children help you identify if your shoes are smaller or bigger than the group.

Sort nature items

The next time your preschoolers play outside, ask five children to collect one leaf from different plants or trees. While you can ask them to choose big or small leaves, this can be challenging for some as they learn more about the concept. In the classroom, have your preschoolers guide you in arranging the leaves from smallest to largest. Prompt them with questions like “ Is this leaf smaller or larger than this one? ”

Learning shapes is a fundamental skill that helps preschoolers in math, reading, and science. It introduces them to spatial relationships and how objects move in relation to each other. Realizing that a diamond is “pointy” while an oval is “round” helps them develop their spatial language. Learning shapes allows children to identify and organize visual information, and their recognition of shapes can affect how well they recall numbers, letters, signs, and symbols.

Shapes treasure hunt

To create your shapes treasure hunt, you’ll need paper, crayons, or markers. Before starting the activity with your class, draw different shapes such as circles, triangles, and squares, on pieces of paper and tape them up in visible areas around the classroom. Then draw each of the shapes on the board. 

Start the treasure hunt by asking your preschoolers to collect one of the circles, then the squares, etc. After each hunt, have the child who found a shape tape it under the corresponding one on the board. To give everyone a chance to participate, open the remaining hunts to children who have yet to collect a shape.

Hidden shapes

For the hidden shapes activity, you’ll need white crayons, watercolors, brushes, and white sheets of paper. Using the white crayon, draw different shapes on the paper, ensuring each shape takes up the entire page. Help the children to color the paper using watercolors. As the page fills with watercolors, the shape will appear. Have your children help you identify each shape.

Snacking on shapes

Snack time can also be a time to teach and reinforce shapes for preschoolers. For this activity, use a shape template or create your own.

For snack ideas, you can collect:

• Circles: Cucumber slices, round crackers, M&Ms
• Squares: Cheez-Its, chex cereal, pretzel snaps
• Rectangles: Carrot slices, vanilla wafers, graham crackers

To create triangles, diamonds, stars, and hearts, consider using food cutters to create them. Once you’re ready to begin the activity, hand out the worksheets and give each child a series of snacks in each shape. Have your preschoolers place each snack next to the corresponding shape.

Sorting is a skill that requires a child to identify items with common characteristics and group them based on their similarities. It’s a cognitive skill that develops a child’s thinking and reasoning even if they cannot verbalize why items are put together. To sort, the child has to analyze the items, reason their similarities or differences, and form groups based on their observations.

Animal classification

Animal sorting is a great way to introduce children to different animals based on different criteria like what they eat, where they live, or their size. You’ll need animal cards or animal toys for this activity.

Using the props, place them on a surface accessible to your preschoolers. Instruct them to sort the animals based on a particular characteristic. While having them sort through size is another reinforcement for their learning of big and small, you can also include color, number of limbs, and mobile abilities such as whether they walk, swim, or fly.

Sorting buttons

Sorting buttons is a preschool activity that requires minimal preparation but presents many benefits. You’ll need to provide a variety of buttons, large plastic containers, and smaller plastic containers. 

Put a series of buttons in one large plastic container, and instruct your class to sort them by size or color into the smaller plastic containers. This reinforces their learning of size and color recognition. Sorting activities where children move and manipulate small objects also supports the development of their fine motor skills, which they need for holding pencils, using scissors, or zipping their jackets.

Sorting blocks has the same purpose as sorting buttons. While buttons limit you to size and color, adding blocks as an activity helps incorporate different shapes. Repeat the process you used for sorting buttons. Add the blocks to one container and instruct your children to separate them based on their characteristics.

Final thoughts

Math plays a great role in a child’s development and often helps them make sense of their surroundings. Preschool math concepts help children understand how the world is represented by numbers and is often present even before preschoolers open their first math textbook. By incorporating hands-on math activities using simple materials, you can help your children build a solid foundation for more complex concepts.

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Nature and Social Studies for Preschool

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Children are born curious about the world in which they live. In this course, we discuss how to use a variety of dresearch-based learning materials to promote and enhance their natural curiosity, reasoning, and problem-solving in the areas of social studies and nature.

After completing this 2-hour course, the learner will be able to describe how social studies and using nature support children's cognitive development. Social studies experiences should reflect the range of the children's cultural groups. The learner will be able to give activity examples from these two areas.

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• Create learner-centered activities that reflect the natural world;
• Describe elements of social studies and how those are reflected in the preschool learning environment; and
• Develop and implement learning activities related to social studies topics.

The development of this online course was 100% funded by federal Child Care and Development Funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as part of an $8,000,000 grant from the Texas Workforce Commission.

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As early childhood educators, you are not only keeping children safe and healthy through the environment you have in place but also teaching children about safety and modeling safe, healthy practices. After completing this 2-hour course, the learner will be able to describe ways to keep children physically safe, explain how to teach children about safety and modeling safe practices, support wellness during routines, describe how to respond to injuries and emergencies, and engage families in safe practices.

Engaging families to become involved in their child’s early care and education sets the foundation for that involvement to continue throughout the child’s schooling. Helping families understand the importance of this involvement is critical. Families may not always understand how important they are in the education process, from early care onwards. In this two-hour course, the learner will describe strategies for conducting orientations, holding formal meetings with families, discussing ways to support child development at home, encouraging parent involvement, and determining community resources available to help families and their children.

Maintaining the health of young children – and setting them up with lifelong healthy habits – are critical elements of a quality early childhood program. This course provides an overview of the Texas Healthy Building Blocks recognition program for early care and education settings that have demonstrated a commitment to promoting early childhood health. It is aligned with the guidelines of the Texas Healthy Building Blocks recognition program.

Creating healthy habits is a critical element of quality early childhood programs. This course reviews practices that promote physical activity in young children. It is aligned with Texas Healthy Building Blocks recognition criteria and was developed with support from the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Guidance and discipline issues are two of the most challenging aspects of any early childhood teacher’s work. Explore what contributes to problem behaviors and how to work with children to promote positive behaviors. Examine the effects of the classroom environment on children’s behaviors.

One of the most challenging aspects of child care is deciding upon a style of discipline that is appropriate, effective, and in the best interest of each child. Students will learn about the strengths and weaknesses of various disciplinary styles and explore strategies for setting and enforcing healthy limits.