One of the ways we can help our children become better problem solvers is by repeatedly and explicitly giving them opportunities to develop key problem-solving skills. Today’s activities provide opportunities to explore different solutions. In both the Chain of Changes and Coloring Triangles, learners are encouraged to look carefully at each problem, ask questions and utilize… Read More
One of the essential mathematical problem-solving skills that we want our children to develop is that of logical thinking: ‘if this … then that’. Strategy games are a great way to offer children the opportunity to develop this skill in a stimulating environment. These seemingly simple pencil-and-paper games were invented by mathematicians. They call for two… Read More
Most of us are spending a lot more time indoors these days. Hopefully, these activities will keep your family engaged in creative pursuits, that will also stretch their minds. ******************************** GEOBOTS CREATING ROBOTS WITH GEOMETRIC SHAPES Materials can be whatever you’d like. I used my computer to draw the ones above. Cut out lots… Read More
In early childhood, having positive self-esteem is critical as our children begin to explore the world. They need confidence in themselves in order to try new things. Self-esteem shapes what decisions we make, the types of activities we try, and how we respond to set-backs. In Chrysanthemum, Kevin Henkes employs the literary device, anthropomorphism, to give… Read More
We can’t always be there to solve every problem for our children. In fact, this isn’t our job. Our job is to teach them how to solve problems themselves. By helping children find their own answers and solutions, we are empowering them to feel confident in their abilities and able to cope in their world. This way, they… Read More
Independent problem solving allows our children to formulate ideas, try these ideas out, and accept or reject what they learn. Constructing knowledge by making mistakes is part of the natural process of problem solving. Through exploring, then experimenting, trying out a hypothesis, and finally, solving problems, children make learning personal and meaningful. ************************************** This activity allows… Read More
Here are two tasks where having good ways to sort and organize can be very helpful. Young children often find working in a systematic way very difficult. These problems provide a real context and an opportunity to record thinking, which leads to the very beginnings of a proof. **************************** BUTTON-UP Max has a shirt with… Read More
Take a walk on a windy day, or just stand outside for a few minutes. Talk about the wind with your children and explore what it does……………. Can you see the wind? How do you know it’s blowing? What does it do to objects and the people around you? What does it do to the trees?… Read More
Working systematically, is a key problem solving skill that will support children to become competent as problem solvers. This is important when a task involves finding all possibilities, or when it is helpful to structure a method for solving a problem. ************************************************ A CITY OF TOWERS Age 5 to 7 In a certain city houses had… Read More
Being a competent and confident problem solver is central to the mathematical development of all our learners. Math activities that enable children to explore and work from their own level of understanding, and then build on this towards new understandings is the goal. “Problem-solving is not only a goal of learning mathematics but also a major… Read More
