Picture this: You’ve carefully created an assignment for your class. The step-by-step instructions are crystal clear. During class time, you walk through all the directions, and the response is awesome. Your students are ready! It’s finally time for them to start working individually and then… 8 hands shoot up with questions. You hear one student mumble in the distance, “Wait, I don’t get this” followed by the dreaded, “What are we supposed to be doing again?”

Problem-Solving Skills for Kids: The Real Deal

Post problem-solving anchor charts and references on your classroom wall or pin them to your Google Classroom – anything to make them accessible to students. When they ask for help, invite them to reference the charts first.

1. Go Step-By-Step Through The Problem-Solving Sequence

If a student gets stuck, they should ask themself, “Have I ever seen a problem like this before? If so, how did I solve it?” Chances are, your students have tackled something similar already and can recycle the same strategies they used before to solve the problem this time around.

2. Revisit Past Problems

Let’s say your students have gone through the Problem Solving Process, revisited past problems, and documented what doesn’t work. Now, they know it’s time to ask someone for help. Great! But before you jump into save the day, practice “3 Before Me”. This means students need to ask 3 other classmates their question before asking the teacher. By doing this, students practice helpful 21st century skills like collaboration and communication, and can usually find the info they’re looking for on the way.

4. “3 Before Me”

Sometimes finding the answer to a problem requires the process of elimination. Have your students attempt to solve a problem at least two different ways before reaching out to you for help. Even better, encourage them write down their “Not-The-Answers” so you can see their thought process when you do step in to support. Cool thing is, you likely won’t need to! By attempting to solve a problem in multiple different ways, students will often come across the answer on their own.

3. Document What  Doesn’t  Work

Problem-solving skills for kids can be learned, nurtured by teachers, and practiced by everyone! Learn how with these creative tips.

3. Document What Doesn’t Work

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