Life is full of little problems: the best way to get to work in the morning, how to fit groceries into the refrigerator, when to start dinner so that you can eat at 6:30, and so on. While adults may not think too much about these relatively minor problems, navigating everyday life requires good problem-solving skills.
Young children must develop problem-solving in the early years so that they can function later on. But how do children learn this critical skill?
Children develop creativity, confidence, and skills that allow them to solve problems throughout childhood. Parents and caregivers can support their child’s problem-solving ability by choosing high-quality preschool programs and engaging in activities at home.
This article explores the importance of problem-solving activities for preschoolers. It will also discuss several activities that can help children develop problem-solving skills.
Contact the dedicated educators at Little Sunshine Preschool to learn about our incredible early learning programs. We are happy to answer your questions or help you schedule a tour.
Why is it Important to Teach Problem-Solving in Preschool?
Generally, people–adults included–can get discouraged when facing a task that exceeds their abilities.
However, being patient and trying new things can help people find new solutions to problems. Problem-solving requires flexible thinking, confidence, and persistence that can lead to creative solutions.
Like all people, young children may become frustrated when approaching a new task. In early childhood, many tasks are “new”. Getting dressed, using a spoon, kicking a ball, and many other everyday activities require complex thought and coordination.
Fostering good problem-solving in young children is essential. Having confidence in their ability to find solutions to problems can help them succeed at new tasks throughout early childhood and beyond.
How to Teach Problem-Solving Skills in Childhood Development
Children develop problem-solving skills through practice, modeling, and increased independence. Encouraging children to approach new tasks with openness and patience can help them develop critical problem-solving skills.
Here are some activities that can encourage creativity, persistence, and better problem-solving skills.
Ask open-ended questions
Parents and caregivers may feel tempted to “rescue” their child from frustration when approaching a new problem. Things like pouring water into a cup or zipping up a sweatshirt may be frustrating, Adults may hear “I can’t do it!” frequently.
Instead of rushing in to “fix” the problem, development experts advise parents to ask open-ended questions. Some examples include:
- “Why is it hard?”
- “What isn’t working?”
- “Which parts are frustrating?”
Asking open-ended questions can encourage your child to think about specific parts of a problem instead of seeing the problem as a single challenge.
Use everyday moments
Adults may not think of everyday tasks like cleaning, shopping, or cooking as “problems.” However, tasks like these present many challenges and opportunities to learn.
Include young children in your everyday tasks as much as possible. Ask open-ended questions about how to do the job best. For example, if you are sweeping up a mess, you could ask, “Where should we put the dirt after we sweep it up?”
Including your child in everyday problem-solving can give them confidence when approaching new tasks.
Explore emotions
Children learn best through hands-on experience. However, becoming frustrated, discouraged, or angry is common when attempting to solve new problems. In many cases, taking a moment to identify and work through a big feeling can help children focus on solving the problem.
Adults can help preschool-aged children identify and manage emotions in the moment. If you see your child growing frustrated, name the feeling for them. Say, “You look frustrated.” Teaching your kids to identify their feelings can help a child manage their emotions. Better emotional awareness can help your kids develop new problem-solving strategies, even when facing setbacks and challenges.
Model problem-solving
Parents, teachers, and other caregivers can model problem-solving skills in everyday situations. When you face problems throughout the day, you can use them as teachable moments.
For instance, if you knock over a glass of water, you can stay calm and curious. Ask your child, “What do you think I should do now?” You and your child can figure out the best way to handle spilled water together. Then, you can demonstrate following through on a plan–and celebrating your achievement.
Nurture curiosity
Many adults believe they must guide children’s learning through specific problem-solving games or fine motor activities. These things can be beneficial, but they are not the only way a child learns.
Nurturing and following your child’s curiosity is critical. Provide open-ended activities like simple drawing materials, blocks, or dolls. As your child plays, pay attention to what they’re doing. For instance, a child playing “house” may pretend they are throwing a birthday party. A child may draw a picture of a specific animal or location.
Pay attention to how your child plays and ask open-ended questions. This will give you an insight into their curiosities and interests. Then, you can find activities or read books related to their unique interests.
Problem-solving in childhood development does not require intensive or repetitive lessons. Children develop problem-solving abilities through intentional play, everyday connections, and plenty of interactions with caring adults.
Find High-Quality Early Learning Programs
At Little Sunshine Preschool, we know that each child develops at their own pace. Our caring educators understand early childhood development. Every teacher creates educational opportunities that help kids practice problem-solving skills at every stage of childhood.
Contact our educators now to learn about our programs or schedule a tour of our center. We look forward to meeting you and your child soon!
