Use games to help children problem solve this

As children get older, it's not long before they should start learning how to solve problems on their own. Problem-solving skills are an essential part of being able to function independently, and children who feel they are capable of solving problems will have more confidence. Conversely, children who do not have problem-solving skills may avoid taking action when faced with difficult problems, which can hurt their interpersonal relationships.

Plus, teaching your child problem-solving skills can be fun! Try these three exciting ways you can practice problem-solving with your child that is appropriate for preschoolers.

To give you and your child a framework for problem-solving, here are the four steps to problem-solving. You can use these steps in any of the following activities.

Identify the problem

Look at solutions already in use

Come up with a new way to solve the problem

Try it out

STEM Activities

STEM (which stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) involves two key components of problem-solving: critical thinking and creative thinking.STEM activities often require learners to use their knowledge and analytical skills to formulate hypotheses and conclusions, and to use their imagination to think about how to test and implement solutions.

Not only do STEM activities have the side benefit of getting your child more interested in the thriving fields of science, engineering, and math, but there are many exciting and educational experiments to try!

The current Summer STEM Challenge is a particularly important source of activities. Kids will be able to choose a fun hands-on experiment to perform while having a chance to win a year's worth of premium memberships! Experiments include building a bridge, figuring out the best way to insulate a cup, and the classic egg drop challenge. Don't wait to sign up, because the Summer STEMChallenge endss on July 31.

Discuss Hypothetical Problems

Solving theoretical problems with your child can help them understand problem-solving skills applied to real-life scenarios.

Narratives are an excellent source of hypothetical problems that need to be solved. When you are reading a story or watching a show with your child and you see a character having a problem, stop and take a few minutes to think of some solutions together. Then, see what happens in the story and compare your solution to the character's solution.

If you want to practice situations that are more relevant to your child's life, you can also make a problem jar. Write some questions on slips of paper and put them in a jar or box. Together with your child, open the box and use it to raise concerns and try to solve them.

Play games together

Games are not just a fun pastime; they are also an inviting space for children to make decisions and explore different answers to dilemmas. Games are particularly good at providing a safe place for children to confront the natural consequences of their actions.

In Monopoly, for example, you can let your child spend all their money on the first few properties they land on if they wish. If they then land in a space that makes them pay a fine and they have to sell their property at a loss to afford it, this may help teach them the value of keeping some money for emergencies.

Games that are suitable as problem-solving testing grounds are those that require strategy, such as chess, Go, and dominoes. Games that rely heavily on random chances of winning can be fun, but they may not allow for meaningful decision-making.

1. Use ready-made lesson plans

Our expertly curated lesson plans take the stress out of planning, so you can focus on meaningful instruction. Each ready-to-use guide contains all the materials you need, including step-by-step instructions, printable PDFs, supplemental resources, and more!

These lesson plans are available for every subject in grades PreK through 8. And with more than 200 lesson plans that meet Common Core standards, you can be sure your child is working toward key benchmarks.

2. Foster independent learning

With Guided Lessons, your child can hone more than 800 core skills through self-paced digital lessons with step-by-step instructions. Each lesson mixes different media - such as songs, stories, and games - to teach or review certain skills. The best part is: It makes learning and assessment fun and enjoyable for kids.

All activities in Guided Lessons can be assigned digitally, and kids will see them in Brainzy immediately-no after printing is required!

3. Get creative through hands-on learning

In addition to printable worksheets and digital assignments, Education offers activities and games that reinforce the topics your child is interested in through hands-on learning. Use these resources to take your child's learning beyond the homeschool classroom.

From art projects and volunteer ideas to science experiments and cooking recipes, our collection of hands-on activities includes a wealth of ideas for all grade levels and subject areas. Our PreK-8 educational games teach learners important topics, from math and English language arts to typing and coding, in an engaging environment.

Track your child's progress

No matter which teaching method you use, don't forget to celebrate your child's success! Follow their learning journey and point them in the right direction with Education.com's Progress Tracker. At a glance, you'll see where they're excelling and where they may need additional support.