As an adult, you solve problems every day. You decide the best way to get to work, what to wear for the weather, how to make sure dinner is ready at a certain time, and many more. While many of these may not seem like “problems,” they require thought, planning, and creativity.
Good problem-solving skills don’t just happen out of the blue. People develop problem-solving skills by facing new challenges and using their skills to solve them. Finding solutions to everyday problems requires patience, perseverance, creativity, and experience.
Young children can develop better problem-solving skills through play and new experiences. This article will explore some great problem-solving games and activities. These activities can help boost your child’s problem-solving abilities.
Contact the educators at New Horizons now to explore our enriching early learning programs. Reach out to learn more about how our programs support children’s cognitive development. You can also schedule a tour of our learning center. We look forward to meeting you and your child soon!
8 Problem-Solving Activities for Kids
Children may become frustrated when facing a task that exceeds their knowledge or abilities. It is essential to encourage children to become good problem-solvers. This means teaching children to be patient, creative, and adaptable to master tasks or overcome challenges.
Children learn problem-solving strategies through play and real-life experiences. Parents, teachers, and caregivers can help children develop critical problem-solving skills. They can support children’s development by offering enriching activities that boost these cognitive skills.
Here are some great problem-solving activities for preschoolers.
1. Puzzles
Puzzles require patience, attention to detail, and judgment. Children must find pieces with the correct shape and pattern. They must look for clues that show where a piece should go. Kids must also learn to keep going, even when they become frustrated or discouraged.
Puzzles are an easy way to introduce problem-solving skills to young children. When children are very young, look for simple puzzles with just a few pieces. As they get older, you may introduce more complex puzzles.
2. Free play
To some, free play may not seem like it could boost a child’s problem-solving skills. However, free play offers many opportunities for children to make decisions, collaborate with peers, and be creative.
The first “problem” of free play is simply what to play. Children must work with their friends to decide what and how to play. As new friends arrive, they must figure out how to add others to the scenario. They must also navigate complex social situations and make decisions that keep the game going.
3. Storytime
Storytime is an excellent time to foster a child’s problem-solving abilities. As you read, ask open-ended questions, such as:
- What do you think will happen next?
- How do you think that character is feeling?
- What would you do if you were in that character’s place?
Asking questions can be beneficial in many ways. It encourages children to engage with the story more deeply and cues them to think in new, creative ways.
4. Building forts
Fort-building is a childhood classic. For generations, children have been constructing forts out of furniture, blankets, and other household items. But did you also know they were developing stronger problem-solving abilities?
Building a fort requires creativity and engineering. Children must find solutions to problems. For example, if a blanket won’t attach to a chair, they must figure out how to keep the fort from falling.
5. Simple games
Playing simple games with your preschooler can positively affect their ability to solve problems. Play games like:
- Tic-tac-toe
- Uno
- Checkers
- Memory matching games
- Connect 4
- Chutes and Ladders
- Simple mazes
These and other fun, simple games can help your child make important connections that support great problem-solving skills. They also provide a natural way for parents and caregivers to model problem-solving, which can help children learn these skills.
6. Scavenger hunts
Set up a simple scavenger hunt. Write clues that lead from one place to the next. Use simple, clear clues, such as “Go to the place where you wash your hands before snack,” to lead your child to the next clue. Children typically love scavenger hunts–and they can help your child’s ability to use information to solve problems.
7. Hide and seek
Hide and seek provides so many ways to use problem-solving skills. Children must hide where their friends won’t find them and search for friends in places that make sense. For example, a child must use what they know about their friends (height, approximate size) to determine where they could hide.
8. Obstacle courses
Obstacle courses are a fun, energetic way to encourage good problem-solving. Children must remember how to complete the obstacle course in order. They must also determine the quickest way to go while following the rules.
Problem-solving activities are some of the building blocks of a school readiness program. Learn more about promoting school readiness and problem-solving skills by contacting the educators at New Horizons today.
Find Early Childhood Education Programs
At New Horizons, we understand the importance of your child’s earliest years. Our experienced educators create enriching, effective early education programs that prepare children for kindergarten success.
Contact our staff now to learn about our programs or schedule a tour of our learning center. We look forward to meeting your family soon!
