examples of problem solving in kindergarten

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8 real-life kindergarten problem-solving strategies for your munchkin.

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I always hear about problem solving in schools. It seems to be a term that is thrown around a lot but never clearly defined. “We worked on problem solving today” is a bit confusing to parents.

I always want to respond, so did I, all day long, here’s my laundry list of examples. It’s almost like it is this golden term but not a lot of people know what it actually means.

Problem solving is actually one of the most real-life skills we can help teach our little munchkins. It involves identifying problems, evaluating them, and seeking out solutions through processes.

Although problem solving can relate to any academic subject, it more commonly relates to life.

Here are 8 real-life problem solving strategies for kids:

1. Talk it out

My son and 99% of every kindergartener on the planet loves to talk. My son will talk about anything and everything. He will point to various objects and start up a conversation.

Quiet is not really part of his nature, so why not use this to our educational advantage?

Propose a real-life problem to your little nugget. It can be anything. My dishwasher is broken so let’s start with that. Ask your kid something like, how are you going to fix the dishwasher? And let your kid talk.

Let him babble. Let him ask you any question (appropriate) about the task at hand.

Through this, he will identify the problem, analyze it, and come up with some possible solutions. And maybe for your dirty sink’s sake, he will actually solve the issue.

2. Acting the problem out and role-playing

Another kindergarten problem-solving strategy for your little thinker involves acting. A lot of kids love to be the star of the show. This is why role-playing is a great problem-solving strategy.

Present a real-life problem question: what would you do if your friend took your favorite stuffed toy away from you?

Then have your kiddo act out the scene with you or a playmate. Having difficulties thinking of scenarios because your mind is too focused on dinner tonight and the dry cleaning?

Then print out these cards and let your munchkin problem solve away!

My son also loves to draw. If he can’t find our crayons, he will say the word “color” on repeat until I either find some crayons or I scream into a pillow.  Still, drawing can be utilized in so many educational ways.

There are many real-life problems that you can have your little rascal solve by drawing. Here is one on capacity and here is another that involves math.

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4. Use manipulatives

Teachers love manipulatives and so do kids. Manipulatives are objects that kids can use to learn. For example, pattern blocks, cubes, cards, etc., but they can also be everyday objects from the house as well.

One easy activity that my son and I love is counting and grouping his snacks. It also requires no additional prep than the usual snack time, and I am all about that.

How many carrot sticks do you have today? Can you group together all the foods by colors? Which foods do you like? Which foods do you not like?

I think you get the idea. Now I wouldn’t recommend doing this for your evening dinner of spaghetti, but it works well during a snack.

5. Work in a group

Another way to integrate real-life kindergarten problem-solving strategies for your little munchkin is to have her work in groups to solve a problem.

Learning how to work in groups is a skill in itself that presents its own set of problems. As an adult, you have probably had your share of group work issues at your job. Group work is just not something that goes away.

All you need to do is give your child’s group a simple task. It could be as easy as giving them a bunch of random materials and telling them to build something.

Sometimes the emphasis on these activities is on more of the group process than the actual final product.

Group activities teach kids how to be leaders, settle conflicts, and listen to others’ ideas – just to name a few.

6. Practice Trial and Error

One of the most valuable kindergarten problem-solving strategies is to let your munchkin make mistakes.  Yoda, a very wise movie character, once said, “The greatest teacher, failure is.” This quote proves true in regards to problem solving.

Give your little nugget a problem that they will struggle with for a while. For example, tell her to guess how many cups of water will it take to fill a bigger bucket.

She will guess and then she has to actually fill up each cup, pour it into the larger bucket, and take note of how far off she is.

She will most likely fail at this activity a couple times, but she will eventually arrive at a conclusion through trial and error. Trial and error is perhaps the most real-life skill I know of. After all, I use this strategy when I parent – every single day.

7. Make a model

Kids learn in a variety of different ways. Some learn best by drawing, writing, talking, moving, etc. Some kids also learn well through building.

Making a model is a wonderfully visual way to solve problems by making them come to life.

There are many kindergarten problem-solving activities that involve the use of models. One popular one is the popsicle bridge.

Tell your child that he needs to make the strongest bridge possible out of popsicles, and when he is done, you are going to see how many weights it can hold.

You can tell him that he can even do it twice to compare the results.

You’re welcome, because your entire afternoon has just been planned.

8. Give your munchkin errands

You heard me correctly. Put your little one to work by assigning him some errands. Going grocery shopping and you can’t find the pickles? Send little Jonny on a mission with few directions.

Need the air in your tires filled? “Jonny, I have a task for you!” (wink).

Everyday errands offer perfect kindergarten problem-solving strategies. Taking part in the family errands will not only help out little Jonny, but it will also help out you, and we are all about that.

Problem solving can be done anywhere, and it is a skill that we all need to continuously work on. I hope the examples above and the breakdown of real-life kindergarten problem-solving strategies clarify all the hoopla.

Now go get Jonny and your grocery list, so you can work on some problem solving together.

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About the Author

Amanda Clark creates educational content for the Atlas Mission . She is a work-at-home mom with two awesome sons that keep her on her toes. She has written four books of poetry, loves technology, juggling pins, and freelance writing.

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