Keri Graveman, 4 year old Preschool Teacher, Atkins Elementary
Everyone faces problems on a daily basis, not all problems can be solved the same way, but everyone can be a problem solver. Many young children have difficulty coming up with rational solutions when dealing with a conflict. Which can cause them to act out in anger or with frustration due to a lack of understanding. Children need to be taught the problem solving steps in order to provide multiple alternative solutions to solve their problems, and help them understand that solutions have consequences. In preschool we work with our students to learn what a problem is, what the problem solving steps are, and which solutions would best solve the problem we are currently facing.
We use four steps to solve problems in preschool. The first step is identifying the problem (What is my problem?). The second step is to think of some solutions that could solve our problem (Think, think, think of some solutions). The third step is to think about what would happen if we solved the problem using each solution (Would it be safe? Would it be fair? How would everyone feel?). The fourth step is to try your solution (Give it a try!). Then if the solution that you chose doesn’t solve the problem try to think of another solution to solve your problem. Our goal is to have each of our students trying two problem solving solutions before asking an adult for help. The problem solving steps are displayed around our classrooms, as well as the problem solving solutions, in order to remind and encourage students to use them when faced with a problem.
Even though our students will encounter problems on a regular basis, knowing and using these problem solving solutions every day will help our students become excellent problem solvers!
